Mission changes for Cook Islands District
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RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS
Elder F. Michael Watson of the Seventy was warmly greeted by members of the Church as he visited the Cook Islands in January. Elder Watson presided over the Cook Islands District Conference, which was held in Rarotonga at the Arorangi Branch chapel on Jan. 8.
Elder Watson, a member of Pacific Area presidency, was accompanied by the New Zealand Auckland Mission President Paul N. Lekias, and Tahiti Papeete Mission President, Benjamin Sinjoux. The leaders and their wives were welcomed at the airport with beautiful leis and kisses on the cheek. All visitors remarked about the friendliness of the Rarotongans and the beauty of the island.
Cook Islands District President Danny Williams was appreciative of the visit from Elder Watson, the mission presidents and their wives.
"It is not often that the Cook Islands are privileged to host a General Authority," he said.
During the Sunday conference session the congregation of more than 300 was treated to a spiritual feast as Elder and Sister Jolene Watson, President and Sister Sinjoux, and President and Sister Lekias each shared gospel messages.
The official purpose of the visit was to formally transfer the Church's Cook Islands District from the Tahiti Papeete Mission to the jurisdiction of the New Zealand Auckland Mission. Since 2005, the Cook Islands District has been a part of the Tahiti Papeete Mission.
Elder Watson advised that the transfer was approved by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve and will be of great benefit to the members in the Cook Islands. This proposed change was unanimously sustained by the membership.
Following their arrival the visiting leaders, accompanied by President Williams, met with Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna at his office in Parliament.
Elder Watson explained to Prime Minister Puna the purpose of their visit. He also noted the humanitarian aid that the Church has provided to the people of the Cook Islands. As a token of respect, Elder Watson presented the Prime Minister with a gold medallion, which referenced a common doctrinal understanding, taken from the Biblical writings of the Apostle Paul to the Ephesians, about the importance of putting on the whole armor of God.
"This," Elder Watson said, "had application for all, especially the young people of the world."
