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Australian Church Communication Director Called to Lead Ethiopia Mission
Melbourne couple Robert and Darice Dudfield received a call earlier this year to serve as mission president and companion for the Ethiopia Addis Ababa Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
For the last five years, Brother Dudfield has been the Australian national communication director for the Church. He also supported Church communication efforts in Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, and other parts of the South Pacific.
His role saw him supporting child-protection, humanitarian, interfaith and other community efforts. In addition, he was the Church’s national media spokesperson.
The couple’s new assignments will include leading a group of missionaries in the East African nation, as well as providing ecclesiastical leadership to congregations throughout the country.
“The Dudfields have blessed many people in the Pacific over the years, with their testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ and their selfless service,” said Elder K. Brett Nattress of the Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“I am confident they will bless many more individuals and families in the future, wherever they are called to serve.”
“Robert and Darice are a wonderful couple,” said Richard Hunter, Pacific communication director for the Church. “I am confident they will bless many, many lives in Ethiopia—Church members, missionaries and friends of the Church.”
“Working alongside Rob for the last five years has been a great experience,” Brother Hunter says. “He is full of faith in Jesus Christ, he is dedicated and kind, and his sense of humour and love for life and people are infectious.”
He continued, “Darice is a peacemaker, a superb teacher, and a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. We will miss them both but know they will love and lift wherever they go.”
Rob and Darice agree that the hardest part of their time in Ethiopia will be being away from their children and grandchildren.
Sione Langi, from Tonga, said, “My family loves the Dudfields. They are an amazing couple. President Dudfield has always been very approachable and has a great listening ear. His personality and genuine love for people has gained him and Sister Dudfield many friends here in Tonga.”
Tony Lawry, from Adelaide, said, “Rob is a shining example of a balanced and influential leader—he is forthright in his opinions, and his opinions and guidance are based on deep experience in dealing with people from diverse backgrounds, beliefs and understandings. And in the corporate world, his ability to cut through complexity and simplify a message is outstanding. That talent will be evident in his new assignment in Ethiopia.”
“I first heard about Rob Dudfield from my brother, who was struggling and needed some counsel about 10 years ago,” said Fiona Maile, from Perth.
“When I met Rob and many times since, he has inquired after, prayed for and shown an interest in my brother. Rob’s example of loving and helping the ‘many’ as well as serving and caring for the ‘one’ will always be how I remember Rob.”
Simon Roberts, from Brisbane, said, “I’ve been very blessed to serve under Robert’s direction for over three years now. His genuine love of people shines through in everything he does and is a testament to his commitment to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. I’m excited for the people of Ethiopia!”