Elder Haleck and BYU Performers Meet with U.S. Ambassador in New Zealand
Elder O. Vincent Haleck and BYU Living Legends visit the U.S. Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand, on May 4.
“Music and dance are common to all cultures. But … it’s the spirit that these activities generate that binds us together as brothers and sisters.” —Elder O. Vincent Haleck of the Seventy
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND
Elder O. Vincent Haleck, a General Authority Seventy and First Counselor in the Church’s Pacific Area Presidency, met with Mark Gilbert, ambassador of the United States of America to New Zealand and Samoa on May 4.
Accompanying Elder Haleck were members of Brigham Young University’s Living Legends cultural performing group.
Speaking after the event, Elder Haleck expressed gratitude to Ambassador Gilbert for the warm welcome extended by the U.S. Embassy officials.
“We and the BYU group very much enjoyed meeting Ambassador Gilbert and embassy officials today,” he said.
Elder O. Vincent Haleck speaks at the U.S. Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand, on May 4. Photo by Ola Thorsen.
Speaking of the young BYU performers, he said, “They absolutely love the cultures of the Americas and the South Pacific. They are also extremely talented and want to share their talents and these cultures with others through dance and music.”
“Even though they come from many different cultures, as we all do, they help us to remember that we are one, as children of God.”
He added, “Music and dance are common to all cultures. But it’s more than just the music and dance; it’s the spirit that these activities generate that binds us together as brothers and sisters.”
Members of the BYU Living Legends perform for the U.S. ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, the Honourable Mark Gilbert; Elder O. Vincent Haleck; and other other guests. Photo by Ola Thorsen.
BYU Living Legends performs at the U.S. Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand, on May 4. Photo by Ola Thorsen.
Ambassador Mark Gilbert with members of BYU’s Living Legends in Wellington, New Zealand, on May 4. Photo by Ola Thorsen.
