Dear Nampa Stake Relief Society Sisters,

It has been humbling, inspiring and a joyful experience working with the Relief Society sisters of the Nampa Stake. They have taught me what “Watch Care” truly is. General Relief Society President Sister Parkins, introduced this phrase in 2003 at the General Relief Society meeting; the sisters of the Nampa Stake already knew the concept and were exercising it in their lives through numerous acts of selfless love and compassionate service which I observed as president of the Stake Relief Society.

As the Stake Relief Society Presidency we would visit the Relief Society sisters of the stake that turned 80 years old or older. At one testimony building visit we observed a Relief Society sister 90 years old, thin and frail making homemade soup to fatten up her neighbor of 91 equally frail and recovering from an illness. “Watch Care“was exercised by a working mother of five children volunteering one day a week at the middle school to listen to students read. Also by sisters in our stake who meet one day a month to sew humanitarian supplies for the needy. These are just a few examples that strengthen my love for the sisters and reinforces my testimony of Relief Society.

Another testimony building event was our “Stake Humanitarian Project”. All the wards in the stake helped make newborn kits. All the organizations of the church Relief Society sister, primary children, priesthood, Young Women and the Young Men organization were included. After many month of work we came together as a stake and assembled the newborn kits that filled a trailer which was sent to Salt Lake to the Humanitarian Center. The support of the saints in the stake was overwhelming.

I had the privilege of serving six years as first counselor to Sister Wendy Mortensen in the Nampa Stake Relief Society Presidency. Upon her release I was then called to serve as the Nampa Stake Relief Society President in November of 2001 and served for the next three years until the Nampa Stake was divided making the Nampa North Stake (which I resided) on November 7, 2004.

I have had wonderful examples of sisterhood throughout my years in the Relief Society organization. As a young mother I served as a counselor to Sister Lisa DeCoursey in the Nampa 1st Ward. Lisa later served as the Nampa Stake Relief Society President. I was also privileged to have as my mother-in-law a former Stake Relief Society President, Cleo Simpson, who was a wonderful example to me. And my own dear loving mother Fae Wilson, a true model of the Relief Society values and standards which she taught me throughout my life. She was a loving mother with a vibrant testimony of the gospel and of service. She served in various church positions throughout her life including stake and ward positions in Primary, Young Women and Relief society, demonstrating dedication and sacrifice for the gospel.

As I served as Stake Relief Society President I was blessed to serve with women who are spiritual giants. My counselors and secretary are women with strong testimonies. As we sat together in council I learned from them as they shared their talents, examples and love of the sisters of the Nampa Stake. These are sister who will be forever in my heart, my counselors Sheila McGee, Angela Syndergurd; Vicki Heidt; Lorinda Bagley, Secretary Billie Purcell, historian Debie Rule, and my dedicated Humanitarian Specialist Lila Morgan. I thank the Lord for their love and friendship. They will always be a special part of my life.

Our inspired Stake Presidency; President Hughes, President Assay, and President Christenson, are men of God guided by the spirit on behalf of the Nampa Stake. My testimony has grown and strengthened as I sat in council with them and felt of the love they have for each of us as they dedicate their lives in service to the lord and their brothers and sisters. I thank them for the example and inspiration they are for each of us, and thank their families for the sacrifice they make.

I’m thankful for the blessing I have had of being raised by my parents Don and Fae Wilson who helped me cultivate a testimony of the gospel and love for my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. They were an example of unconditional love and provided me with a gospel centered home. I observed the power of prayer and unshakable faith through the trials of this earthly life and am eternally grateful for their example and love.

Also I could not do the things I do without the guidance and love of the Lord and the love and support of my loving husband Robert (Bob) Simpson and our special children, Jennifer and Aaron. They are a blessing and inspiration in my life, I thank the Lord everyday for the privilege I have of being a part of their lives.

Janet M. Simpson