Young Adult Center Couples Conference – March 12, 2010
Today we drove to Freidricksdorf from Darmstadt to meet the mission president and his wife and the other young adult center couples for the 10:00 am session at the Frankfurt Temple. It was so wonderful to be in the temple again. It always such a peaceful feeling that I have there. I loved the spirit that was present and the knowledge that I gained and hopefully can remember. Following the temple session we went to the church building near the temple and had a wonderful lunch prepared by Sister Glissmeyer and Sister Ninow and then we went into our meeting. We all sat at a long table and saw a powerpoint presentation by President Ninow. Then Elder Glissmeyer began his part of the afternoon and soon a discussion began on the things we were doing in the centers, what Elder Perry’s vision for the center is and what we can do to help the young single adults stay strong in the gospel, serve a mission and be married in the temple. These are my notes from this meeting.
We need to recommit those within our reach about Elder Perry’s Vision. Since the dedication of Germany for the preaching of the gospel, we need to re focus on Elder Perry’s vision. With the JAE read the statement. Teach them about this. How does this relate to you. Read, Discuss, Set Goals. How do we make this part of the Center? How do we get the youth to envision what Elder Perry envisioned? We need to be enthusiastic, have goals and good activities. At ward council make sure all of the ward leaders have a copy of Elder Perry’s Vision (Elder Glissmeyer will send the German translation to us) They need recognition. They need to be complemented. Be positive. Find the good things about them.
Elder Hadley:
President Ninow: Need to get to all youth in the ward and help the older teens and stay active and look forward to coming to the Institute program. Be sure a strong spiritual message is given at FHE How can we best use the center for their purpose? At the beginning it was much larger attendance. The Lord can bless the youth with their studies if they want Him to be part of it even when busy. Help the leaders develop a sense of duty to the Lord
JAE especially reaching out to less active and being prepared for the programs of the center. Help them reach out to their friends by being prepared for what they are doing at the center. (deacon’s president)
D&C 58 Learn your duty
Help the youth understand Elder Perry’s vision and testimony. Be sure they are discussing those not in attendance each week. (How are they going contact them) For those that are struggling and will talk to us, may want a blessing. Help them to feel a duty to be involved as part of missionary work. The Institute must have very strong teachers.
The actives need to let those who were not at the activity that they were missed Remind them of the goals they have set and how can they reach them. Be sure each JAE has their own personal mission plan.
Core group will keep changing so keep building the new core. (like missionary work, if you stop finding, you will stop teaching) Ask all the youth to put a copy of the vision in their room and refer to it often.
Give as many assignments as possible to encourage attendance at activities. Have the youth make the appointments for them and us to visit less actives so the less actives will know that someone cares about them. Help them to realize that God loves them.
You can’t teach anyone anything without their permission. (Elder Parrish, art teacher)
Preach My Gospel is a book about ministering to the people. Page 8 talks about helping others make commitments as the doorway to change their life. Listen to the individual so they will know you care. Help the youth take ownership for their program Discuss in our planning session how we can do something from this meeting and with each individual.