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How the Church ministers to Primary children and families 1 by 1, inspires them to grow and succeed

‘Children are the Lord’s most precious resource! They are sent to us by God, our Heavenly Father, with a divine mandate to raise them in His love,’ wrote Primary General President Susan H. Porter

The Savior ministered to those in need one by one during His ministry on earth. Today, Church leaders strive to serve just as Jesus Christ did, by helping one person, community or area at a time.

Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently emphasized the importance of child nutrition, care and protection, and have been sharing their recent efforts to strengthen children around the world.

The caring.ChurchofJesusChrist social media page, together with the official social media of Primary General President Susan H. Porter, posted photos highlighting ways The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is participating and organizing programs to bless children, and why it is so important.

In the post, President Porter wrote: “Children are the Lord’s most precious resource. They are sent to us by God, our Heavenly Father, with a divine mandate to raise them in His love. Jesus invited us to ‘behold your little ones.’ As we behold them, we will understand His invitation to become like them and to see their capacity to contribute in important ways to making the world a better place for all.”

Church programs encourage personal development

In the October 2018 general conference, President Russell M. Nelson pleaded with members to establish home-centered, church-supported programs throughout the Church.

This change is apparent in the revised Children and Youth program, designed to help the young people of the Church create and accomplish personal goals, supported by Church leaders and parents.

“The Church encourages personal development of children by helping discover and grow their gifts and talents. Parents and Church leaders encourage children to focus on at least one goal in each of four categories (spiritual, social, physical, and intellectual) every year,” according to the social media post.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shared a post highlighting ways that the Church supports children and youth to celebrate World Children's Day, Nov. 20, 2024.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shared a post highlighting ways that the Church supports children and youth to celebrate World Children's Day, Nov. 20, 2024. | Screenshot from Instagram

The purpose of the revised program is to help children and youth learn to live by revelation and to hear the voice of the Lord in their personal endeavors. As opposed to the former Church programs — Personal Progress for young women and Boy Scouts for young men — children and youth are encouraged to counsel with the Lord, leaders, and parent or guardians to decide for themselves how the Lord would have them personally develop.

“It is a tool for the youth and the children to be actively engaged in the work of salvation and exaltation,” former Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon explained in a previous interview with the Church News about the Children and Youth program. And how do they do that? “By living the gospel of Jesus Christ, caring for those in need, sharing the gospel and uniting families for eternity.”

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Service and activities promote well-being in young children

From Georgia to Washington to Portugal, wards and stakes plan and organize recreational activities for Primary children to enjoy together.

The purpose of these activities is to give Primary children the opportunity to make friends, create new hobbies and ultimately build a foundation for their testimony of Jesus Christ.

“Children feel a sense of belonging when they serve people and participate in activities together. At home, children learn how to use their gifts and talents to bless and serve others. At church, children participate in service and activities,” the Church wrote in the social media post.

A large group of Primary children take a picture with many world flags on the island of Guam.
Children in the Barrigada Guam Stake attend a stake Primary activity on Aug. 24, 2024. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

In the Columbus Georgia Stake, Primary children were surrounded by Book of Mormon prophets — leaders dressed up — and were led into a multipurpose room by following the “iron rod” — a rope covered in aluminum foil.

Relief Society women joined Primary children in Lake Stevens, Washington, and made 160 pillows for local hospice patients to provide warmth, comfort and love.

In the Vila Nova de Gaia 1st Ward, Porto Portugal Stake, Primary children participated in their own mini “FSY” camp, with elements inspired by the For the Strength of Youth conferences, and hosted by local leaders designed not only to entertain the children, but also to teach important lessons about teamwork, friendship and following Jesus Christ.

Service and recreational opportunities provide a foundation of love among Primary children and allow them to frequently participate in Church functions.

The Church’s child nutrition initiative blesses families

In June 2024, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson announced a global initiative for women and children with the aim to provide them with the Savior’s relief.

“Many children around the world suffer from the effects of malnutrition. Healthy nutrition is essential to proper brain, body and immune system development, especially from the time of conception to ages 2–3,” the Church wrote in the Caring social media post. “The Church has focused efforts to help more children have access to comprehensive nutrition care, including nutritious foods, safe drinking water, supported access to local clinical services and other factors that help a child meet their growth potential.”

With the global initiative, Relief Society women around the world are encouraged to serve those in their communities in large and small ways, such as building an emergency reserve of food, mentoring someone on the path to self-reliance or even helping a child with homework after school.

In June, the Church donated a combined $55.8 million to eight international nonprofit organizations to strengthen health and nutrition programs in 12 countries in need. Almost all of these organizations focus on the health of women and children.

Members of the Relief Society and Primary general presidencies have participated in malnutrition screenings in various countries, such as the Philippines, Ghana and Guatemala. These screenings provide mothers and young children in need with maternal and newborn care, child nutrition efforts, immunizations and education.

“So, working together, the Church and those community health care workers, they’re really making a difference in the lives of those children,” President Johnson said after an event in Guatemala in 2024. “Mothers were educated about appropriate nutrition, children were screened, and I was just so pleased to see the progress that they’re making.”

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Family councils empower children

“Children can thrive when surrounded by supportive family members or other adults. Local Church councils assist parents and guardians with knowledge, resources, and support to implement core values and healthy best practices in their own homes,” the Church wrote in the social media post.

Leaders of the Church have consistently urged parents to hold family councils between themselves and their children, regardless of age.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shared a post highlighting ways that the Church supports children and youth to celebrate World Children's Day, Nov. 20, 2024.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shared a post highlighting ways that the Church supports children and youth to celebrate World Children's Day, Nov. 20, 2024. | Screenshot from Instagram

“Home evenings focus primarily on gospel instruction and family activities. Family councils, on the other hand, can be held on any day of the week, and they are primarily a meeting at which parents listen — to each other and to their children,” the late President M. Russell Ballard, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught in his 2016 general conference message ”Family Councils.”

“Children desperately need parents willing to listen to them, and the family council can provide a time during which family members can learn to understand and love one another,” he added.

Church leaders have gathered and discussed ways for family councils to be more effective, including knowing their purpose, inviting the Spirit by preparing and making sure every voice is heard.

Children who are seen and heard in the home may become conduits for which revelation flows. Sister Cordon explained in a previous Church News interview about councils, “sometimes revelation is brought through the voice of an 8-year-old.”

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The Caring social media post includes: “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that every child is a precious son or daughter of God with the capacity to build a better world, and as such should be offered support and love.”

It concludes: “Together, let’s continue to stand up for the well-being and happiness of every child as we work toward a future filled with hope, compassion and opportunity.”

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