Manly ward update
Sunday 5 April 2015 What's been happening? Hi all! What's been happening? It's been a long time since I've written to each of you and to our missionaries - Elder Eddie Faingata'a serving in England and Elder Benson Faka'i serving in the Philippines. I hope this letter finds you and your family well. Stake Update Recently we (Australia) were blessed to be visited by Elder David A Bednar, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It was a wonderful experience to sit at the feet of one of the Lord's living Apostles and to feel and learn by the Spirit. The last time I had the opportunity to meet an Apostle was in 1998, the first day in the mission field! I remember back in the day when I was learning about the Gospel I used to dream and wonder how awesome it would be to be in the presence of New Testament Apostles like Peter, James and John. So being the presence of present day Apostles is a literally a dream come true for me. Since his visit, I've been a lot more mindful in paying attention to the Spirit.
President Hamilton continues his service as our Stake President. Not too long ago we had Stake Conference. wherein approx 28 brethren were sustained to be conferred the Melchizedek priesthood and ordained to office of Elder, including our ward members Benjamin Biddle and recently baptised Gaston. Stake Conference remains a challenging conference for our family as our boys (who range from 12 to 2 years old) get ants in their pants so we find ourselves taking turns being outside with them. Nevertheless we always enjoy the occasion. Ward Stuff I was called to serve as Bishop last year. Currently bro Eni Kaivelata and bro. Kena Ahipene serve as 1st and 2nd couselors respectively. They are both really fantastic - humble with a big work ethic. Bro. Isi Taufa after being released as Bishop, has been called to serve as a Stake High Councilor AND a counselor in the YSA Harbour Ward Bishopric. What the heck! Double whammy! We also have Sister Janine Seeling serving as our Relief Society President. Everyone but her seems to know that she was made for that calling! This Easter weekend we had a ward Easter Egg hunt at the Chapel due to wet weather conditions. The Primary kids had a great time gathering eggs that were left by the Bunny. Each family were asked to bring a bag of eggs, so in the end there were lots of eggs to be collected! I have to admit that the few ward activities we've had, have been humble activities indeed. Not much in terms of "food for our stomachs", but definitely they've been warm and joyful affairs. I believe in simplicity. I believe in families coming together without too much fuss or burden on any individual, especially the sisters of our ward.
Our family We are doing well. I am still running the Gym full time. Nat is back at uni completing her Teaching degree and she serves as Visiting Teaching Co-ordinator. Our oldest Owen is in high school, year 8 and he is the Deacons Quorum President. Owen and I lift weights once a week together. Logan is in year 5 and he enjoys laughing and dancing and participates in all types of sports. Carter loves playing the guitar and also participates in all types of sports. Jake still runs around in Batman gear, though not as much as he used too, now he's in pres-school. Benson - he just hangs out with me a lot and does what I do, which includes a mandatory midday nap! He dances uncontrollably when Bruna Mars plays. Sister Hilario is still in Family History and works in the tallest building at North Sydney. Ric doesn't do the big feeds anymore, but he's still working hard everyday and enjoying the company of his grandkids. Concluding Note It's Easter weekend and General Conference Weekend. I love this time of year. Not only do we have an extra long weekend to spend as a family, but I am reminded of the love our Heavenly Father and Saviour have for each of us. The Lord's atoning sacrifice is not comprehensible to the mortal mind, but by the Spirit we can feel the Eternal Truth. God lives. He is our Father in Heaven. Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour. I invite you to do those things in your life to draw closer to Him. Thanks for reading, Bishop Sengchanh