All children and youth (ages 7-18), parents, and leaders, including those in the greater Chattanooga area, are invited to participate in a Face to Face event with Elder Gerrit W. Gong of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday, Nov.17 at 6 p.m.
Elder Gong is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the second-highest governing body in the Church who, according to officials, “Are apostles are special witnesses of Jesus Christ, called to teach and testify of Him throughout the world.
They hold the same title and priesthood authority as the apostles chosen by Jesus Christ nearly 2,000 years ago."
Elder Gong will be joined by Sister Joy D. Jones, general resident of the Primary (children’s organization); Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, general president of the Young Women organization; and Brother Stephen W. Owen, Young Men general president. The event will focus on a new children and youth effort, which will begin in January 2020. "The purpose of the new children and youth initiative is to help young people follow the Savior as they grow spiritually, socially, physically and intellectually,” officials said.
President Russell M. Nelson, prophet of the world and president of The Church, states, “This effort has been designed especially for you and your generation…. The time has come for a new approach, designed to help today’s children and youth throughout the world… We are inviting you to counsel with the Lord about how you can grow in a balanced way…. I think you are up to the challenge. You can do hard things.” As outlined by President Nelson, the program will help “strengthen the rising generation’s faith in Jesus Christ, and help children, youth and their families progress along the covenant path as they meet life’s challenges.”
Reminding children and youth of their potential, President M. Russell Ballard, president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said, “My dear young friends, don’t ever forget who you are. You are children of Heavenly Father. He loves you. He wants the very best for each of you…. Jesus Christ is the Savior and the Redeemer of the world. He loves us. He has given His life for us. His Atonement means everything to us. We all want to try to grow day by day to become more like Him.”
"As all girls and boys, young women and young men increase their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ through this initiative, it is intended that they will discover their eternal identity…and fulfill their divine roles as daughters and sons of God,” officials said.
All are invited to tune in and participate in the Face to Face. The event will be broadcast live and may be viewed at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, the ChurchofJesusChrist Facebook page, or YouTube.