Children and Youth

Primary activity to visit the Firemen

I am constantly amazed by the desire and determination of young people to look to our Savior and try to follow Him.

Shortly after we arrived in Santiago a new Primary president was called.  She made all sorts of assignments for the Sunday meeting.  Up to this point the president hadn't been assigning talks etc.  Well the kids loved it!  They were so excited each week to find out what their assignment was for the following Sunday.  When they didn't get an assignment they were heartbroken and would cry.  

We found it interesting that at the same time we were trying to encourage some of the adults to take a more active role in the branch and believe me, they weren't crying if they didn't receive an assignment.  We joked that wouldn't it be wonderful to have the adults say, "Why can't I do something next week?  Why didn't I get an assignment?"  We definitely need to be more like little children.

Dulce and Alejandra singing

Isabela dressed for traditional Panamanian dance after her baptism

One activity the kids talked about missions and received "mission calls".  They were so excited.  Some thought they really would be going to that country when they grew up.

I think Christofer should go on a mission with tablets.

Brother helping little brother read his call.

It has been so inspiring to see a young person, hear of the gospel with their parents, make commitments and KEEP THEM.  One young girl of 9, was taking the discussions with her father.  Her mother had been less active.  Although less active, her mom still was able to teach her of Jesus and Heavenly Father.  She is just finishing reading the Book of Mormon.  She has memorized many of the Articles of Faith.  She was so excited to be baptized by her dad.

The week of the Primary Program the little ones were so excited they were running all over the place before church started.  I invited them to greet people as they arrived.  They were so cute.

Greeting members before church to the Primary Program

The Youth are amazing.  I personally get impatient with aloofness, attitude, etc. but behind all the outward show of disinterest is a NEED for spiritual things.  I worked with a young man who was having trouble reading.  His insights into the scriptures and the gospel strengthened me.  He and a couple of his brothers were baptized a few years ago.  Their mother isn't supportive.  She often is an obstacle in the trying to live the gospel.  Once she threw the clean white shirt her son had ironed for church in the mud so he would stay home and babysit younger siblings.  He comes every week.  He comes every Wednesday for Activity Night, he is trying so hard to prepare for a mission.  It's an uphill battle.  But... he's trudging along the best he can.  Many of our youth are in the same situation.  They don't have parents in the church but they come so faithfully and try to be better, try to live the gospel and try to learn more.

I pray for our youth.  I pray they can continue to be pure.  They can continue to be worthy of the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  They can continue to know that God loves them.  They are His sons and daughters.

President Moises Gonzalez playing with the kids in the rain.

Gino is our special youth.  We call him our "secret weapon".  Gino has grown up in the church and has such knowledge and strength.  We've taken him on discussions where he's taken over, taught, testified and committed people to make covenants without any help from us.  I can't wait until he goes on a mission.

Some have a special spirit about them.  They try so hard to support and uplift each other.  There are so many temptations in the world.  Many in their own homes.  They have to be extra strong.  They are.

I wish I had a whole other mission just to be with them and watch them to continue to progress.