Church Welfare Offers More Than Short-term Aid in Times of Need

As the world faces growing uncertainty,many members are coming to more fully

appreciate Church leaders’ frequent counsel tobe prepared. However, adversity often comesunexpectedly. Unemployment, the loss of aloved one, or a natural disaster typically aren’tevents one can mark on a calendar months inadvance.

When calamity destroys self-reliance, theChurch’s resources are meant to help membersnot only for the short term, but also in rebuildingtheir lives. The Church’s welfare program wasdeveloped to give assistance to those in needwhile teaching them principles of self-reliance andproviding opportunities for them to develop it.

Church resources that are particularly relevantto current circumstances include bishops’ store-houses, LDS Employment Services, and the All IsSafely Gathered In pamphlets, which teach prin-ciples of provident living.

Bishops’ Storehouses

Soon after the Church was organized in 1830,Church leaders and members gathered toKirtland, Ohio. In December of 1831, Newel K.Whitney was called to be the second bishop ofthe Church. As bishop, he was a steward over thetemporal and spiritual needs of the congregation.Many of the members did not have much andhad traveled to Ohio on foot, carrying everythingthey owned.

While staying at the John Johnson home inHiram, Ohio, the Prophet Joseph Smith receivedthe revelation to establish a storehouse: “It mustneeds be that there be an organization of my peo-ple, in regulating and establishing the affairs ofthe storehouse for the poor of my people, both inthis place and in the land of Zion” (D&C 78:3).

To accommodate the needy people in thearea, Brother Whitney collected grains and otheruseful commodities to store and distribute to thepoor. Thus, in Kirtland, the first form of a bish-ops’ storehouse was established.

Functioning much like that early storehouse,146 bishops’ storehouses are serving people inneed around the western hemisphere today. Andin locations where an official bishop’s storehouseis not accessible, each bishop oversees a store-house of sorts made up of the time, talents, andother consecrated resources of faithful Church

NEWS OF THE CHURCH FEBRUARY 2009 N1

A service

missionary helps

a customer at

a bishops’

storehouse in

Salt Lake City,

Utah.

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News of the ChurchT H E C H U R C H O F J E S U S C H R I S T O F L A T T E R - D A Y S A I N T S • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 0 9

■ NEWS OF THE CHURCH, P. N1■ WORLD BRIEFS, P. N6■ LOCAL NEWS, P. N7■ WORDS TO LIVE BY, P. N11■ PHILIPPINES JUBILEE 2011, P. N13■ LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES, P. N14■ READER COMMENTS, P. N15■ SPEAKING TODAY, P. N16

members that the bishop cancall on to assist those in need(see Church Handbook ofInstructions, Book 1: StakePresidents and Bishoprics[2006], 18).

Just as the items found in Newel K. Whitney’s storehousewere the necessities, bishops’storehouses today are stockedwith essential food and homeitems.

Recipients of any commodi-ties provided through thebishop are provided withopportunities to work, to theextent of their ability, in returnfor the items they receive.Assignments may include clean-ing a meetinghouse or being ofservice to someone else whoneeds help. This gives therecipients a sense of ownershipand accomplishment as well asan opportunity to give back.

Storehouses are funded byfast-offering donations frommembers of the Churchthroughout the world. Most ofthe work carried out at bishops’storehouses is volunteer work,done by generous people want-ing to help. In areas whereaccess to a bishops’ storehouseis not available, bishops mayuse the funds from fast-offeringcollections. This money goestoward food and necessaryitems for specific individuals inneed.

opportunities and show partici-pants how to better qualify forwork.

Some of the services availableinclude job postings, instructionson how to search for a job, one-on-one assistance, and careerservices. Classes include how toenhance a résumé, Internettraining in computer skills, inter-viewing proficiency, and specificjob training.

In 2006 more than 225,000people around the world wereplaced in jobs. LDS EmploymentServices helps people find jobsquickly because of the network-ing available and new skillslearned and applied.

Access to more informationon LDS Employment

Services can be

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People hoping to

improve their

employment

participate in a

career workshop

at an LDS

employment

resource center.

LDS Employment Services

Employment resource service centers located through-out the world offer free servicesfor those who are looking forwork or trying to improve theiremployment situation.

More than 100 centers arelocated in the United States,and more than 150 centers arelocated throughout the worldin Africa, Asia, the Pacific,Europe, and Latin America. Theservices are available to any-one, not just Church mem-bers.

