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Digital volunteerism critical to furthering the goals of the Church

Tech conference brings together faithful workers

RIVERTON, UTAH

When you think of volunteer work in the Church, images of members feeding the homeless, cleaning up yards, sewing quilts or serving at a Church welfare facility might come to mind. In contrast, the image of volunteers sitting in the comfort of their own home, or office, working on service projects might seem foreign, but it is the vineyard of the present and future.

Building the kingdom of God on earth is more than putting together brick and mortar. With advancements in technology, volunteers from around the world can work together on projects that further the goals of the Church. Bringing together volunteers and Church technology employees is not an easy task, but the Church has created a number of innovative ways to coordinate the work. On March 29 and 30 the Church held its third annual LDS Tech Conference in Riverton, Utah, to bring together Church technology specialists and volunteers.

Hundreds of people from around the world spent their own money and sacrificed their own time to attend the conference in order to serve. Blaine R. Maxfield, chief information officer for the Church said, "The volunteers and employees who are here this week bring with them a variety of skills and backgrounds, and this conference is a unique opportunity for [Information and Communications System] employees and community volunteers to work together."

Seth Ogoe Ayim traveled from Ghana, Africa, to take part in the 2012 LDS Tech conference. He is an L
Seth Ogoe Ayim traveled from Ghana, Africa, to take part in the 2012 LDS Tech conference. He is an LDS Tech chapter president in Accra, Ghana. | Ryan Morgenegg, Church News
LDS Tech 2012 keynote speaker Blaine Maxfield addresses volunteers about serving in the kingdom Thur
LDS Tech 2012 keynote speaker Blaine Maxfield addresses volunteers about serving in the kingdom Thursday morning March 29, 2012. | Ryan Morgenegg, Church News

Seth Ogoe Ayim is a member of the McCarthy Hill Ghana Stake in Africa. He is an IT manager by profession and also serves as an LDS Tech chapter president. He came to the conference to gain more skills, network with other IT professionals and feel the spirit of the volunteer work. Brother Ogoe Ayim said, "I am trying to help people in my home country and around the world who want to read the scriptures but do not have a smartphone. The scriptures and the gospel should not be limited to those that have the latest technology. I am working on a project that will get the scriptures into the hands of more people."

William and Lana Proctor are retirees from a small town in Southern Alberta Canada. They served a two-year mission in Palmyra, N.Y., just four years after they were baptized. They often receive emails from the LDS Tech website and decided to drive to Utah to attend the conference. Sister Proctor said, "My husband and I don't have a lot of technical skills, but we have a desire to serve. We've learned a lot by attending."

Multiple break out sessions are available at the LDS Tech conference for volunteers to choose where
Multiple break out sessions are available at the LDS Tech conference for volunteers to choose where they may consecrate their time and talents to the Lord's work. | Ryan Morgenegg, Church News
John Edwards, portfolio director of Internet collaboration and communication for the Church, speaks
John Edwards, portfolio director of Internet collaboration and communication for the Church, speaks to volunteers about the creation of the Church's new Bible videos. The conference offered a variety of classes that ranged from writing software applications to website design. | Photo by Ryan Morgenegg

The LDS Tech Conference kicked off each morning with a keynote speaker who highlighted completed and ongoing technology projects and inspired volunteers in their work. Each hour thereafter break-out classes were led by project leaders seeking volunteers to assist them on individual projects. Church projects include a number of opportunities ranging from writing software applications for mobile phones to designing a website for the Festival of Lights at the Washington D.C. Temple.

Hundreds of attendees from around the world come together at their own expense to volunteer time at
Hundreds of attendees from around the world come together at their own expense to volunteer time at the 2012 LDS Tech Conference in Riverton, Utah. | Photo by Ryan Morgenegg
Lana and William Proctor are retirees from southern Alberta, Canada. They attended the 2012 LDS Tech
Lana and William Proctor are retirees from southern Alberta, Canada. They attended the 2012 LDS Tech Conference to find out ways they can serve. | Photo by Ryan Morgenegg

Andre Sanchez, a technology specialist from Kearns, Utah, summed up the conference best. He said, "Something I've realized while I've been attending the conference here for the first time is the Spirit of Christ that is present. This is not my work. I am helping my Heavenly Father do His work."

rmorgenegg@desnews.com

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