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By Sarah Jane Weaver, Church News
The day before addressing the European Union Parliament in anticipation of International Women’s Day, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson spoke to Latter-day Saint women in Belgium — assuring them that they are a loved, trusted, valued and needed part of the Lord’s global work.
“I assure you that Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, love you,” she said. “They are intimately aware of your circumstances, your goodness, your needs and your prayers for help.”
Speaking during a women’s devotional at the Grimbergen Ward, Brussels Belgium Stake, meetinghouse on Sunday, March 3, President Johnson invited all in attendance to prioritize “daily acts of devotion” to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to amplify their influence. Through prayer, scripture study and study of the words of living prophets, Latter-day Saints “invite the Spirit to be our constant companion” and can “receive answers and direction.”
At a time when many, many voices are competing for attention, President Johnson noted that cell phones and Internet searches have put information at the world’s fingertips. And if the answer is not what a person is looking for, they scroll, she said.
But, she added, President Russell M. Nelson has invited Latter-day Saints to look to a different source.
Noting that a familiar statement from President Nelson “rings in my ears frequently,” President Johnson then quoted the Prophet: “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”
Maintaining the presence of the Spirit requires effort, President Johnson explained. “It requires daily prayer. It requires scripture study, study of the words of living prophets, preparation for taking the sacrament that includes joyful daily repentance, and personal acts of daily devotion. That is how we’re going to get our answers — reliable answers.”
Women will be blessed as they look to and study the teachings President Nelson, his counselors in the First Presidency and every member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, she taught.
“There are blessings in store for us if we look to the right sources to get our information, if we rely upon the Spirit, if we read our scriptures and and if we are consistent in referring to and listening to the voices of 15 prophets, seers and regulators who lead and guide this Church,” she said.
‘Significant Role’
President Johnson was in Belgium to address the European Union Parliament on religious liberty for women in anticipation of International Women’s Day.
Elder Jack N. Gerard, a General Authority Seventy and counselor in the Europe Central Area presidency, said the invitation for President Johnson to speak is evidence that “the Church is coming from obscurity and is recognized as an important global participant.”
“Asking President Johnson to address them underscores the significant role our sister leaders play on the world stage,” said Elder Gerard, who is in Belgium to attend President Johnson’s European Union Parliament address.
President Johnson’s remarks will mark the second time the Church’s Relief Society general president has addressed parliament in Belgium.
Sister Jean B. Bingham, former Relief Society General President, spoke at the European Parliament in November 2017 — addressing an audience of scholars and dignitaries at the “Women in Faith: A Freedom of Religion or Belief Perspective” conference and declaring that “religious freedom is a critical right for empowering women.”
Sister Bingham and her husband, Elder Bruce Bingham, are now serving a mission as government relations representatives in Brussels.
Sister Bingham told the Church News that the European Parliament is a “powerful entity” that not only impacts its 27 member states but also the 180 nations who have embassies in Belgium. Speaking at the European Parliament, she said, is “a marvelous yet sobering experience and honor.”
Sister Bingham said President Johnson’s background and perspective will allow her to share valuable insights on “empowering women’s freedom of religion or belief.”
She said the topic of religious liberty, particularly for women, is intense in some parts of Europe as well as the rest of the world. “When religious liberty is limited, all other human rights become limited. The women of Europe sense this, and as ‘keepers of the faith,’ many of them are working to protect and expand this foundational right.”
‘You Are Loved’
President Johnson invited Latter-day Saints women in Belgium to deliberately look for how the Lord expresses His love for them.
As the Church’s Relief Society General President, she said she has had the opportunity to meet with the First Presidency. On one occasion, she asked President Nelson if there was a message he would like her to share with Latter-day Saint women.
“And he said, ‘Absolutely. I want the sisters to know that they are loved. I want the sisters to know that they are precious. And I want them to know that they are necessary.’
“So that’s a message straight from the prophet for you,” said President Johnson. “You are loved by President Nelson, by our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ, and by me. You are precious daughters of God, with divine identity and purpose, and you are necessary to prepare the world for the
Second Coming of Jesus Christ.”
Asking the women to daily study the words of the Prophet, she quoted his October 2015 general conference address:
“I plead with my sisters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to step forward,” said President Nelson. “Take your rightful and needful place in your home, in your community, and in the kingdom of God — more than you ever have before. … And I promise you in the name of Jesus Christ that as you do so, the Holy Ghost will magnify your influence in an unprecedented way.”
President Johnson promised the women that they have access — and increased capacity — “to do what the Lord has asked you to do, by virtue of your covenant making and your covenant keeping.”
In closing, President Johnson said: “You are loved, you are necessary and you are precious. I leave my testimony with you of these truths. That our Heavenly Father and our Savior live and love you and are aware of your challenges. They’re also aware of the sincerity of your heart, the desires of your heart, and they seek to bless you.”
Elder Gerard also told the women that in perilous times, relying on the guidance of the Holy Ghost is essential. “We can have joy in our journey,” he said, noting that the Savior has promised peace.
“He loves you. He is mindful of you. You are more than necessary. And you are precious in His sight. I hope you feel that tonight and always — knowing that He is as close as your knees and that you can have a very intimate relationship with the Lord as you focus on those things that truly matter most.”
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