Employmentresource servicecenters offer helpin finding jobopenings and

The Church has offered

guidelines for provident living

to help members through

difficult economic times.

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NEWS OF THE CHURCH FEBRUARY 2009 N3

New Temple PresidentsNow Serving

Adelaide Australia Philip F. HowesApia Samoa John P. HanksAsunción Paraguay David K UdallBaton Rouge Louisiana Max P. BroughBern Switzerland Raimondo CastellaniBillings Montana Ronald M. MorrisonBismarck North Dakota John R. ReeseBogotá Colombia Jorge J. EscobarBoise Idaho Wenden W. WaiteColumbia South Carolina

Brent H. KoyleCuritiba Brazil Jason G. SousaDraper Utah Donald L. StaheliFreiberg Germany Frank H. ApelGuayaquil Ecuador Jorge A. RojasIdaho Falls Idaho Larry G. StoddardJordan River Utah

F. Wayne ChamberlainKona Hawaii Opurainonarii Mo’oLogan Utah W. Rolfe KerrLos Angeles California

Grant R BrimhallLouisville Kentucky Dale R. HettingerLubbock Texas E. Dale CluffMadrid Spain Garry K. MooreMount Timpanogos Utah

L. Edward BrownNewport Beach California

D. Thomas BorgquistOakland California Richard A. HunterOgden Utah Robert R. SteuerPanama City Panama

Ronald D. Jamison Rexburg Idaho Val R. Christensen Salt Lake Sheldon F. ChildSan Antonio Texas Marion D. WoodsSan Diego California Bruce L. Olsen

Snowflake Arizona Lewis TenneySuva Fiji LaRon P. WoolleySydney Australia W. John BaileyThe Hague Netherlands

Jacob J. Van RyToronto Ontario Stephen M. HadleyTwin Falls Idaho Donald R. GerrattVernal Utah Mac W. HolmesWashington D.C. Earl C. Tingey ■

By assignment from the First Presidency, 39 new temple presidents are now serving with

their spouses. The presidents of the Panama City Panama, Rexburg Idaho, and Twin Falls

Idaho Temples began serving earlier in 2008 after the temples were dedicated. The president of

the Draper Utah Temple will begin serving after the temple is dedicated on March 20, 2009.

Temple New President

The Guayaquil

Ecuador Temple

is 1 of 39

temples with

new temple

presidents.

found at ProvidentLiving.org. Tipsto help job applicants get hired,career counseling, educationalfunding information, and jobopportunities are available on theWeb site. A search by map showsthe locations of employmentresource service centers.

Financial Preparation

For decades Church leadershave counseled members to livewithin their means and to getout and stay out of debt. Doingso prevents unnecessary stresson marriage and family relation-ships and provides stability in anunstable economy.

President N. Eldon Tanner(1898–1982) of the FirstPresidency said: “Those whostructure their standard of livingto allow a little surplus, controltheir circumstances. Those whospend a little more than they earnare controlled by their circum-stances. They are in bondage”(“Constancy amid Change,”Liahona, Feb. 1982, 46).

In an effort to help Church members establish control overtheir finances and live a debt-free life, the Church has pro-duced a pamphlet outlining thebasics of family finances.

“Latter-day Saints have beencounseled for many years to prepare for adversity by having alittle money set aside,” the FirstPresidency wrote in the All IsPH

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Safely Gathered In: Family Finances pamphlet.“Doing so adds immeasurably to security andwell-being. Every family has a responsibility toprovide for its own needs to the extent possible.”

Members are encouraged to follow a fewsimple rules to get their finances in order. Thefirst item on the list includes paying tithing and points out the blessings promised to a full-tithe payer. Other steps include avoiding debtby spending less money than is earned andusing a budget. Recording expenditures helpsreveal how budgeted funds are spent.

Gradually building a financial reserve isanother way to be prepared for emergencies.Parents are encouraged to teach family membersthe principles of financial management, involvingeveryone in creating a budget and setting finan-cial goals.

“We encourage you wherever you may live inthe world to prepare for adversity by looking tothe condition of your finances,” the FirstPresidency wrote. “We urge you to be modestin your expenditures; discipline yourselves inyour purchases to avoid debt. Pay off debt asquickly as you can, and free yourselves fromthis bondage. Save a little money regularly togradually build a financial reserve.”

Be Prepared

With the uncertainty of the world aroundthem, members can find hope through heedingthe words of the prophets and doing all withintheir power to prepare. Welfare services areone way people are preparing for and recover-ing from hard times.

