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ASIA AREA PRESIDENCY MESSAGE

Women in the Gospel By Elder Randy D. Funk Asia Area President Elder Randy D. Funk

well-regarded­ American author had done so, “they made known perceptiveness of ; A and historian wrote the following abroad the saying which was told and the devotion and sacrifice of about early : “That I them concerning this child,” but “Mary Mary Ann Young and Vilate Kimball do not accept the faith that possessed kept all these things, and pondered illustrate many qualities needed in them does not mean I doubt their them in her heart” (Luke 2:17, 19). families and in the Church. frequent devotion and heroism in its was naturally concerned In addition to the sons of Helaman, service. Especially their women. Their for her sons when they returned to there are many of us in the Church women were incredible.”1 Jerusalem to obtain the plates from who can say, “We do not doubt our The women of this Church are truly Laban. After they returned safely, mothers knew it” (see Alma 56:48). incredible. Throughout the scriptures, Nephi recorded the feelings of his in early Church history, and from our parents, saying, “behold their joy was Swaroopa with her husband service with women in the Asia Area, full, and my mother was comforted” Sreedhar Srigiri and their we see the many attributes and contri- (1 Nephi 5:7). daughter in Bengaluru, butions of great women of faith. The first person to whom mentioned the First was his Women of Faith in the Scriptures mother as she discerningly “inquired and Church History what the matter was” ( — Brief but meaningful stories of History 1:20). And when Brigham women in the scriptures and Church Young and Heber C. Kimball left their history illustrate qualities we should wives and children under difficult desire or actions we may take when circumstances to begin their mission faced with similar circumstances. For to England, these valiant sisters bid example, when Eve learned of the them well on their journey with faith plan of happiness, she “was glad,” and and trust in the Lord that their families with Adam “made all things known” would be alright.2 to their children (see Moses 5:11–12). The gratitude for the plan of sal- When Esther, at great personal risk, vation felt by Eve and her desire to was placed in a situation to save her teach it to her children; the courage people, she asked others to fast for her of Esther and her willingness to help and went forth with courage declaring, others; the humility and thoughtful “if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). pondering of Mary, the mother of Shepherds came to see the new- the Son of God; the loving concern born Savior of the world. When they of mother Sariah for her sons; the

September 2016 A1 had the privilege of officiating at their sealing. Shortly before their marriage, Swaroopa had been accepted into the master’s degree program to study physics at an excellent university. As Swaroopa neared graduation, two important events were expected to occur at the same time. On April 6, 2016, Swaroopa gave birth to a beauti- ful baby girl, and the very next day she took the final exams of her master’s program. She received high marks. She was blessed with a daughter who was born in the covenant and a master’s degree in physics, through her contin- uing faith and trust in the Lord and His eternal plan of happiness.

Hope On a Saturday morning last year, prior to a district conference, the Sister Dany Pen with her husband, district president and I visited several President Bunhuoch Eng, and their four sons in Phnom Penh, families. One of those was a single sister, about 50 years old, who had joined the Church two years earlier. Women of Faith in Asia share just three examples from many This faithful sister lived in a very As I travel about the Asia Area, I have observed. small concrete room on the end of a among this group of Heavenly Father’s larger building, along with her broth- children, I meet many righteous wom- Faith er who had some health challenges. en who faithfully live the gospel. We On a Tuesday morning in April Their small one-room­ home had no are grateful for their valuable contribu- 2014, Swaroopa was civilly married furniture but was very clean. She tions in caring for their own families in India without any of the traditional worked hard to provide for herself and building up the Church. They celebration. Then, with great sacrifice and her brother. demonstrate faith, hope, and charity and faith, Swaroopa and her new hus- As we sat on the floor visiting, with as they live the first two great com- band, Sreedhar Srigiri, flew through the district president as our interpreter, mandments of loving God and loving the night to be sealed the next day I noticed what she had pasted to the others. With their consent, let me in the China Temple. I wall in front of us. There were small

