Strengthening individuals and families — District Conference talk by Sister Susan Taylor
New Plymouth, New Zealand
District Conference talk by Sister Susan Taylor, New Plymouth, New Zealand
- We are grateful to be serving our mission in New Zealand.
- I learned after arriving in New Zealand that President Rudd, my younger brother, was excited we were coming because he would finally get to boss his big sister around The fact that he assigned me to give this talk is living proof that he is doing just that! But lest he get too comfortable in bossing me around, I remind him that when we return I will still be his big sister. He was unfortunate to be born in the middle of four sisters, but he turned out fairly good though.
- I have been asked to speak tonight on how the Branch council can help and strengthen individuals and families.
- In looking through the handbook regarding Branch Councils, I found the following statements:
- Members of the branch council strive to help individuals.
- Members of the branch council work in reaching out and ministering to those who need assistance.
- Members of the branch council strengthen those who most need their help.
- Members of the branch council unite in love and concern for those they serve.
- Members of the branch council bless the lives of members.
- These and other goals are found in the Handbook for the Branch Council and can be the result of an efficiently run Branch Council with committed leaders serving on the Branch council.
- Elder Taylor and I saw first hand a great example of a Ward a Council that strengthened a family as we served as missionaries in a Spanish speaking Ward in Provo Utah.
- The Ward Council first became aware of Juan and Josephina and their four year old daughter through the Ward Mission leader.
- In award Council the question was asked, “How can we best help this family?”
- Friendshipping and fellowshipping was the answer and became top priority. As set into place through the Ward council members of the Relief Society,
- Priesthood Quorums and the Primary soon attended the missionary lessons and supported this family with their fledgling testimonies.
- Before long Juan and Josephina embraced the gospel.
- Over the course of the next year the Ward Council orchestrated efforts to help Juan and Josephina in the following ways:
- Planting a garden
- Diverting a stream located near their trailer
- Teaching ‘English as a second language’ lessons to Josephina and teaching Juan how to read
- Providing legal expertise
- Providing friendship
- After each of these endeavors, a report was given in Ward Council, additional needs were assessed and assignments given.
- We saw this family served, loved and uplifted through the coordinating efforts of the Ward Council. Major changes were seen in Juan and Josephina as they grew in confidence and understanding.
- Before the year was over, Juan and Josephina were reaching out to others as had been done for them.
- They became the self appointed greeters at all church meetings as the first ones to arrive and often the last to leave.
- One of the most beautiful days of our missionary service in the Spanish Ward was the day we attended the temple sealing of Juan and Josephina and little daughter.
- As we enjoyed this beautiful experience, spirit witnessed of the important efforts set in place by a committed Bishop and committed award Council as they lifted and strengthened a now eternal family.
- For those who are not now serving on a Branch council important to remember to support the assignments given to us by a Branch Council.
- In a talk by Elder Ballard he said, “Our church leaders, and for that matter of fact, mothers and fathers, have heavy demands placed upon them. Their stewardship require large amounts of time, talent and energy. But none is left to do it alone. God, the Master Organizer, has inspired a creation of a system of committees and councils. If understood and put to proper use, this system will decrease the burden on all individual leaders and will extend the reach and the impact of their ministry through the combined help of others. …Wise use of committees and councils will move the work of the Lord forward much faster and farther, like a fine automobile operating at peak efficiency. Together they experience a much more pleasant trip along the highway of Church service.
- Elder Ballard concluded by saying, The Spirit continues to bear witness to me of how vital efficiently run Church councils are to the accomplishment of the mission of the Church.
Click here to return to the New Zealand Hamilton Mission talks and presentations index
Click here to return to the New Zealand Hamilton Mission wisdom index page
Click here to return to the Missionary Matters menu page
Click here to return to the Main Menu page