Through bishops’ storehouses, LDSEmployment Services, and learning how to puttheir homes in financial order, members canpress forward, knowing that “if ye are preparedye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30). ■

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Church Gives Mormon.orgNew Look, More Content

To make using Mormon.orgeasier and more effective,

the Church has made naviga-tion and visual changes to thesite and added more multime-dia content.

“When visiting the earlierversion of Mormon.org, youhad to do too much navigation

to get into the doctrine,” saidRon Wilson, manager ofInternet and marketing for theMissionary Department. Thenew design has a “cleanerlook, simpler navigation, andmore open feeling.”

Mormon.org includes infor-mation about the basic beliefs

of the Church, gives answers tofrequently asked questions,tells people where they canfind and attend Church meet-ings in their area, and allowsvisitors to communicate withmissionaries live.

Although the overall contentand purpose of the site haven’t

The updated Mormon.org site

includes more content and is

meant to be more appealing to

all visitors.

which gives insight on how tofind purpose in life.

The home page of the newsite directly addresses thesefour commonly asked ques-tions: What is the purpose ofmy life? Does God really knowme? What happens when I die?Is God happy with me?

Members are encouraged

NEWS OF THE CHURCH FEBRUARY 2009 N5

changed, it has been updated.In addition to the visualchanges, the new Web siteincludes additional content tomake it more media rich. Thereare testimonies from GeneralAuthorities and from membersfrom all over the world. A newvideo entitled FindingHappiness is now available,

to use the site and to share it often. They cangive the Web address to people inquiring aboutthe Church or find answers to others’ ques-tions or their own. “This is a safe and non-threatening way for members to share thegospel,” Brother Wilson said.

The updated Web site launched on September18, 2008, in English and is expected to be availablein Spanish by early 2009. More than 20 languagesare planned to be available later in 2009. ■

Twin FallsTemple Open

The Twin Falls Idaho Templeis open and operating after

its dedication on August 24,2008, by President Thomas S.Monson. This marks the 128thoperating temple in the worldand the fourth in the state ofIdaho.

“We are grateful for thislong-awaited day of dedica-tion, when this, Thy holyhouse, has been completed,”said President Monson in thededicatory prayer. “Bless, wepray Thee, those faithfulmembers here and through-out the world who have con-tributed their tithes whichhave made possible this mag-nificent edifice for Thyname’s honor and glory andfor the blessing of all whoenter herein.”

More than 150,000 visitorstoured the temple during anopen house held the monthbefore the dedication. The tem-ple was first announced inOctober 2004, and ground wasbroken in April 2006. ■

DraperTemple DatesAnnounced

The First Presidency hasannounced open house and

dedication dates for the DraperUtah Temple. This will be the12th operating temple in Utahand the 129th worldwide.

“We, with you, look forwardto the dedication of this houseof the Lord and the blessing itwill be to the Saints,” the FirstPresidency said in a letter tomembers dated September 15,2008.

The open house was to

T E M P L E N E W S

The Twin

Falls Idaho

Temple was

dedicated in

August 2008.

begin on Thursday, January 15,2009, and is scheduled to con-tinue until Saturday, March 14,2009, excluding Sundays. Thededication will be held fromFriday, March 20, throughSunday, March 22, 2009, withfour dedicatory sessions heldon each of the three days.

The Draper temple was firstannounced on October 2, 2004,and the groundbreakingoccurred on August 5, 2006.The temple will officially openon Monday, March 23, 2009. ■

Book of Mormon Reaches 140 Million Milestone

The 140 millionth copy ofthe Book of Mormon:

Another Testament of JesusChrist was recently distrib-uted, passing another mile-stone in the book’s history.Since it was first published in1830, the Book of Mormonhas been taken worldwide bymore than a million missionar-ies. It is currently available in107 languages.

In 2003, Book magazinenamed the Book of Mormon

Stone Cut Out of the Mountain,”

Liahona, Nov.2007, 83).

The Book ofMormon has been

described as the “key-stone” of The Church of

Jesus Christ of Latter-daySaints (see Introduction tothe Book of Mormon) and isused side by side with theBible in members’ teachingand personal study. ■

N6

The Church has

printed more

than 140

million copies

of the Book of

Mormon since

1830.

Joseph Smith Manual

Available as PDF

in 11 Languages

The ChurchCurriculumDepartment hasexpanded theonline availability of the manualTeachings ofPresidents of theChurch: JosephSmith to 11 languages.

