"For the Latter-day Saint, education is not simply a good idea, it is a religious duty,” Elder James J. Hamula told Christchurch youth and their parents last night.
Elder Hamula, a member of the Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also described learning as a lifelong pursuit supported by gospel truths that "invite us to seek education even by learning and by faith."
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Education was also presented as a way of maintaining strong activity in the Church. "Education keeps people active in the Church," Elder Hamula said. "We have found that inactivity in education often accompanies inactivity in the Church."
Encouragement was also given to endure trials that might make the learner feel inadequate. Elder Hamula encouraged attendees at the meeting to seek the Lord’s help in their educational pursuits. "We need to pray and then we need to act, both are important.”
In addition to hearing from Elder Hamula, attendees at the meeting listened to young members of the Church, senior academics and local leaders about the eternal value of gaining a higher education.
John Fesolaii, a recent graduate of Brigham Young University Hawaii, talked about how his study has enabled him to secure a significant position with an accounting firm in Australia. He invited the audience to ask themselves: “What can education do for me?” He then shared how his education opportunities have broadened his experiences and opportunities.
The advice given to young people was to study and prepare for employment in a field that they enjoyed and were excited about. An invitation was given to take responsibility for decisions that will enable the best possible education and future.