President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles met with local leaders throughout Australia and New Zealand.
In Wellington, New Zealand, after shaking hands one by one with all in attendance, President Ballard reminded leaders in congregations: "We are shepherding one another, and loving one another, along the covenant path. We are learning how to love as Jesus did."
President Ballard and Elder Stevenson next visited multiple stake conferences in Sydney, Australia. In encouraging members to share the gospel, President Ballard said, “The gospel message is simple. Keep it simple and do what you can to help people feel the simplicity of this glorious message."
The Church leaders joined Elder Carl B. Cook of the Presidency of the Seventy the same day for a Facebook Live event which included members of the Pacific Area Presidency and their wives. Discussion topics included increasing faith in God and Jesus Christ, strengthening family relationships and responding to life's challenges.
In addition to Church activities, the BYU wind symphony completed a tour of Australia on May 18, which included concerts in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane. Conductor Don Peterson and BYU's Director of Music Kurt Saville also directed afternoon workshops with various local schools.