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photos of missionaries, a copy of “The When she arrived, the first question Family: A Proclamation to the World,”3 Elder Gong asked was, “What do you Women in and the Articles of Faith. Prominently love about your husband?” As she the Church displayed on the wall were photos of thought about his many good attrib- By Sister Bani Das President Thomas S. Monson and the utes, she realized he had developed Hong Kong and Manila Philippines those qualities through his omen of The Church of Temples, and, near the center, a service. She realized that he is a won- WChrist of Latter-day­ Saints know well-known­ painting of the Savior. I derful husband and father because of they are daughters of Heavenly Father. could see what was important to her. his callings. She could no longer say These women take care of other Though her circumstances are very no but very willingly said yes. women, offer comfort, and do needful humble and the opportunities of this Sister Dany Pen is one of many services. The Lord has said, “I say unto life limited, I saw in her hope and women who do much to unselfishly you, be one; and if ye are not one ye peace. I felt of the love our Heavenly assist their husbands in service to are not mine” (D&C 38:27). Women Father has for this woman, one of His others. Her charity—her love for God, seek friendship, support, and com- daughters. She has almost nothing the her husband, and the members of panionship. The women of this dis- world considers important, but she their stake whom he serves—is a great pensation are distinct from any other knows she is a daughter of God and example of keeping the first two com- women. President Spencer W. Kimball she has hope. mandments. She loves God and loves (1895–1985) prophesied, “Much of others and supports her husband in the major growth that is coming to Charity his important service which he could the Church in the last days will come In May 2014, the first two stakes not do without her. because many of the good women were organized in Cambodia. The I am grateful for women who live of the world (in whom there is often day before the general session of the gospel and provide such impor- such an inner sense of spirituality) will the conference, Sister Dany Pen, tant examples of goodness to all of us. be drawn to the Church in large num- the wife of the district president, I have been very blessed through the bers. This will happen to the degree President Bunhuoch Eng, was invit- teachings of my mother and the dear that the women of the Church reflect ed to come to the meetinghouse to companionship of my wife. Whatever righteousness and articulateness in meet with Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the your own circumstances, may you their lives and to the degree that the Presidency of the Seventy and Elder seek faith, hope, and charity and learn women of the Church are seen as dis- Zeno Chow of the Sixth Quorum of from great women in the gospel. ◼ tinct and different—in happy ways— the Seventy. She felt she might be from the women of the world.”1 NOTES asked to support her husband in a 1. Wallace Stegner, The Gathering of Zion: When we think of present women The Story of the Mormon Trail (1971), 13; calling in the new stake presidency. see also Quentin L. Cook, “LDS Women Are of the Church, we cannot forget our She planned to say no. She and her Incredible!” Liahona, May 2011, 18–21. pioneers. They were a great example 2. See Orson F. Whitney, Life of Heber C. young sons needed him to be home Kimball, 3rd ed. (1967), 265–66; see to our present generation. The attrib- also Church History in the Fulness of with them. Their family had already Times Student Manual, 2nd ed. (Church utes in the lives of our pioneer women sacrificed much during his service as Educational System manual, 2003), 227–28. are incredible. The pioneer women 3. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” district president. Liahona, Nov. 2010, 129. were steadfast and firm, and they

