south island conference

Can you spot Connor?

He is the one with the bright smile.

Click on the photo to enlarge.

Hint: Connor begins with a "C".

Connor made a list of people he has met from different countries: Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands, Siberia, Israel, Mexico, Turkey, Austria, Germany, Phillipines, Ukraine, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, Korea, Vietnam, Estonia, Argentina, South Africa, Nepal, Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales, Holland.

Unbelieveable! What an adventure! So many people from all over the world!

meet rachel

Meet Rachel. We love her! We have never met, yet feel like we've known her forever. Elder Rawle and Elder Tinker baptized her. She has been a blessing in Connor's life. Connor has been a blessing in her life. Funny how the gospel works that way. Connor will be leaving Rangiora next month. Change is good, yet leaving Rachel, her husband Kelvin, and her 3 great kids will be very hard for Connor. The bond was immediate and very strong.

How grateful we are for missionary work that brings lives together and sends blessings that last through eternity. We are grateful to Rachel. She has been a bright ray of sunshine for Connor and for us. 7300 miles divide us, but we are closer than ever.

beautiful maori children connor is teaching

A special surprise email and picture we received:

Dear Sister Rawle and family,

I am sending you this email with a photograph of your son, Elder Rawle and his companion, Elder Wright.

They are giving my children lessons. My children, Morgan-Leigh, Jacqueline and Ben enjoy their lessons with the Elders.

As we are coming into summer here, the elders' will find it a little different as we have very hot weather for Christmas.

It is a pleasure to have once again, the elder's in our home.

With kind regards,

Sister Joanie Pehi & Family

letter from president jolliffe

A letter that brought tears to our eyes.  We are continually humbled and grateful for Connor's service.  

Dear Brother and Sister Rawle,

I am pleased to advise you that your son has been called to serve as a Trainer in the New Zealand, Wellington Mission. This is the highest compliment the Lord could pay your son.

President Monson has said, "Always select your outstanding missionaries to introduce the new Elders and new Sisters to the field."  From the Doctrine and Covenants comes this beautiful passage:  "And if any man among you be strong in the Spirit, let him take with him that is weak, that he may be edified in all meekness, that he may become strong also."  It is for these reasons that your son has been called by the Lord as Trainer.

Thank you for supporting your son in the mission field.  It is a joy to serve with him in this wonderful work of the Lord.

Kindest regards,

Clive R. Jolliffe

Mission President  

first baptism

Meet Grant. The newest member of the church in New Zealand. Grant was baptized this week and will get the priesthood so he can baptize his wife Carolyn next week. A wonderful couple that Connor has been teaching. Congratulations Connor! Congratulations Grant and Carolyn!

on top of the world

rain and cold, but still smiling

This week we met a girl and her boyfriend and taught them the restoration discussion.  I have never met anyone, or seen anyone, who is longing for the gospel so much, but doesn't even know it.  It really opened my eyes.  People need this, that is why I am out here on my mission.  The Lord is truly preparing people for the word, but I still need to labor diligently to find those people, even when it's pouring rain and cold!   People listen a little better when it's cold and rainy because they feel bad for you! 

I really love all the letters that everyone sends me.  They make me so happy and give me extra strength!  All the mail gets me so happy and helps me keep moving along strong!

This is what I need to be doing right now, serving the Lord.  Going on a full time mission is going to help me so much in life, it's a small sacrifice.  I love New Zealand.  It's the best mission in the world!