Dear Australian Saints:
The strong pink tinge in the Auckland sky this mid afternoon has given those living in this part of New Zealand an early twilight. It is a poignant reminder of your sad circumstances which we lament.
As this Fast Sunday draws to an end for the Pacific Area we are heartened as an Area Presidency to hear reports of just how many members joined with the Pacific Area Presidency in dedicating a portion of their fast to petition the Lord for relief from the bushfires and drought conditions in Australia. We hope you are heartened to learn that Saints from around the world, at their own volition, joined in the fast with you. We thank all who participated for this physical demonstration of their faith in Christ and their love and compassion for their fellow Saints.
We anticipate that your fast, coupled with sincere prayer, has drawn you closer to the Lord, strengthened your faith in Christ and that it will ease the burden of all Australians as you face unprecedented conditions of fire and drought.
In temporal terms, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, through the generosity of its members, will continue to respond to the needs of local communities and Saints alike. Comparatively, as limited as our help might be, we gladly step forward with assistance to make a difference for good, for that is who we are as Latter-day Saints and what we do.
Please know that our prayers will continue on your behalf.
With love and sincerity.
Pacific Area Presidency
Elder Ian S. Ardern
Elder K. Brett Nattress
Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita