Two members of the Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints along with two visiting Church leaders attended a special devotional in Brisbane, Australia on Sunday 20 October.
Elder Ian S. Ardern, president of the Pacific Area of the Church, presided at the meeting. He was accompanied by Elder K. Brett Nattress, first counselor in the Area Presidency.
Visiting from the United States, Sister Sharon Eubank, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency of the Church, and Sister Becky Craven, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency, addressed over 1,000 women of all ages at the devotional.
The visiting leaders were accompanied by Sister Shawna Lee Nattress and Brother Ronald L. Craven.
- Sister Eubank, first counselor in Relief Society General Presidency, at women's meeting in Brisbane, 20 October 2019.
- Sister Eubank greets an usher at women's meeting in Brisbane, 20 October 2019.
- Becky Craven, second counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, at Women's meeting in Brisbane, 20 October 2019.
- Elders Ardern and Nattress of the Pacific Area Presidency at women's meeting in Brisbane, 20 October 2019.
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Sister Craven explained what it means to truly be a disciple of Jesus Christ. She encouraged the sisters to “stand out… be different… and to be a light to the world… because first and foremost, we are beloved daughters of Heavenly Parents."
“If ye love [Him], love to keep [the] commandments," she said.
Sister Eubank began her talk by explaining that a rudder (used to steer to boat) can be likened to Jesus Christ.
“Jesus Christ is the rudder in our lives that keeps us moving in the right direction… and our covenants and the Holy Ghost help us navigate the choppy waters of [life]."
Sister Eubank also spoke of continuing in hope and preparing ourselves to receive our righteous desires even though they may not look like they are going to happen right now, but believing and trusting that they [eventually] will.
She spoke of the miracle of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in overcoming trials, weaknesses and sin.
“The power to be born again and having a mighty change in our heart is within the realm of every person,” she said.
This message resonated with the women in Brisbane, in particular, Hannah Campbell, a young adult.
“Sister Eubank’s message reassured me that I will be able to receive the righteous desires of my heart. I feel so empowered to be able to set a higher standard for my life, to be able to make my dreams a reality. I feel so filled with faith.”
Elder Ardern closed the night by reflecting on President Gordon B. Hinckley’s six B’s: “Be grateful, Be smart, Be clean, Be true, Be humble and Be prayerful.”
Isabel Jest, a young adult, commented on Sister Craven’s remarks: “We should love to keep the commandments rather than feel like the commandments are an obligation or something we have to do. Being willing to be obedient shows our love for the Saviour and purely expresses our gratitude for His love and sacrificing Atonement.”
Veronica Barr from Cleveland related her feelings from the evening. “What a privilege for us to have two amazing women in Church leadership speak from their hearts about extremely relevant topics that inspired us to focus on the Saviour… and striving to achieve our divine potential. We came away feeling inspired and motivated!”