General information about my mission to New Zealand — 1971 to 1973
— GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MY MISSION TO THE NEW ZEALAND SOUTH MISSION — 1971 to 1973 —
– Chronology –
- At the time of my mission call, I was living with my parents at 361 North 800 West in American Fork, Utah. I was a member of the American Fork 12th Ward in the Alpine Stake.
- I received my mission call to the New Zealand South Mission, and I served from May 22, 1971 to May 25, 1973.
- Following are the thoughts I recorded when I received my call: “I went down to the American Fork post office at 8:15 am and asked one of the employees if I could pick up our family’s mail early. My envelope from Church headquarters was in the mail I received. I opened the letter while sitting in front of the post office in the car. When I read that I had been called to New Zealand, I was at once astonished and jubilant. I was a little sorry that I wouldn’t have the opportunity to learn a foreign language, but I was elated nevertheless because I knew that this was where the Lord wanted me to serve.” My parents and family were so pleased to hear where I was going to serve, but much more pleased that I was willing and worthy to serve.
- I received my Patriarchal Blessing from Patriarch Dale Petersen on January 25, 1970.
- My Bishop, Harold H. Holley, interviewed me on February 28, 1971.
- My Stake President, Leland F. Priday, interviewed me on March 23, 1971.
- I received my call to the New Zealand South Mission on April 2, 1971.
- I received my endowments in the Salt Lake Temple on April 21, 1971.
- I was set apart as a missionary by my stake president, President Leland F. Priday, on May 21, 1971.
- I was in the Mission Home in Salt Lake City from May 22 to May 26, 1971. Our time was spent listening to various apostles speak and encourage us. We were also privileged to hear from President Harold B. Lee in the large assembly hall on an upper floor of the Salt Lake Temple.
- I left Salt Lake City on Western Airlines flight 27 on May 26, 1971. I traveled with three other young men who were going to serve in the same mission.
- I arrived at the Mission Home in Tawa, New Zealand on May 28, 1971.
- My first Mission President was Eugene C. Ludwig from Salt Lake City, Utah.
- My second Mission President was Merlin W. Sant from Los Angeles area.
- I did my first tracting in Palmerston North, New Zealand on May 31, 1971.
- My first baptism was in Palmerston North, New Zealand on June 4, 1971.
- My trainer was Elder Robert Flint Fillmore from Salt Lake City, Utah
- I was first assigned to serve as a trainer for a new elder on September 19, 1971.
- I was assigned as a trainer for a new elder for the second time on December 7, 1971.
- I was made a District Leader on December 17, 1971.
- I was made a Zone Leader for the first time on February 16, 1972.
- I was made a Zone Leader for the second time on May 14, 1972.
- I was made an Assistant to the Mission President on September 1, 1972.
- I received my release from the Mission Field on May 25, 1973.
- I left New Zealand on May 25, 1973 and arrived home on May 27, 1973.
- My homecoming was in the American Fork 12th Ward on June 10, 1973.
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