Elder and Sister Cook Focus on Gospel Learning at Home During Youth Fireside in Bacolod

“What does it mean to learn the gospel at home?” This was the first question discussed during the Binalbagan Stake (Diocese) and Sipalay District (Small Diocese) Youth Fireside presided by Elder Carl B. Cook, Presidency of the Seventy, on 18 May 2019 at the Kabankalan Chapel, Bacolod City.

Elder Cook stated that President Russell M. Nelson, worldwide leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was interested in knowing the changes that have happened in the youths’ lives this year. He then began the discussion of which the youth participated willingly and shared their thoughts and feelings.

To answer the question about gospel learning at home, one youth from Sipalay shared, “Come, Follow Me [gospel curriculum]  is an opportunity to develop my confidence. We learn more… and we [became] closer as a family and love [each other] more.”

Another question raised at the youth fireside in relation to the home-centered gospel curriculum was, “What has changed in your home?” Several Latter-day Saint youth answered, “Now we have an obligation to do when we get home,” and “Our family has overcome misunderstandings.”

Sister Lynette H. Cook, on the other hand, used her time to share to the youth about their family and the responsibilities that a General Authority have in the Church.

In their visit to Bacolod, Elder Evan A. Schmutz, General Authority Seventy, and Sister Cindy L. Schmutz accompanied Elder and Sister Cook.

The youth fireside gave an opportunity for the youth and leaders to share their concerns with Church leaders. One concern common among the majority of the young members of the Church in the area was that their parents were either less active members or are not members of the same faith.

In response, Sister Cook shared a story of how a faithful young woman changed the life of her father. She emphasized that “Even young children can make a difference.”

Additionally, Sister Schmutz testified, “You can be strong in your life even if the gospel in your home is not strong. Do not be discouraged; do your best and be faithful.”

Meanwhile, Elder Schmutz asked the young women to recite their Young Women theme and emphasized that the youth must prepare as early as now to become the people they are destined to become.

At the closing of fireside, President George Servano of the Binalbagan Philippines Stake concluded with a short testimony. After the program, young men and young women went and lined up to meet Elder and Sister Cook, and Elder and Sister Schmutz.

Elder and Sister Cook were in the Philippines on an assignment together with Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Sister Ruth L. Renlund.