Missionaries in Australia were surprised when a visit from an apostle also turned into a surprise visit from a leading political figure.
The 188 young missionaries in the Australia Melbourne Mission came to a special conference with Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles with a question in their heart.
“In preparation for Elder Andersen’s visit, we invited our missionaries to prayerfully come with questions that they may have regarding their missionary work, their future, or any other aspect of their lives,” said mission President Peter G. Vidmar. “Many of the missionaries read some of Elder Andersen’s general conference talks — Sister Vidmar listened to every general conference talk Elder Andersen has given since becoming an apostle.”
Imagine the surprise when Elder Andersen walked in to the March 16 meeting with Honorable Tony Abbott MP — the former prime minister of Australia.
“The visit by Tony Abbott was quite a surprise,” said President Vidmar. “He was so complimentary of the missionaries and the sacrifices they were making. He encouraged them to persevere and admired their dedication.”