Adventures in Paradise Volume 2 #56

Kia ora! Our excellent adventure continues with thoughts on how Cyclone Pam, which decimated Vanuatu almost a year ago, could have such far-reaching effects that it would be possible last week to change the lives and schedules of hundreds of people living in New Zealand. We have been reminded in the last few days, again, just how connected we all are on our little planet.

Ward had just finished printing the baptismal programs for Joseph Stevens, when the phone rang. Joseph had traveled a very rocky road to his decision to be baptized and we were putting the last pieces in place for his Saturday service and we were anxious that all would go well. In addition to Josephs baptism, the Elders and Sisters in our zone had just finished printing their programs for the three people who also had baptismal dates for Saturday. That one phone call changed everything and threw two missions into a state of emergency.

Our mission office informed us that Elder D. Todd Christofferson, who is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, would be speaking at a combined mission conference in Auckland on Saturday and we all were expected to be in attendance. Elders Christofferson’s arrival was a surprise to everyone, including two mission presidents! Now, Gisborne is at least seven hours away from Auckland and we were told that we would all stay Friday evening in Hamilton, in preparation for arrivial in Auckland the next morning. This meant that there was no possibility of our holding the baptism Saturday evening as planned. As the voice on the other end of the line began giving instructions, I heard myself informing him that since we had an important baptism, we couldn’t possibly make the trip with the others. I mentioned also that three other people in Gisborne would be affected as well and we just couldn’t change our plans at the last moment. The caller was sympathetic and assured me that there would be a way that everything could be accomplished and he would be happy to see us in Auckland on Saturday.

As it so happened, Joseph was at our home when the call came in, but I was in tears as I now realized that once again, there were going to be delays and changes regarding his baptism and I was going to have to be the one to share that news. I took a deep breath, said a very quick, but heart-felt prayer and left the office. By the time I reached the livingroom I had the answer. I explained the situation to Ward and Joseph and suggested that a Sunday morning baptism would be a very spiritual experience. Joseph’s face lit up and he loved the idea! Sunday morning baptisms are generally very calm and spiritual. His confirmation would follow immediately in Sacrament meeting and the spirit that was created as he was baptized would carry over into the other meetings of the day. It was the perfect solution. The Elders were able to reschedule easily, and the Sisters gave up part of the preparation day so that their person could be baptized Monday morning. So, it turned out the our baptisms were the icing on the cake of a week that was begun when approximately five hundred missionaries met, took council from and shook hands with a General Authority.

In regards to Elder Christofferson, we found him warm and charming. His counsel was taken to heart and we all felt very fortunate to be in attendance. As to the reason for his impromptu arrival, we learned that he and his wife had been traveling in the South Pacific and their last stop was to be Vanuatu. When it was discovered that their plane was too large to land on a runway still in need of repair from the ravages of cyclone Pam, Elder Christofferson turned to those with whom he was traveling and asked, “So where shall we go instead?” And as they say, the rest is history.  Many of us in attendance realized what a blessing the members in Vanuatu had missed, but couldn’t help feeling grateful that a last-minute change of plans became such a spiritual experience for us. It was a truly remarkable opportunity as all of us were each able to shake an Apostle’s hand and be thanked personally for our service.

To quote a phrase from Shakespeare, “All’s well that ends well.” That is exactly how we felt last week.  I will admit to having a moment or two of feeling like we just couldn’t do all that was expected, only to find that a calm head, coupled with a little inspiration can solve most dilemmas. It was a lovely week and we are so glad to be able to have participated.

As always, we are happy and trying to work hard. Our time here is fast coming to an end and we are wondering if we are ready to leave. Since we have no choice, we can remember to focus on the events of the past sixteen months and be grateful while at the same time look forward to sweet reunions with family and friends at home. It truly will all end well and we are grateful.

Love, Ward and Susan     Elder and Sister Belliston, serving in Gisborne, New Zealand

The New Zealand Auckland mission and the New Zealand Hamilton enjoyed a special morning with Elder Christofferson. If you look closely, you will see me sitting in front of the wall on the left, next to the door. Ward and I were ushers for the event.

This is Joseph Stevens. He had always gone by the nickname of Horby, but insisted that he be called Joseph after he learned about Joseph Smith. He was excited to have the same initials.

This photo was taken Sunday morning, just before Joseph's baptism. The rain stopped just long enough for us to pose in front of the chapel.