September 2016 A3 sacrificed a lot to reach Salt Lake. organized and women who can orga- Women of the Church today are During their journey, they lost their nize. We need women with executive strong, faithful, and offer selfless ser- loved ones, they were troubled in ability who can plan and direct and vices for other women. They work in their hearts, but they never gave up. administer, women who can teach, perfect harmony along with priest- They pressed forward to continue women who can speak out. . . . hood holders. I recall a talk given by their journey across the plains to “We need women with the gift a brother in our ward. In his talk he reach Salt Lake. This is a priceless of discernment who can view the mentioned that he lost his job and legacy to the Church. trends in the world and detect those felt very uncomfortable to reveal it to Women of the Church have a that, however popular, are shallow his wife. When he reached his home, special organization where all sisters or dangerous.”3 he decided to tell the truth about it. meet: the . The motto Women are called to fulfill posi- He expected that his wife would be of this organization is “Charity nev- tions in the Church to serve one annoyed and would get frustrated, but er faileth” (1 Corinthians 13:8). This another and to bless the entire to his great astonishment his wife said, motto was very well practiced by our Church. As women of the Church “That’s OK. God will take care of us.” pioneers, especially during times of participate in Relief Society, they Even in times of difficulty, women of war, and during the construction of serve as disciples of Jesus Christ and the Church stand firm and immovable temples. President Joseph F. Smith they work along with priesthood and support their husbands because (1838–1918) “said that while world- holders to increase faith and personal they know that Heavenly Father will ly organizations ‘are men-made­ or righteousness, strengthen home and provide and will not leave them alone women-made,’­ the Relief Society ‘is families, and seek to help those who in their troubles. Sisters have key roles divinely made, divinely authorized, are in need. in the Church, for example, Relief divinely instituted, divinely ordained Society, Young Women, and Primary of God to minister for the salvations presidencies, teachers, and advisers. of the souls of women and men.’”2 These women not only have key roles In addition to working with other in the Church but also in their fami- organizations, Relief Society sisters lies. The responsibilities of the Church did a variety of things by providing do not provide an economic compen- goods and raising money for those sation, but still these women perform in need. Some sisters made and sold their duties and are satisfied because dresses, aprons, quilts, and hand-­ it’s the Lord’s work they do. woven hats and rugs. Sisters cared Despite challenges in their fami- for the sick and sewed for those who lies, they remain strong, immovable, needed clothing. and steadfast to their faith. Women Women of the Church are a great help their communities by offering strength to the brethren. President aid and support to the afflicted dur- Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015), President ing natural calamities. I have been of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Sister Bani Das in this Church for the past 10 years. said, “We need women who are I have learned to love, serve, and lift

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others, and to help bring those lost ones to the Church through visiting Sisterhood—Supportive and Helpful teaching. In 2015, when my leg was By Sister Ravulapudi Maleshwar Lalitha amputated, sisters from the Church visited me in the hospital and at hen I first started coming home. They showed their love and Wto church in 2011, I did not comforted me through scriptures. know what the Relief Society was, This increased my faith and hope in but slowly I started to mingle with our Heavenly father and our Savior the sisters who were very helpful Jesus Christ. and supportive. Before I joined The remarkable pioneer Emily H. the Church, I felt the burden of Woodmansee gave text to the hymn, being a mother and provider. I “As Sisters in Zion” (Hymns, no. 309). turned myself to Heavenly Father She correctly asserted, and prayerfully asked for guid- ance. I felt like my prayers were As sisters in Zion, we’ll all work answered when the missionaries together; found me and visited with my The blessings of God on our labors we’ll seek. family. I appreciated the constant We’ll build up his kingdom with support and love that they gave earnest endeavor; me and my family. They were very Sister Ravulapudi Maleshwar Lalitha We’ll comfort the weary and humble and accepted whatever I strengthen the weak. could afford to give them when time they were little girls. My son they visited me, even if it was just and husband have been equally I testify that God lives and that a glass of water. supportive. We encourage each the work of building up His kingdom At first, it was difficult for me other to pay our tithing, go to is also given to the women of the to accept and understand the church, magnify our callings, par- Church. I testify that these women kindness that was offered to me ticipate in Church activities, pray, are a great support and stand strong and my family from members, and read the scriptures. With the to support the priesthood. I testify in missionaries, and the Church. My help of self-reliance­ principles and the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ daughters explained to me that the Relief Society, I have learned Sister Bani Das, AS Rao Nagar Ward, it was because the Church was to be more economical. Hyderabad Stake true, which filled my heart with I know that I can always NOTES 1. Spencer W. Kimball, “The Role of Righteous the Spirit. Ever since we got bap- rely on my Relief Society sisters. Women,” Ensign, Nov. 1979, 102; lds.org/ tized in the Church, my family has I also know that this Church ensign/1979/11/the-­role-­of-­righteous -­women. been blessed abundantly. I have and the gospel are true with all 2. Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society (2011), 65–66. watched my two daughters grow my heart. ◼ 3. Boyd K. Packer, “The Relief Society,” Ensign, into beautiful women with values Nov. 1978, 7; lds.org/ensign/1978/11/the Sister Ravulapudi Maleshwar Lalitha, -­relief-­society. that were taught to them from the Visakhapatnam 1st Branch