PDF files andMP3 audio files of the manual areavailable in English,Cantonese, French,German, Italian,

Japanese, Korean,Mandarin,Portuguese,Russian, andSpanish. Files forAmerican SignLanguage are alsoavailable.

Access the manual and other Church publications atwww.lds.org/gospellibrary/pdfindex.

Triple Released

in Chinese

(Simplified

Characters)

A new edition of

the triple combina-tion in Chinese(simplified charac-ters) was madeavailable throughChurch distributioncenters in October2008. The editionincludes the Bookof Mormon, theDoctrine andCovenants, the Pearlof Great Price, and astudy aid titledGuide to theScriptures. TheBook of Mormon inChinese (simplifiedcharacters) waspublished

in 2001. The Bookof Mormon inChinese (traditionalcharacters) waspublished in 1965,and the triple in2007.

North American

Missionaries

Leave Bolivia

Some 102 NorthAmerican missionar-ies serving in Boliviawere transferred tomissions in Peru inSeptember 2008.The transfer wasmade in consulta-tion with U.S.

government repre-sentatives in Boliviaand with the cooper-ation of Bolivianimmigration authori-ties as a precaution-ary measure duringunsettled condi-tions. The Churchexpects them toreturn when condi-tions improve. The Church hasgood relationshipswith the Boliviangovernment and hasa significant humani-tarian aid programthere. ■

WORLD BRIEFS

one of the “20 Books ThatChanged America”(July/August issue, 59). InOctober 2007, PresidentGordon B. Hinckley(1910–2008) described itsmodern influence: “Throughall of these years critics havetried to explain it. They havespoken against it. They haveridiculed it. But it has outlivedthem all, and its influencetoday is greater than at anytime in its history” (“The

News Dateline PhilippinesLOCAL NEWS

Elder David A. BednarVisits Manila Saints By Ronalene Cayanan, Anne Gelene Tobias, and Eunice Ruth Barilea

Elder David A. Bednar

of the Quorum of the

Twelve Apostles

greets Manila Saints.

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“There are two influences

ever present in the world.

One is constructive and

. . . comes from our

Heavenly Father; the

other is destructive . . .

and comes from Lucifer.

We have our agency and

make our own choice in

life subject to these

unseen powers.”

For most Filipinos in Manila, the longweekend the third week of Augustwas a time for relaxation and enjoy-

ment. But for the Latter-day Saints, the hol-idays were a time for spiritual feasts as theygathered to hear the messages of ElderDavid A. Bednar of the Quorum of theTwelve Apostles, who visited thePhilippines from August 18 to 20, 2008.

After visiting the Saints in Cebu, ElderBednar went to Manila to meet withmembers, temple ordinance workers, andfull-time missionaries.

Devotional with Saints in Manila

On August 18 Elder Bednar spoke in adevotional attended by more than 1,700members from the Manila, Makati, and Pasig Philippines Stakes at the Buendiameetinghouse. In his message, he quoted

Church President George Albert Smith(1870–1951):

“There are two influences ever present inthe world. One is constructive and elevatingand comes from our Heavenly Father; theother is destructive and debasing and comesfrom Lucifer. We have our agency and makeour own choice in life subject to these unseenpowers. There is a division line well definedthat separates the Lord’s territory fromLucifer’s. If we live on the Lord’s side of theline, Lucifer cannot come there to influenceus” (Improvement Era, May 1937, 278).

Elder Bednar explained that if we keep thecommandments of the Lord we are safe onHis side of the line, but if we disobey Histeachings we voluntarily move into Satan’sterritory and become subject to his influence.

He further emphasized that there aremany small and simple things that we can doconsistently that will keep us on the Lord’sside of the line—things like meaningfulindividual and family prayers, family homeevenings, scripture study, and paying tithing.

“It does not take a drastic sin to get us onthe devil’s side of the line,” he added. “Oncewe stop doing the small and simple things,we slowly go to the adversary’s side.”

He taught that the gospel should not be a

NEWS OF THE CHURCH FEBRUARY 2009 N7

Elder and Sister

Bednar greet a

missionary from

the Philippines

Quezon City

Mission.

Jesus Christ, with His help. He counseled the Saints to

live the gospel and seek to dothe Lord’s will, and promisedthat if they would do so,though temptations and trialswould not go away, they wouldbe empowered to bear themwith firmness and happiness.

