Elder Jaggi Delights in Meeting Outstanding Youth

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Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi of the Seventy and a member of the Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Sister Amy Jaggi, shared the podium with several young people during a youth devotional in Melbourne, Australia on Sunday evening, 25 February.

The theme of the devotional, “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ,” was introduced by former Ethiopia mission leaders, Robert and Darice Dudfield.

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Elder Jaggi spoke about Jesus Christ and His Atoning Sacrifice. “The Church is a hospital for sinners,” he said. “When I walked into church today, I thought, “I need to get better today. I look forward to partaking of the sacrament.”

He explained how the sacramental bread needs to be whole before the pieces are broken.

“Tearing the bread is a symbol of what happened to Jesus. No piece is alike; the bread is a symbol of our individuality,” Elder Jaggi said. “Jesus knows your pain, your burdens. When you take a piece, it’s just for you, no one else. Eating symbolizes remembering Jesus Christ and taking His name upon us. The water is a cup of joy. Jesus took the bitter cup so we could take a cup of joy.”

Elder Jaggi expressed great confidence in the youth of the Church, saying, “Our youth are stunning and spiritually mature.”

“They are so capable,” he said. “We need to let them lead.”

Sister Amy Jaggi shared experiences of feeling the love of the Lord in her life, especially in the safety of the temple. “We need to create environments to feel the Spirit in our lives,” she said. “The Lord trusts you and knows that you are capable of great things.”

Church leader in the Heidelberg area, Richard McLean, spoke of the joy he felt as a young missionary in helping to find the pure in heart. He encouraged the youth, saying, “Not only will a mission bless your life but will bless many lives to come. With the Holy Ghost helping and supporting, you can do this!”

Brother Dudfield said, "A disciple of Jesus Christ bears testimony of Him. As the Lord speaks, and we follow His direction, we see great miracles.”

Sister Dudfield compared our journey through life to steppingstones of a river to get to the other side. She cited missionary service as a solid steppingstone.

“A mission is a full-time training ground to be a disciple of Christ for life and throughout eternity,” she said. “Heavenly Father loves you and will empower you and the people you serve through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know the sacrifices we make to follow Jesus Christ will bless our lives forever.”

Youth speaker, Raphael Ward, said, “Being a disciple of Jesus Christ means taking personal responsibility for the development of my faith. Knowing that through small and simple things, great things will come to pass. I see my thoughts, words, and deeds as seeds. Whatever seeds I sow are the seeds I will harvest throughout my life. The pathway to discipleship brings peace and happiness.”

Marina Tuatagaloa, another youth speaker, said, “Developing a testimony is actively seeking divine confirmation. A testimony isn’t just words; it defines who we are and represents us coming to Christ and bringing others to Him. This takes patience and time.”