Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles invited Latter-day Saints in the Pacific Area to “speak more of Christ,” during a 12-day ministry assignment to Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Fiji from March 11-22, 2026.
“We love Him, we adore Him, we believe in Him, we trust in Him, and we trust in His sacred Atonement,” said the Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a devotional in Auckland, New Zealand, on Wednesday, March 18, that was broadcast across New Zealand.
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Drawing from the scriptures, Elder Andersen reflected on key moments from the Savior’s life — His birth, baptism, ministry, and the miraculous occasions recorded in the New Testament of raising from the dead the son of a widowed mother, the 12-year-old daughter of Jairus and Lazarus.
“My dear fellow believers in Christ, it’s easy to talk to you about Christ,” Elder Andersen said. “He lives. He is resurrected. Our faith will not be in vain, for He is very, very real. And one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is the Christ.”
At the meeting’s conclusion, Elder Andersen said, “In the coming days, we should speak more of Christ.” When sharing testimony, he encouraged members to begin simply: “I know Jesus is the Christ.”
“Let it start with the Savior,” he said.
Quinn Lockyer said Elder Andersen’s invitation was to “speak more of Jesus Christ — to teach and testify of Him not only through our actions and kindness, but also by speaking of Him with our friends and family.”
The message Ilaisa Talataina heard was, “Spread the word of Jesus Christ and do it every day.”
David Skea reflected simply: “Talk more of Christ. Come unto Christ, and there’s joy in the gospel.”
“We want joy,” said Elder Edward Dube of the Presidency of the Seventy, who, along with his wife, Naume, accompanied Elder Andersen and his wife, Kathy.
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Elder Edward Dube of the Presidency of the Seventy speaks during a devotional in Auckland, New Zealand, on Wednesday, March 18, that was broadcast across New Zealand.© 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.“We feel this joy when the Lord is pleased with the choices we make as we come to church and renew our baptismal covenant,” he said.
Elder Dube also encouraged listeners to strengthen faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ by searching the scriptures, praying regularly, worshipping in the house of the Lord, and following the counsel of President Dallin H. Oaks and other prophets, seers and revelators.
In Tonga, Elder Andersen expressed deep appreciation for the faith of the Saints and shared his hope that they would continue to be a positive influence in their communities through gentleness, patience, unselfishness and love. He testified that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is intended to bless people in every nation, culture and language.
Elder and Sister Andersen also exchanged greetings with Lord Fatafehi Fakafānua, the prime minister of Tonga, and Lady Krystal Fane Kite Fakafānua.
About his time in Fiji, Elder Andersen posted on his social media account, “‘Great are the promises of the Lord unto them who are upon the isles of the sea’ (2 Nephi 10:21). That is true here in Fiji. The Lord leads the way.”
Watch additional ministry videos on Elder Andersen’s Facebook, Instagram and X social accounts.