Elder Bednar said that theAtonement of Jesus Christprovides two overarchingblessings in our lives. First andforemost, through theAtonement of Jesus Christ wecan be cleansed and redeemedfrom sin. Second, theAtonement strengthens us todo good and to be good. Heemphasized what the ApostlePaul taught about the grace of

God—that grace is thestrengthening, empowering andenabling element of the

Atonement. Heexplained that lifewould not always besmooth sailing andthat we need to askfor strength to bearour afflictions joyfullyand patiently. “It doesnot matter what wewant; we have toaccept what Godwants for us,” he said.

Elder Bednarended his message byinvoking a blessing onthe Saints that the

Spirit would bring intoremembrance who they are aswell as fortify, edify, and

strengthen them always as theylive in safety, security, andprotection on the Lord’s side ofthe line.

Other speakers in thedevotional included ElderMichael John U. Teh, SecondCounselor in the AreaPresidency, who discussed howthe gospel is a plan ofhappiness. He said that thegospel is founded on theprinciples of faith and action.“Everything we know, we needto do,” he said.

Elder Won Yong Ko, FirstCounselor in the AreaPresidency, explained that weare all friends of Jesus Christand encouraged members to“build a good, friendlyrelationship with Jesus Christ”

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list of dos and don’ts, butshould be a way of living thatallows us to become more like

Elder and Sister Bednar meet with

saints in the Philippines.

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through prayer, scripture study,and attending the temple.

Elder Keith R. Edwards, AreaPresident, encouraged theSaints to declare the word ofGod with unweariness and tobe tireless in serving the Lord.Both men and women have asignificant role to play in thegospel of Jesus Christ, he said.

Judy Edwards, wife ofPresident Edwards, spokeabout families being thecenter of the gospel. She saidthat family members need to

help each other be active inthe gospel and hold familyprayers and family homeevenings.

Susan Bednar, wife of ElderBednar, testified that the Lordhears and answers prayers andthat He answers prayers inwisdom—in His time and in Hisway. “The Lord is aware of ourdifficulties, our fears, ourconcerns . . . and He is mindfulof all of us,” she said.

Later that same day, ElderBednar met with the full-time

missionaries from the PhilippinesAngeles and Manila Missions andordinance workers serving in theManila Philippines Temple. OnAugust 19, he met with the full-time missionaries from theQuezon City mission in ProvidentChapel, Marikina, and visited the missionary training center,where he also addressed themissionaries. On August 20, hegave a message to the Churchemployees at the ManilaPhilippines administration office. ■

Members from the Kidapawan Philippines District

gather to release balloons as an opening activity for

the National Family Week celebration.

MindanaoSaintsCelebrateNationalFamily WeekBy Roxanne Juele-Montojo

Fathers and Families:Responsibilities and

Challenges—Maabilidad siDad,” was the 2008 theme forthe National Family Week cele-bration. Mindanao Saints cele-brated this weeklong activityin various ways, from givingcommunity service to per-forming in choirs.

Saints in the Mati PhilippinesDistrict donated labor through acommunity service project bycleaning Mayor Luisito Garcia

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Wearing their Helping Hands vests, members of the

Zamboanga Philippines Stake work hand in hand

cleaning the Women's Crisis Center.

The Zamboanga Philippines Stake choir performs

Church songs for 300 government officials and civic

group members at Plaza Rizal Zamboanga City.

Rabat Memo-rial School.Members thengathered atthe meeting-

house for a program. Fathers in the Kidapawan PhilippinesDistrict gathered together with their respective families in four different venues onSeptember 27, 2008.

Members of the KidapawanSecond and Third Branchesopened their daylong familyactivity by releasing balloons.This was followed by the familytalent showcase, with music,dance presentations, anddramatizations on how toconduct family home evenings.Members also shared what theydo to spiritually prepare forSunday services.

Members from the RoxasBranch, Puerta Princesa District,and the Makilala Branch,Kidapawan district, conductedteam-building activities and atelunch together in theirrespective meetinghouses.

At the Kabacan meeting-house, members of the Kabacanand Matalam Branches,Kidapawan district, playedgames like “Singing Fathers,”their own version of SingingBee, (a musical show wherefathers prove their knowledge ofthe lyrics of all-time favoritesongs). As a reminder of this

year’s Family Week celebration,each family posed for akeepsake family picture.

In southwest Mindanao,Zamboanga stake membersjoined with the Office of theCity Social Welfare andDevelopment to kick off thecelebration of National FamilyWeek on September 22, 2008.The stake choir, which calleditself the Ensign Chorus, sangthe doxology and songs aboutfamily at Plaza Rizal, acrossfrom Zamboanga City Hall, for an audience of 300,including governmentemployees and other civicgroups.

