As part of an Asia Area tour Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles touched down in New Delhi, India on Sunday, May 29, 2013 to hold several meetings with missionaries and members. He relayed messages of love and best wishes to the people of India from President Thomas S. Monson, President of the 14 million member Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Approximately 350 missionaries of the India, New Delhi Mission and members of the New Delhi District braved 113 degree temperatures and the infamous New Delhi traffic snarls to pack the Sri Satya Sai International Center to hear Elder Andersen speak. Some attending who waited for more than two hours said this was a once in a lifetime opportunity they would not miss for anything.
In his remarks Elder Andersen said that although he had traveled the world over this was his first visit to India and he feels a special love and bond with his brothers and sisters in the gospel here. As a special witness of Jesus Christ, he bore a strong and vibrant testimony of the living reality of the Savior. He said that while trials will come to all people it is only through Jesus Christ that we can find true peace and consolation. With all humility he invoked an Apostolic blessing on the faithful members of India that through their faithfulness they would have sufficient for their families and that the work of the Lord would grow and even flourish in India.
To the delight of all in attendance, following the meeting Elder Andersen, Elder Watson and President Sackley greeted and shook the hand of every single person there. Elder Daniel Michael, a new missionary from Bangalore, India said, “I never thought I would have such a great opportunity as to shake the hand of an Apostle when I came on his mission.”
Elder Andersen was accompanied by his wife Cathy, and Elder Kent D. Watson of the Asia Area Presidency, his wife Connie and President Peter E. Sackley, India New Delhi Mission President and his wife Kelly.
Elder Andersen was sustained an Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in April of 2009. He was serving as the senior member of the Presidency of the Seventy prior to his calling to the Quorum of the Twelve.