Australian Women Gather to Celebrate One of the World's Largest Women's Organizations

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In Eltham, Victoria, women gathered after worship services on Sunday 17 March to celebrate 182 years of the worldwide Relief Society organization. 

They came together to be strengthened by one another, to feel the Spirit of God through music, and to watch a Worldwide Relief Society Devotional broadcast from Salt Lake City, United States. 

Joseph Smith Jr, who organized the Relief Society in March 1842, taught: “The Church (of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized.” His wife, Emma Hale Smith, was selected as its first president. 

For 182 years, the Relief Society’s motto, “Charity Never Faileth” has been manifest in the works of millions of women throughout the world who help each other increase faith in Jesus Christ, strengthen individuals and families, and work in unity to help those in need. 

Komal Javed, a missionary serving in Melbourne, shared her hesitancy to join Relief Society as an 18-year-old, thinking it was a class for “old people.” After attending, however, she learned differently. 

“I find strength and comfort from my Relief Society sisters as I prepare for the future,” she said. “I’ve grown so much learning from mothers, sisters, and daughters. Every woman is so strong and has strength to share with others. It is here where I learned of Jesus Christ and His love.” 

The theme of the Eltham Women’s Conference came from a scripture found in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” 

One of the speakers, Wendy Roussety, demonstrated building a trail marker, “which needs to be sturdy and strong to withstand weather and be recognizable to other trekkers.” She compared the foundation stone to Jesus Christ, who is “our firm and dependable support or protection”.  

Later, Wendy said of the conference, “To gather and feel the Spirit with others who are like-minded and who have helped me through hard times in the past, is evidence to me that there is a God in Heaven.” 

Another speaker, Dariane McLean, said, “The gospel is very much based on relationships. Living intentionally and being at peace with who we are while relying on the Saviour helps us to be successful in all our relationships.” 

In a worldwide devotional broadcast, which the women watched, President of the Church, Russell M. Nelson, said, “I know how much the Lord loves you and depends upon you. You tackle real life challenges with skill, compassion, insight, and love. If the world should ever lose the moral rectitude of women, the world will never recover. The Church and the world need you… I bless you to know that your divine gifts give you power not only to change lives but to change the world.”  

President Camille Johnson also counseled, “Draw on God’s power to help those we love. When we bring the Saviour’s love to others, we find it for ourselves.” 

She also noted that “caring for those closest to us helps in the Church’s global humanitarian effort.” 

In similar gatherings throughout the South Pacific, Elder Peter F. Meurs, Pacific Area President, shared an additional message via video.  

He invited women to consider how the Church’s Area Focus this year is connected to the messages from this devotional. Elder Meurs said, “This year we are inviting all of you to participate in special focused one by one ministering. . .to someone you know and love.” 

“Heavenly Father loves all of His children...He wants to help us in this work and has sent His Beloved Son to provide the way for all to return to live with Him again.”