As part of a recent focus on building spiritual and temporal self-reliance, the youth and leaders of the Mackay Branch (congregation) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met for an early morning testimony meeting. Looking out over the Coral Sea as the sun rose on a beautiful day in the Queensland Whitsunday region, the small group shared their personal thoughts and feelings about the blessings of living close to gospel (church) principles and standards.
The Mackay Branch is part of the Rockhampton District (diocese) in the Australian Brisbane Mission, located in an area that is in the centre of a rich agricultural and mining region. Living over a 1000 km from the capital city and the nearest temple can be a challenge for the 120 active Mackay region saints, who are based in urban and small rural towns stretching over 200 km from the coast to the bush.
Daniel Glen, a young policeman serving as a counsellor in the Mackay Branch presidency, noted that he and his wife, Jessica, felt that the Lord had directed them to move to the area so that they could be of service to the local community. Daniel commented, “Our youth face many challenges in today’s world, but by following the guidance of their parents and leaders, they have amazing opportunities to learn and become a strength to the Church and their communities”.
The week preceding the testimony meeting, youth and leaders undertook a special “Helping Hands” service project cleaning up a local beach and park area. This was followed by learning from a visiting self-reliance missionary couple from Brisbane, Elder & Sister Applegarth, who facilitated a practical workshop for youth and adults on provident living using key principles of self-reliance.
As a major focus during the school holidays, 30 members of the branch headed to the Brisbane Temple where the youth and their parents were able to participate in sacred ordinances. Driving up to 12 hours to the temple was a serious commitment for all involved, but resulted in a marvellous blessing and bonding for the individuals and families who prepared and sacrificed time and resources to build spiritual self-reliance.