Want to strengthen connection with heaven? Take a break from social media. This was the invitation that Brother Stephen W. Owen, Young Men General President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, extended to the Kalibo and Roxas youth during a devotional on Wednesday evening, 4 December 2019.
Brother Owen with his wife, Sister Jane S. Owen, visited the Panay-Island city and met with youth, leaders and parents from the Kalibo and Roxas Philippines Stakes (Dioceses) to provide instruction on strengthening the rising generation. The couple were accompanied by Elder Ryan V. Pagaduan, Philippines Area Seventy, and wife, Sister Cristina Pagaduan.
In his message, Brother Owen emphasized the importance of being disciplined in using smart mobile devices. He taught that reading the Book of Mormon, being prayerful, and listening to the words of the prophets and apostles are the ways to receive revelation and stay in the covenant path.
he counseled the 400 participants to connect with heaven and to use their time wisely to be blessed all their days. He also shared about how he and sister Owen met and began their friendship, dated, got married, and their lives as a family.
Owen, in her message, reiterated President Russell M. Nelson's admonition to fast from social media use and do things in moderation. She stressed the need to sleep and rest, do service, smile and say hi to make people happy, repent, and talk to the bishop quickly if needed, pray for God's children, and pray for friends or someone by name. She shared other valuable insights to strengthen the saints and enable them to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. She also said that we are the richest people in the world because we have the gospel.
Moreover, Elder Pagaduan and Sister Pagaduan addressed the members present in the event. In his talk, Elder Pagaduan said that we are travelers and celestial must be our destination. He counseled about giving heed to the direction of the Holy Ghost and to act immediately when prompted to do something.
Sister Pagaduan's message focused on the youth as builders of the kingdom of God in the last days and encouraged them to become the best persons they can become, to continue to read the Book of Mormon, and have a regular scripture study.
Prior to the devotional, Brother and Sister Owen met with youth, leaders, and parents for training on how to strengthen the young generation.