Church Leaders Encourage Australian Youth to Be Disciples of Jesus Christ

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo of the Seventy and a member of Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently met with youth in Adelaide and Perth.  He was accompanied by his wife, Sister Anita Wakolo.

Traveling with the Wakolos were Steven J. Lund, Young Men General President for the Church, and his wife, Kalleen Lund.

At a devotional in Perth, Elder Wakolo said, “The 14-year-old Joseph Smith and the 12-year-old Jesus Christ both loved the scriptures. Jesus loved the temple at a young age. Why? His parents always showed him as he accompanied them to the feast of the Passover every year.”

Elder Wakolo invited the parents to do likewise.

Elder Wakolo also reminded all in attendance that “casualness leads to casualties.” He invited the youth to illuminate their lives in the Light of Christ and this will eliminate un-Christlike behaviours from their lives.

Elder Wakolo expressed love for the youth of the Church and reminded those gathered, “to make Jesus Christ your standard.” He invited all to “go to the rescue of the one.”

President Lund focused his remarks on the values that Heavenly Father wants youth to include in their lives – to become true disciples of Jesus Christ. He also emphasized their identity, purpose, and the power of testimony – ideas that can resonate with youth traveling the covenant path.

He challenged the youth to think about the importance of the words they use, especially in relation to their faith and how it represents their personal beliefs.

President Lund said, “When you say the name of the Church, you’re sharing your testimony. The name of the Church isn’t a brand. It’s a testimony. Using the full and proper name of the Church is an opportunity to share your beliefs with others.”

“Actively live your faith with dedication and do your best to follow Jesus Christ with all of your heart, might, mind, and strength,” he said.

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Sister Wakolo recalled experiences with her mother praying and teaching her how to pray. She also reminded everyone in attendance, “After meetings like this, we go home knowing how to better be like Christ.”

Sister Kalleen Lund talked about how much she loved to sing with her mother and how it made her feel stronger. She then went on to say, “When you are with the Saviour, you are stronger.”

Here are some comments from young attendees: 

• “I just loved listening to him [President Lund] speak about the prophet, President Nelson. It was very inspiring, and it strengthened my testimony of the prophet and how he really is the prophet of God, and he receives revelation from God.”
• “I really loved hearing about the prophet and just hearing about how kind and sweet he is and to know he is very caring and just to know that he really is the prophet.”
• “I felt the Spirit very strongly and I started tearing up, it was just nice.”
• “I really enjoyed tonight.  It really touched me when Sister Lund was talking about reading The Book of Mormon and how we don’t need something big to happen to know if it’s true.”
• “My favourite thing was when we all said the Young Men’s and Young Women’s themes. That was really powerful for me, and I needed and appreciated that.”