Zamboanga PhilippinesStake president BartolomeMadriaga and the director forpublic affairs, Israel Pajarito,were guests at a popular localradio station. They explainedthe Church’s beliefs and viewson the family.

During the weeklong cele-bration, members donated laborthrough a community serviceproject on September 24 and25, 2008. They cleaned the two-story buildings of the Women’sCrisis Center and the SocialDevelopment Center, a shelter for street children. The National Family Weekcelebration ended with adevotional held at TomasClaudio meetinghouse. ■

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Members from the Mati Philippines District render

community service at Mayor Luisito Garcia Rabat

Memorial School.

wards and branches. Theactivity fostered love, fellow-shipping, and unity amongneighboring units.

NEWS OF THE CHURCH FEBRUARY 2009 N11

Leaders perform

“Tinikling,” a

native Filipino

dance.

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The cultural event openedwith a devotional attended bythe Ormoc Philippines Stakepresidency. President Edwin

Cultural Event:A Heritage Most ValuedBy President Arthur Villaflores, Second Counselor,Ormoc Philippines Stake

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not

what I say, ye have no promise.”

I am thankful for the assurance that the Lord will never leave us

alone and that He will always provide for our needs. This verse

reminds me that God loves us so much. Heavenly Father wants us to

succeed and return to his presence. He gave us commandments so

that we will never go astray. I know that His promises are sure. He will

give us everything we need if we always keep His commandments.

Jezreel Aquino

Editor's note: Share with us your favorite scripture and tell us in

150 words or less how it helped you. Send it to datelinephilippines@

ldschurch.org.

DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 82:10

The Ormoc PhilippinesStake celebrated its 10th

anniversary with a culturalevent at the Visayas StateUniversity Campus, BaybayCity, Leyte, on August 30,2008. In attendance wereyoung men, young women,and single adults from theAlbuera, Merida, Isabel,Palompon, Villaba, Kananga,Baybay, Kilim, Mahapllag, andOrmoc First and Second

Malit of the Philippines TaclobanMission spoke on how theyouth can prepare to serve afull-time mission and whatblessings come from serving theLord and knowing the eternalpurpose of life as they declaretheir message to the world.

The festive cultural programfollowed the celebration. Theevent featured Philippine folkdances performed by themembers of the local units. Theperformances were highlightedby the participants’ colorfulcostumes and folk songs fromLuzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The cultural event served asa reminder of the richness ofPhilippine culture. ■

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T R Y I N G T O B E L I K E J E S U SI am trying to be like Jesus when I

help my mother in household chores,like when she asks me to help look aftermy three younger siblings, Angelykah,Angelo, and Kimo. At school, when myclassmates do not understand our lesson,I help them too. ■

Angel Edrilyn M., age 10

Editor’s note: If your child has a story or experience toshare about how he or she has portrayed any of My GospelStandards, have him or her tell us about it in 150 words orless and send it to dateline philippines@ldschurch.org.(Parents may assist young children.)

Some of the

young single

adults with

stake president

Reynaldo S.

Delante (front).

show is part of the Pasigstake’s commitment to theArea initiative to perform 2.5 million man-hours of service in time for the Jubileecelebration in 2011.

Dressed in colorfulFilipiniana costumes, theparticipants performed threetraditional dances—the Subli,the Maglalatik, and thehighlight of the show, theSayaw sa Bangko or Karato.Many in the audience held their breath as the performersnimbly leaped and danced onnarrow benches stacked one ontop of the other.

NEWS OF THE CHURCH FEBRUARY 2009 N13

Editor’s Note: This section of Dateline Philippines isdedicated to the 50thAnniversary celebration ofmissionary work in thePhilippines.

Members of the PasigPhilippines Stake

impressed audiences at SM Megamall as they show-cased their talents onstage ina cultural show sponsored byKultura Filipino. The eventwas held on August 5, 6, 18,and 22 in commemoration of the Buwan ng Wika.Participation in the cultural

PHILIPPINES JUBILEE 2011

Pasig Stake Holds CulturalShow in SM MegamallBy Sariah Guanzon-Ordinario

The cultural show

participants with

Elder Won Yong

Ko, Area

Presidency First

Counselor; his

wife, Eun Hee

Kim; and Cirilo

Laceste, Pasig

Philippines Stake

president, and

Sister Laceste

(back).PHO

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The cultural show is a smallpart of a series of serviceprojects planned by the Pasigstake. In addition to the dances,they are preparing a roadshowpresentation and a choirnumber to be performed indifferent activities and events inthe localities of Pasig, Pateros,and Taguig. ■

Blessings fromHeeding the SpiritBy Charito Alferez

In 1994 I was working two part-time jobs, one as part-time secre-

tary and one as a contractor, tohelp with my family’s financialneeds. I longed for a full-time job,and I prayed a lot about it.