September 2016 A5 daily activities. Because the Savior Choosing Faith exercised faith, both in premortal By Vikas Kumar Oraon and mortal existence, He now stands his world began with faith. on the right hand of God (see Acts TGenesis 1:3 is the best example 7:55–56). to see the beginning of the world. It Our day-to-­ day­ activity will was by faith: “God said, Let there be require us to show our faith. This light: and there was light.” We know may be at work assignments, school, through the scriptures that it was home or Church callings. All that we our Savior Jesus Christ who creat- need to do is to follow the Savior’s ed this world under the direction example. When He volunteered to of Heavenly Father (see Hebrews help us, He showed His faith. When 1:1–2; Abraham 4). The Savior was He healed the sick, He showed his

blessed with the priesthood power Vikas Kumar Oraon faith. When He was tried and tested to act under Almighty God. We see before kings and rulers, He showed the attributes involved in perform- His faith. Even on the verge of death ing this act are the power of the attribute to letting faith work (see He showed His faith. priesthood and faith. However, Abraham 3:23–28). He had chosen to act according what enhances these two things to These three attributes: knowl- to faith. As we practice this in our work together is knowledge. We as edge, the power of the priesthood, lives, we will see ourselves improv- mortals fail to recognize this power and love, when combined together, ing and increasing in our faith in in us and how it can bless us. Some will allow an individual to further Jesus Christ. This will enable us to of us were born with abilities and develop faith. receive many blessings. Whether talents that we developed in the As soon as the Savior heard the it be temporal or spiritual, the key premortal existence. These talents plan of salvation from our Heavenly attributes to work on are knowl- and abilities help us excel the power Father, He showed His faith. He edge, the power of the priesthood, of knowledge. could see the eternal blessings that and love. In this Savior’s promised In the premortal existence when Heavenly Father has for His chil- blessing stay firm: “If ye have faith as Heavenly Father presented the plan dren. Christ decided to put His trust a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say of salvation, the Savior understood and faith in Almighty God. unto this mountain, Remove hence God’s plan for His spirit children. As we read the scriptures, we to yonder place; and it shall remove; He volunteered to help all His spirit can find this knowledge, and our and nothing shall be impossible brothers and sisters in implementing love for Heavenly Father and Jesus unto you” (Matthew 17:20). In the the plan. This involves His eter- Christ will increase. This will result name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ nal love for us, another important in showing and choosing faith in our Vikas Kumar Oraon, Hyderabad Stake

