Elder Ardern Thanks Latter-day Saint Bishops for Helping Youth Follow Christ

The following message was written by Elder Ian S. Ardern, Pacific Area President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the article, Elder Ardern thanks lay leaders in Latter-day Saint congregations (bishops of wards and presidents of branches) for their Christ-centred mentoring of and ministering to young men and young women.

Last weekend I met a group of young men from the Vaitape Ward in Bora Bora, Tahiti. They attended an evening cultural event where they performed a haka with their bishop, Bishop Tehaamoana, and they did a wonderful job.

I next saw the same group of young men, again with their bishop, at a training meeting. It occurred to me that here was a bishop who recognized that a key responsibility for him is to be with his young men. His presence was a reassurance to the young men that they are cared for and that he wants to be with them, to teach them and help them as they navigate the challenges of life and celebrate their successes. What joy it gave me to see yet another bishop in a remote place of the world, who understands his scriptural mandate to preside over the Aaronic Priesthood (Doctrine and Covenants 107:15).

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With the challenges of our day, bishops must relinquish much of the day-to-day responsibility they feel to minister to others and give most of their attention to the young men and young women. Adults need not feel abandoned as provision has been made for them by having the presidents of the Elders Quorum and the Relief Society take a greater responsibility for them.

I give my thanks to good bishops and branch presidents who make a difference for good in the lives of their youth. With parents, they are a powerful influence for good in a world where opposition abounds.

Elder Ardern

Read more about the role of Latter-day Saint lay leaders here.

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