August 8th 2014

Went a few days past a week this time, but not without reason.  Our boss here in Australia, (Alan Wakeley) is still gone over-seas until September 19th.  The ultimate boss (and Alan's boss) Richard Hunter came over from New Zealand, to spend a few days in the office.

Elder and Sister Moore, Richard Hunter, and us!

He is planning a Pacific Affairs Training Conference for all people in Public Affairs in November on the Gold Coast. There are to be attendees from NZ.  and Au. A few weeks ago, we sent in suggestions for themes and a possible agenda for the weekend.  (Pat's idea - "Come and See" was selected. Ray)

We spent this week with him, going over those plans as well as talking about Mormon Newsroom and the work in this office.  It was nice to have someone who has a past and a future in this work here in the Pacific Area, look over our shoulders and offer short-cuts and suggestions.  We just didn't have enough time with Alan before he left, and we learned a few things that will make our lives easier going forward.

Richard talked with the Moores and us, and the five of us spent quite a few hours together. Tuesday and Wednesday were good, full days with him.  Thursday morning, however, We started at 8:00 a.m. in the conference room, and he added a whole other layer to mix.

He began by having us read a scripture with him. D&C 118:3. "Let the residue continue to preach from that hour, and if they will do this in all lowliness of heart, in meakness and humility, and long suffereing, I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that I will provide for their families and an effectual door shall be opened for the, from henceforth".

He was kind enough to liken that scripture to senior missionary couples. He teared up, and Leslie and I teared up and the sweetest feelings entered in. "An effectual door"!  I like that. I don't mind being residue at all, with a promise like that. It was one of those moments when you just know Heavenly Father is aware of you.  Everyone has them, but I must admit that the intensity of that moment will be with us for a long, long time.

He continued by talking about Public Affairs, and his feel for it. Richard is from Australia, but has done Public Affairs work for the Church here in Sydney, Hong Kong, Salt Lake City and now, Auckland New Zealand.  He has 5 children, ages 3 to 14, and is the one of the most genuine men we have ever met.

He went from sharing his feelings about the work, to giving a bit of a history about PA in the Church.  Apparently Neal A. Maxwell was the first person with an actual Public Affairs title. (I don't think that surprises me at all). Then Russell M. Neilson, M. Russell Ballard and now L. Tom Perry. As  he spoke, the spirit was so strong that our eyes stung a bit. 

Richard talked about a near perfect example of Public Affairs in action being Ammon and Aaron and King Lamoni and his father. It all started when Ammon just wanted to serve the King. (not convert him). Then a proclamation of religious freedom was eventually sent to the Lamanites.  A relationship of service is where it began, just reaching out to serve an opinion leader. And ending up effecting an entire nation as a bridge was built and the word was spread.