As a contractor I traveled to Manilaoften to pick up assigned jobs anddeliver them when done. One day Iheard about a job opening for a per-manent position in the contract workthat I was doing. With prayer and fast-ing, I pleaded to Heavenly Father tohelp me qualify for the job. I felt a verystrong impression to give up my workas a part-time secretary and have faithenough to take a chance on the jobopening. I hesitated to heed theprompting for fear of being in adeeper financial predicament. But theSpirit was so strong that I could notresist it, and I followed the prompting.

I was hired as a permanentemployee in the job that I applied for. Iam thankful to the Lord for the bless-ings He has given me and my familyfor heeding that prompting.

With HonorsBy Melanie Mendez

When I was still in Primary, mydream was to become an

honor student in college. My par-ents always told me that if I gradu-ated from college with honors Iwould have a better future, so Ieagerly pursued that goal. I commit-

ted myself to do all I could toachieve that goal so my parentswould be proud of me. But Ineeded to balance my secular andspiritual learning. I was a diligentstudent in school, but I alsoattended institute after classes.

However, our family had a financial

problem at that time. To augment our

income, I had to work on Saturdays in

the tailoring shop where my mother

worked. During the summer, I worked

at the municipal hall of our town. When

I was in my junior and senior year, I was

able to receive a Perpetual Education

Fund loan. It not only helped me pay

my tuition, but it also helped me

increase my faith in the law of tithing. It

taught me how to work harder to

achieve my goals.

Finally, with Heavenly Father’s helpand consistent studying, I graduatedcum laude in school, and I also gradu-ated from institute. My parents werevery proud of me. I know that if we doour part, Heavenly Father will help usachieve our goals.

I Know in Whom IHave TrustedBy Annabelle Mejes Paliza

Iwas baptized with my family in1983. I soon began working with

the missionaries, and my testimonyabout the truthfulness of the gospelwas strengthened. I then set a goalto serve a mission. I entered themissionary training center in August1987, a day after my 21st birthday.

I was barely three months into my

N14

LOCAL LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES

missionary service when a terribletyphoon struck my hometown and Ifound out that my mother had passedaway when she was hit by a fallen fire-wall during the storm. I was distraughtthen and wondered why it had to hap-pen. In time, however, I learned toaccept things as they were. I foundstrength in the knowledge that in spiteof what happened, if I obeyed thecommandments and stayed active inthe Church, things would work out. Itrusted the Lord.

After I returned from my mission in1989, I tried my best to magnify mycallings in the Church and do whatwas expected of me. I worked over-seas for six years after that. I wanted tobe married in the temple and I knewthat the Lord knew my heart. I hadbeen waiting for someone for sometime, but I continued to trust that aslong as I kept myself worthy I wouldreceive such a blessing in His time. In2002 I met Isidro Paliza, a worthy manwho would eventually become myeternal companion, at a single adultactivity. We were married in June 2003in the Manila Philippines Temple.

In 2004, I became pregnant butsuffered a miscarriage. I did notbecome pregnant again after that. Wehad always wanted to have children,and it was a trying time for us. Again, Itrusted that the Lord would bless uswith our desires in His own time.

Last year my widowed sister becameterminally ill. She eventually passedaway, but before she did she told methat she would be entrusting her five

daughters, ages 12 to 19, to meand my husband. I am now amother of five wonderfuldaughters as well as a dotingaunt to two more girls.

I recently finished anentrepreneurship course at theAcademy for CreatingEnterprise and started a smallbusiness with my family. I donot know exactly what thefuture holds, but I know thatwhen I do my best to obey anddo what the Lord asks,everything will be all right. LikeNephi, I know in whom I havetrusted (see 2 Nephi 4:19). ■

If you have any stories or

experiences in which a

gospel principle helped you,

tell us about it in 500 words

or less and send to

datelinephilippines@

ldschurch.org.

Please send your commentson the Liahona andDateline Philippines to

datelinephilippines@ldschurch.org.

WHAT DO YOUTHINK?

