Akron Ohio Stake News

Dear Akron Ohio Stake YM,

It was my hope that this article would be highlighting the first Annual Stake YM Camp. I was excited to participate with each of you in some fun outdoor activities, filling our bellies with some delicious food and spiritually feasting on the word of God. As of now, it appears it may be several more months before we are able to gather again at the Stake level as YM, which means we will have to delay plans for some more fun upcoming stake YM/YW activities.

Despite the challenging times we are living in, this is still a great time to be alive! Prophets all through time have prophesied of the second coming of our Savior Jesus Christ. Each of us has the privilege of being one of His chosen servants to prepare the world for this blessed day! With this privilege comes great challenges and a great responsibility.

Consider the youth theme chosen by our inspired leaders, “Go & Do.” The doctrinal foundation for this theme is 1 Nephi 3:7, in which Nephi was given a task of great significance for the spiritual welfare of his family and the generations to come. His willingness to accomplish this task was unwavering, and his faith that a way would be shown to him was sure, and his motivation to “go and do” was dogged and determined.

Each of us has been dealt a set of circumstances and challenges not of our choosing and what some of us might feel is a hard thing to do. Many of you are unable to participate in activities you love. Some have been unable to experience “once in a lifetime” events because of COVID restrictions. While others may find themselves feeling lonely and missing the interactions with their friends and family.

This inspired theme that was chosen for us at this time and the example of Nephi is a testimony to me that our Heavenly Father knows us and is very aware of the challenges we face. As we look to the example of Nephi and how he handled opposition and challenges, we can see that Nephi faced these challenges with power, peace, and confidence. He knew that his ability to accomplish the given tasks came from a higher power. This power resides within each of you, and you have access to the same Godly power that allowed Nephi to accomplish the things which the Lord commanded. Nephi didn’t fear or stress about the challenges he faced; rather, he had peace. This is the peace that the Spirit speaks to our heart through the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost. We are entitled to the feeling of peace as we seek personal revelation from the Lord. Finally, Nephi exemplified confidence. This confidence came through his obedience and witnessing for himself that God will provide a way for us to accomplish that which he commands. As we follow through and do the simple things that God has asked us to do; daily prayer, scripture study, Come Follow Me, participating in the new youth program by setting goals and working to become more like Jesus Christ, we too will develop confidence. This confidence will give us the strength to move forward when there is so much uncertainty before us.

I pray that you will be like Nephi as we navigate the COVID challenges and the many challenges yet to come. Will you be unwavering in your willingness to move forward? Will your faith be sure and true? And will your motivation to accomplish the Lord’s work to prepare the world for His return be dogged and determined like Nephi?  If you do, you, too, will develop power, peace, and confidence that will be a blessing to you for the rest of your life.

I want you to know that your Stake Young Men Presidency loves you! We think of you often, we miss your special spirits, and we pray for your success. We look forward to gathering again soon, and we look forward to seeing how each of you has grown in wisdom and stature as you have faced the challenges placed before you.

With Great Love,

The Stake YM Presidency

Brother Most, Brother Oda, Brother Morey, and Brother Flory