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SABBATH DAY OBSERVANCE

an increased understanding of sacred- Sabbath day—a Gift ness of this day. President Gordon B. Hinckley wo scriptures populate in my mind that we love Him” (Randall K. Bennett, (1910–2008) said, “There isn’t any- Twhen I think of the Sabbath: “Your Next Step,” Liahona, Nov. 2015, body in this Church who has to buy 70; see also “The Sabbath Is a Delight,” furniture on Sunday. There really isn’t. 1. “The sabbath was made for man, and Liahona, May 2015, 129–32.). There isn’t anybody in this Church not man for the sabbath” (Mark 2:27). Truly speaking, Sabbath day obser- who has to buy a new automobile on 2. “Remember the sabbath day, to vance is a gift to us. Keeping the Sunday, is there? No. There isn’t any- keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). Sabbath day holy is one of the ways body in this Church who, with a little we show our love to the Lord. It will care and planning, has to buy grocer- The recent emphasis of making the help us set aside all the worldly cares ies on Sunday. No. . . . You don’t need Sabbath day a delight is a direct inspi- and selfish interests and give us an ice cream to be bought on Sunday. ration from the Lord to His leaders. opportunity to become closer to our . . . You don’t need to make Sunday Personally speaking, observing Savior. It provides us refuge from the a day of merchandising. I don’t think the Sabbath day has always been a storms of this life. It’s a sign that we we need to patronize the ordinary blessing to me rather than a burden. show our devotion to the Lord and business merchants on the Sabbath My main focus of the Sabbath day is attending meeting. It is a blessing and a privilege to be able to partake of His sacrament. As the sacrament prayers are said, it is a personal commitment that I am mak- ing to take upon me His name, will- ing to always remember Him and to keep His commandments. In return, the Savior has promised to renew my covenants by the remission of my sins and enabling me to have His Spirit. Observing the Sabbath is exhibiting a form of righteousness, which helps Kethura me focus more on the Lord Jesus Vennamala, Christ and allows me to be in the Hyderabad world but not of the world. Stake Assistant “President Russell M. Nelson taught Content Editor, us . . . that the Sabbath is the Lord’s gift AS Rao Nagar to us. Our devoted weekly observance Ward. of the Sabbath is our sign to the Lord

September 2016 A7 day. Why do they stay open? To get The Sabbath day doesn’t conclude need, and I’m greatly overwhelmed customers. Who are those customers? by attending three hours of Church to have such a wonderful gift and Well, they are not all nonmembers meetings. President Spencer W. blessing as my constant companion. of this Church. You know that and I Kimball said our “abstinence from I testify that as we keep the Sabbath know that” (Heber City/Springville, work and recreation is important but day holy, we emulate the Savior’s Utah, regional conference, priesthood insufficient. The Sabbath calls for example. It brings blessings and pro- leadership meeting, 13 May 1995). constructive thoughts and acts, and tection not only to an individual but Adding to that instruction if one merely lounges about doing also to families. I know that the Lord about the Sabbath, the song from nothing on the Sabbath, he is break- has blessed the Sabbath day and hal- Children’s Songbook (“Saturday,” ing it” (The Miracle of Forgiveness lowed it. I know that Jesus is the Christ Children’s Songbook, 196) says: [1969], 96–97). and that He has atoned for my sins. I When I was pondering on making know that Heavenly Father lives and Saturday is a special day. the Sabbath even more of a delight, loves me. I know the It’s the day we get ready for Sunday: I was inspired to read talks from to be true and the keystone of our reli- We clean the house, and we shop at general conference. As I obeyed that gion. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the store, prompting each Sunday, I testify that a prophet of God. I testify that Joseph So we won’t have to work until there is an increased amount of spiri- Smith did see Heavenly Father and Monday. tual strength and motivation to fol- Jesus Christ and that through him the We brush our clothes, and we shine low the counsel from the leaders of true gospel and Church was restored. our shoes, the Church. By doing this, I was able In His most precious name, even Jesus And we call it our get-the-­ work­ to receive inspiration in my hour of Christ, I conclude, amen. ◼ done day. Then we trim our nails, and we shampoo our hair, So we can be ready for Sunday! NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Planning ahead has helped me hurch leaders have for the past keep the Sabbath day holy and main- Cyear placed emphasis on the tain the reverence of it. Just as the observance of the Sabbath day. song goes, my preparation starts on Members can share their spiritual Saturday, and apart from this I also experiences on the observance of ensure to fuel my vehicle and buy all the Sabbath day. You send your things required ahead of Sunday. I tes- articles to [email protected]. tify that everyone who does prepare Members can also share articles on topics other than Sabbath day ahead for Sunday will have an added observance. ◼ measure of the Spirit and an increased desire to follow our Savior by show-

ing obedience. ENGLISH—INDIA

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