Akron Ohio Stake News

Stake Primary Activity

Children ages 8 – 11 participated in a Stake Primary Activity focused on missionary work. They heard a special message on working in the mission field and how to approach others with gospel topics. We sang songs about missionary work and practiced the inspiring song “My Own Sacred Grove,” which the children of our stake sang at the October Stake Conference. They participated in a role-play activity where each of them practiced asking each other questions about the church. Then the children participated in a service project to decorate pillowcases for future missionaries serving from our stake and made greeting cards to brighten someone’s day. We appreciate all who attended and especially enjoyed interacting with children in our stake and for the opportunity it provided them to get to know one another and build relationships.

Blessed by the Light From Our Children

Compiled by Sister Annette Alboreo

The following is taken from a talk by President Thomas S. Monson titled “Precious Children.”

From the book of Matthew, we learn that after Jesus and His disciples descended from the Mount of Transfiguration, they paused at Galilee, then came to Capernaum. The disciples said unto Jesus, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, “Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Our children are indeed precious, and many times they teach us far more than we could ever teach them. Here’s one missionary’s story of how children made a difference while he was on his mission:

I now understand more why the Savior commands us to be as a little child. While in Mexico, I was walking the streets with my companion when we heard a young voice shout, “Hola Elderes!” We turned around just in time to see a young boy run off in the other direction. Needless to say, we were a little surprised that a little boy who we didn’t recognize knew that we were Elders. My companion made the wise decision to turn around and try to talk with him.

When we found him, we met his older brother, older sister, and mom, who told us how they had met with missionaries three or four years ago in another part of Tijuana. They all had loved meeting with the missionaries, but when they moved on short notice, they didn’t have a chance to tell the missionaries where they were going and lost contact with the missionaries; however, none of them ever forgot the missionaries and what they felt when they were meeting with them (even the youngest boy who was just four years old at that time).

As we started meeting with them, things were going amazing! One morning, when we went for a lesson, mom couldn’t be there, so we sat outside to teach her kids. We felt very strongly to teach about the Word of Wisdom. I was doubtful at first, thinking that we would almost assuredly have to reteach it when mom was there so that they would actually live it. They all said they would live it and even not drink coffee when their mom prepared it. We left hopeful, but I had doubts as to if they would actually do what they said they would.

When we returned two days later for our next lesson, we were shocked to find out how the youngest boy had consistently stood up to his mom and would not drink the coffee that she had made for breakfast for the past two days. Mom was a little surprised and wanted to know why her son wouldn’t drink coffee. She listened to our message, accepted it, and began to live the Word of Wisdom in her life as well. All because of the example of her son and his willingness to keep the commandments.

Children are very receptive to the Spirit, especially when the home is an environment where the Spirit can dwell. They often follow counsel and guidance without too much questioning. As we follow their example of following the Spirit and standing up for what we know and believe to be true, we will enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost more fully and will be able to “let [our] light so shine” for others to see!

-Thomas Biggs, Tallmadge Ward