Youth News

Especially for Youth Camp 2011

Harare Stake, Zimbabwe

With Much, Much Gratitude from Zimbabwe!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBXYzRuJY6M

By Sister Hillary Mazura & Sister Rachel Nield-Geranios (‘Harare Stake Young Women’s Presidency’)

There are still miracles like those in the Bible that happen every day, when you are on the Lords errand. We have truly strengthened our testimony of the greatness and the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

As we began preparations for this inaugural ‘Especially for Youth’ for the Harare Zimbabwe stake, we knew we should expect about 600 young men and young women from all walks of life. This would require incredible planning and resources in order for it to be a success. There was no way that our stake budget could accommodate this event, but the Lord had told us to do it and we knew He would provide a way. The inspiration regarding the itinerary had been VERY specific and we had been directed very clearly as to what we should do. The spirit confirmed to us that this was a very important event and that the highest possible standards should be maintained in all areas. So we set to work, it was incredible to watch the miracles unfold – we felt like the Israelites crossing the Red Sea!

The Key to Opportunity: Celebrating 10 Years of the Perpetual Education Fund

Source: LDS.org

A decade after President Gordon B. Hinckley announced the Perpetual Education Fund, the initiative and its participants are thriving.

In 1850, just three years after arriving in the Salt Lake Valley, President Brigham Young (1801–77) began establishing academies and universities to educate Latter-day Saints. Every prophet of this dispensation has encouraged the education of Church members.

Among them was President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008), who introduced the Perpetual Education Fund (PEF), patterned after another of Brigham Young’s 19th-century initiatives, the Perpetual Emigration Fund. This new educational fund would become, in the words of President Thomas S. Monson, one of the hallmarks of President Hinckley’s administration. President Hinckley had seen poverty and lack of education and training prevent many young adults in the Church from achieving their potential. He sought the Lord for answers.

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Young Adult Center in South Africa a Catalyst for Rescue Efforts

Source: LDS.org

When Ellis and Glenda Stonehocker of Calgary, Alberta, Canada submitted their mission papers in 2010, they said they’d “do anything and go anywhere.” “Anywhere” was Johannesburg, South Africa, and “anything” turned out to be helping to establish the first young single adult center on the African continent.

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Seminary Students in Kenya Put on the Armor of God

Seminary Students in Kenya"Seminary Students In Kenya Thriving"

By Sandy Fox

Western Kenya has two branches that have been organized for less than two years. But they have a thriving seminary program and eager youth. On April 9, 2011, 45 youth plus 11 leaders from the Kisumu and Busia branches came together for a day of inspirational activities.

The seminaries have classes not only within the towns, but many of the students come from outlying areas and do home study. Two classes are 10 to 50 km from the meeting houses and have more non-members than members enrolled. Ninety percent of the students are new converts and many of these students have never had a chance to join with other saints. But on this Saturday they came by foot, by bus, Matatu, hired motorcycle or bicycle to meet with the other students in the first seminary activity day.

The theme, taken from Doctrine and Covenants 27, was to “Put on the Armor of God.” The day started with a scripture mastery quiz. The students were divided into three teams with arm bands of yellow, blue and green. Members and non-members alike showed their mastery in reciting the scriptures and in understanding where to find scripture help for problems of prayer, feeling the spirit, and understanding the nature of God. Vivian Okila said, “Scripture mastery teaches me how to live on earth and how to direct my spirit.” Because the Kenyan school year starts in January, the focus was on the first 10 scripture masteries.