Satisfies My Soul

I have always loved reading the

Liahona, and now I am so grateful

to have my own subscription. The

articles invigorate my spirit,

strengthen my testimony, and help

me stay on the right path. I espe-

cially love the Latter-day Saint

Voices section.

I am very grateful to receive the

messages of the Lord's servants

every month. They satisfy my hun-

gry soul.

Jezreel B. Bacalla

Enlighten, Remind, and Inspire

Every month I am excited to

receive the new issue of the

Liahona; excited to read new arti-

cles from members and leaders of

the Church that will enlighten,

remind, and inspire me once again.

I am so grateful to be a member of

this Church. I have known so many

members who by their example

have helped me become a better

person. And my thanks to the

Liahona for bringing me stories of

so many wonderful people in the

Church. The Liahona is a precious

gift from God.

Sheena Mae Libo-on Petro

Source of Strength and Power

The Liahona has been a major

source of strength and power to me

since I became a member of the

Church five years ago. It eases my

homesickness, calms my fears and

doubts, and lightens my burdens in

life. It has made me more human and

a better person. By living the princi-

ples and lessons I've learned from the

Liahona, I have come closer to

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and

to all Their children here on earth. I

love the Liahona!

Jacquelyn Badua

READER COMMENTS

NEWS OF THE CHURCH FEBRUARY 2009 N15

While speaking to BrighamYoung University graduates

in August 2008, Elder Richard G.Scott of the Quorum of theTwelve Apostles shared 10 pointsthat lead to happiness in life.

Use Correct Principles.Establish a set of guiding princi-ples based on the teachings ofJesus Christ. We can find direc-tion and opportunities as welive true principles and avoideven small deviations. As webase our lives on true princi-ples, we are able to make gooddecisions that bring successand happiness.

Exercise Faith. “Let yourpredominant attitudes be faithin the Lord Jesus Christ; confi-dence in His teachings; trust inHis ability to keep His prom-ises; and reliance on His capac-ity to inspire, motivate, andguide you,” Elder Scott said. Aswe show our faith and walk inobedience, we can stay close tothe Lord and have the HolyGhost to guide our every deci-sion. Answers will come a pieceat a time through prayer andpondering.

Work and Pray. Exceptionalachievement in all aspects oflife comes through work andprayer. Everyone can benefit

from applying that counsel in his or her life.Be Disciplined. “Discipline breeds determina-

tion. Determination fueled by discipline over-comes the barriers in life that would cause us tofall far short of our true potential. Determination,when supported by practiced discipline, convertsbarriers into ladders to greater success, happi-ness, joy, and accomplishment,” Elder Scott said.“Rigorous discipline is at the core of all signifi-cant attainment.”

Radiate a Positive Attitude. The challengeswe face can be just a moment if we choose tohave a positive attitude. “Challenges are notmeant to be the substance of life,” Elder Scottstated. Rather, they are meant to be stepping-stones to further growth and achievement. Aswe keep a positive attitude, life should and canbe wonderful.

Establish a Home and Family. “Make one ofthe highest priorities of life the formation of aneternal family; then live to permit the Lord toguide you to that objective while accepting Histiming,” Elder Scott said. Homes should be a safehaven where the gospel is taught and lived. Nomatter what your home looks like, make it aclean, righteous, peaceful environment thatinvites the Spirit to dwell there.

Trust in the Lord. Obedience to the command-ments and the Lord’s counsel fills our lives withinspiration and power. Each person has thecapacity to achieve far more when depending onthe Lord than is possible without His help. As wehave confidence in the Lord, we will develop abili-ties that help us to overcome challenges and pro-tect us from sin. Obedience brings confidence.

Be Honest and Loyal. Taking responsibility

for our actions builds charac-ter and earns respect. Live sothat you can be trusted, andshow integrity in all aspects oflife.

Follow Proper Traditions.Let all of your activities be inaccordance with the teachingsof the Savior. Make the gospelthe foundation in your life.

Smile, Serve Others, andDon’t Complain. All of theseprinciples let sunshine intoyour life and spread joy to oth-ers. There will be times whenyou will feel as if life isn’t fair.Everybody has problems. Don’twaste time complaining.Instead, seek the help of theLord and look for opportunitiesto serve others selflessly. Alwayshave a Church assignment.Serve gladly and let the Lordguide you through life, and youwill be able to face importantdecisions with the guidance ofthe Holy Ghost. ■

N16

Elder Scott Shares 10 Keys to Happiness

SPEAKING TODAY

Elder Richard G. Scott