| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Sister Joy Jones, Primary General President for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Sister Bonnie Cordon, Young Women General President ended their visit to Brisbane by speaking to women and girls aged 8 and over at an inspirational devotional on Sunday 11th November.
Adorned in hand-knitted poppies to mark the centenary of the end of WW1, the pair and their husbands, accompanied by Elder Ardern, First Counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency of the Church, and his wife, Paula, shared their love for the women of Brisbane.
Over 1,300 people were in attendance, with the devotional being broadcast to another 100 locations in other parts of Queensland.
The first stake of the Church in Queensland was formed in 1960 and stretched from Gympie, all the way down to Lismore. The 12th Stake was formed in Queensland earlier this year. Pictured above is the first Primary Presidency for Brisbane Australia Stake.
As the two women spoke, they not only expressed their heartfelt testimony of the Saviour, but also encouraged attendees to share their light with others. Tears of joy were shed by all as Sister Cordon invited the young women of a local congregation to sing the 2018 Young Women theme song, “Peace in Christ.” Congregation members were encouraged to join in the chorus of the song, and as voices joined together, participants were uplifted.
Despite their early start the next morning, Sisters Jones and Cordon spent time that evening meeting every sister who approached them, taking photos and enjoying every hug they received.
Moriah Timu of Beenleigh said she was blessed to receive counsel from the visiting Church leaders.
“I’m grateful for my calling in the Church to minister to our Primary children, and to be a part of an amazing presidency!” she said. “The Lord’s work is hastening, and He is so aware of each of us. [I am] excited for the new changes in the coming year.”
According to another participant, Latter-day Saint women in the Brisbane area “are looking forward to sharing their light with others as they continue to serve their communities.”