Stake Conf, - 2007

Aug 2007

Brethren – First I would like to thank you for the service that you give.

This past summer – we’ve had: (for our youth)

LTC –

APTC-

The trek – which is already scheduled for 2011

You have had super activities – scout camps and much more.

The cost and time commitment to these events are staggering – but well worth our efforts.

Jeffrey R. Holland ( Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, June 2004, 15).

“As leaders, we must do everything we can to increase our young [peoples] . . . testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ”

Create events and circumstances where youth can feel the Spirit of the Holy Ghost by beginning with high expectations, preparing youth in advance, giving them time to be still, using the scriptures, testifying of truth, using the hymns, loving and accepting all who come, being an example, and praying together.

Everything we do in the church is/or should be designed to bring all unto Christ. I love Elder Holland’s counsel to “create events and circumstances where youth can feel the Spirit.”

Now – all of you know that despite our efforts, some continue to be unreceptive to the spirit at these events. But, we should never give up or stop trying.

Brethren there is a number of points that we need to keep in mind –

- Leader should know their duties and responsibilities. Brethren we are the trainers of the next generation of leaders in the church. Youth presidencies need to be taught and assisted in holding presidency meetings. They should talk about their responsibilities and what each member of their quorum needs.

President Larsen is meeting with president of Aaronic Priesthood – those with keys. Help them fulfill their opportunity.

- Scout leaders need to be trained. This should start with basic training – and lead to wood badge if possible. I know that this gives many of you indigestion. Scout is and most likely will always be the activity arm of the Aaronic priesthood.

- Leave youth leaders in their position long enough to make a difference. I know this isn’t always possible. We had a young men’s president in our stake vent his frustration to the stake presidency about one of his leaders being release after a short time – we are the ones that called him away. When we got his name we had no idea what his current calling was or how long he had been there. Bishopric members – follow the spirit, but also make sure the youth have great examples!

- The purpose of mutual – camps and special events, is always the same as the purpose of the Church. To bring all unto Christ – its first purpose is not to entertain. As the spirit is there so will be the kids.

- Read all of your handbooks! A Ward asked if they could take their young men paintballing. The answer is in the BSA handbook. If we don’t follow the rules we are legally at risk – brethren – it not worth it. I know there nothing funner that stalking and shouting some of the young men we love and serve. I own a paintball gun and my son finds great joy in shouting me. I would guess that there are people here that haven’t even read the strength for youth pamphlet- let alone the handbooks. Brethren repent.

- Teaching – make it a high priority, they need to feel the spirit with those whom the look up too.

- You need to know that you can and are making a difference in these young men – some of them don’t show it, but you are. (Story mission president at martins cove – young man (smoker etc.) coming back because of spirit he felt at Marin’s Cove as a youth).

- When you were set apart to this calling – you were given all the rights, privileges and opportunities that come with your call. (Whether they said it or not). You can and need to receive inspiration and revelation for these kids. What can and will make a difference in their lives

- You need to bear and live your testimony in front of the youth often.

Elder Packer -

All of the attention given to our youth, all of the programs, all we do for them, will be incomplete unless we teach them the purpose of the Restoration. The keys of the priesthood were restored and the sealing authority revealed and temples built to tie the generations together. From ancient times through all the revelations runs that eternal, golden thread, “Turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers” (Mal. 4:6).