Week 53
Public Affairs and Camera Training
17 August 2025
This is an FYI for future missionaries, whatever the weather report says for the day, don't believe it. Always take a rain coat. Even if the sky is blue and there is no wind and you can feel spring in the air, don't assume you won't get wet. Auckland weather is a little unique. Because we are so far south, we follow the path of winds and weather coming from Antarctica. You may feel like spring is coming as you step out the door to go to the Area office and by the end of the day it is pouring rain, windy, and and a cozy arctic breeze. That happened more than once this week.
This week could probably be described as full of variety. Monday's tend to be big meeting days as our department and group plan the week and coordinate all the events. We will give you a taste of only a few of the activities below.
On the right next to Launette are Simon and Rachel. Simon spent 9 years in the Catholic Seminary studying to become a priest. Then he met Rachel and decided his life needed to go in a different direction. He is a big-time influencer here in NZ. She is a faithful Baptist and they both are amazing people. It was refreshing to hear friends of the church speak so openly about large families and their love for children.
This lunch was to confirm their invitation to attend the "Religious Freedom IRLS" event at BYU in October in conjunction with General Conference. Our Area will pay their way and hopefully we can build stronger bonds of friendship. Simon works for the "Family First" organization in New Zealand. For those of you that know UFI (United Families International) it is a very similar organization that fights for the rights of families in the country of New Zealand. (Bob, we need to connect you with Simon when he is in Utah.) We loved getting to know them and look forward to future interactions with them. Just one of the many Public Affairs meals we have. I have lost count, but in the last year, we think we have averaged about 2 a week so probably over 100 of these types of dinners or lunches. They are great opportunities to minister to all of God's children.
The above two pictures are technical jargon speak meetings. Our team will be very busy in September with Sister Johnson and Sister Runia coming to the Pacific that in order to cover all the events, many of the team needed to be cross trained on the camera, video, and audio equipment. We lasted about 45 minutes in the meeting and then we "had" to get back to work. Actually, I though it was interesting but I will never use this $8000 video/camera, all in one. Should be fun in September. Stay tuned. I don't think we will travel but one of them is coming to Auckland.
I haven't seen blueberries for 3 months. I miss them! Then they appeared for $15. I don't miss them that much. Works out to about a dollar a berry.
The next 3 pictures are screenshots of a report from Kiribati. We have missionary friends there helping with temple patron fund. They are doing amazing work training leaders how to record membership records, researching government records, and filling out forms with those that can't afford to go to the temple on their own. Every applicant must allocate some money to the fund: $10-$100 per member of their family.
1. Training branch presidencies and clerks on GTPAF forms and district goals.
2. YWs Class
3. Youth Activity Friday Night (notice the dog)
This picture deserves a special mention. Our director decided it would be a good team bonding experience to hit a bucket of balls at the driving range in Takapuna. None of the women signed up to go. There are 5 sisters in our group and they all opted out and some found a place to schedule a massage instead. Most of the men decided to go (not all, some are out of town traveling on assignment). Anyway, it was highly entertaining. A couple of them have played golf but the vast majority have never even held a club. I was afraid for my life with a couple of them. Needless to say, there was much laughter, not may balls hit straight, and only two clubs we damaged in the event. Good time.
Saturday afternoon we had a chance to go to the Auckland temple with K.C. and Judy and do sealings. Such a wonderful time to be in the temple. We are experiencing "lasts" with them. We are really going to miss K.C. and Judy. They leave in about 4 weeks. We decided to splurge and we went to a Texas Roadhouse knock off for dinner after. It was a great break.
Launette: Lastly, I manage the Pacific Newsroom Facebook group. Don't laugh. I am probably the most unlikely social media manager you can imagine. I have always had an attitude about social media. Well I have seen the light, literally. I now can see how we, as members of a world-wide church, can bring others to the Savior. (Our numbers are growing every month.) Our mission (all of us) is to invite others to know Jesus Christ. I believe the world-wide web was created for just that purpose (along with family history). I believe we have a responsibility to share what we know and help others to know the Lord. I encourage you to share the truths you know also.
Here is the link.
We have 6 months left. Time is flying by.
We love you and miss you!
Elder and Sister Shaw
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