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Sister Dennis and Sister Browning teach women in Puerto Rico about the power of covenants

The newly called Relief Society and Primary general leaders visited the Caribbean Area Sept. 10-19

As Milagros Ramos de Llanos listened to Sister J. Anette Dennis and Sister Tracy Y. Browning testify of God’s love and the power of covenants during a women’s meeting in Puerto Rico, she wrote in her notebook: “I am a daughter of God and God loves me.”

“I felt that deep in my heart. It was one of the strongest impressions I felt,” said Llanos, a member of the San Juan Puerto Rico Stake. 

Llanos was one of many women gathered at the Guaynabo meetinghouse, north of San Juan, on Sept. 10 for a meeting with Sister Dennis, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, and Sister Browning, second counselor in the Primary general presidency. Women and girls ages 11 and older were invited. 

Sister Dennis and Sister Browning spoke about the importance of recognizing one’s divine identity and how this understanding helps in serving others. 

Sister J. Anette Dennis, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, speaks during a devotional for women in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Sister J. Anette Dennis, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, speaks during a devotional for women in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Sept. 10, 2022. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The women’s meeting in Puerto Rico was part of Sister Dennis and Sister Browning’s visit to the Caribbean Area Sept. 9-19, which also included stops in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. A summary of the women’s meeting was published in Spanish on the Church’s Puerto Rico Newsroom

Sister Dennis told Newsroom: “One of the things we want to convey is the power of covenants, the power that sisters have in honoring covenants that bring power from God, and the importance of understanding who we are.”

Amid the confusion of the world, she said, “Knowing who they are changes things.”

While in Puerto Rico, the women leaders also ministered to individuals and families in the San Juan area.

“Miracles can be seen in ministering visits,” said Elder Tomás Román, Area Seventy. “It is hoped that sisters will feel Heavenly Father’s love for them and that they can learn about Relief Society, Primary and how the priesthood and sisters work hand in hand.”

Sister J. Anette Dennis, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, second from left, is pictured with a family in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Sister J. Anette Dennis, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, second from left, is pictured with a family in San Juan, Puerto Rico, during a ministering visit in September 2022. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Sister Browning said of her experience: “When ministering in the homes, the Spirit was so strong. They are so generous. Their welcome was a very beautiful experience.”

Similar to Llanos, many other women expressed the love they felt while meeting with Sister Dennis and Sister Browning. 

Inés Pérez, from the Caguas Puerto Rico Stake, said: “A very strong spirit was felt. The messages reached my heart and we remember that we have to minister to our sisters, recognize that we are daughters of God and that we have to make an effort every day to reach our goal, which is to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father.”

Marta Torres, also from the Caguas Stake, added: “I still feel a very strong spirit and I feel that trust has to be placed in God, because He is the greatest thing we have in life. For me it was a great joy. I can testify that He lives, that He is with me and that He has great promises for us.”

Women and girls in San Juan, Puerto Rico, listen to Sister J. Anette Dennis, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, and Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor in the Primary general presidency.
Women and girls listen to Sister J. Anette Dennis, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, and Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor in the Primary general presidency, during a devotional in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Sept. 10, 2022. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

On Sept. 15 and 16, Sister Dennis and Sister Browning participated in leadership meetings and a young adult devotional at the Port of Spain Trinidad Stake center.

During a Primary and Relief Society training, Sister Browning echoed President Russell M. Nelson’s invitation to remember the three most important identities: child of God, child of the covenant and disciple of Jesus Christ.

Sister Browning encouraged young adults to take one step at a time as they aspire to reach spiritual heights. “Every time you kneel to pray, read your scriptures, partake of the sacrament or choose to live the gospel of Jesus Christ, you are climbing,” she said, reminding them “We are not alone on that climb.”

Sister Dennis and Sister Browning were called to their respective presidencies in April 2022 general conference and began their service Aug. 1. Sister Browning was raised on the Caribbean island of Jamaica. 

The sister leaders were no longer in Puerto Rico at the time Hurricane Fiona struck the island.

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