“.
. . Those to whom these commandments were given, might have
power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it
forth out of obscurity and out of darkness. . . .” -
D&C 1:30
Every
year a conference is held focusing on public affairs of our
worldwide church. During such conferences General
Authorities and other professionals talk about the future of
the Church’s approach to government relations, community
relations, and media relations.
“In
recent years the Church has received unprecedented
publicity, as it has been featured on national and
international television programs and radio talk shows, and
in magazines and newspapers,” said Elder M. Russell
Ballard of the Quorum of Twelve during such a conference.
“In
some of this recent coverage, the Church has been lauded as
an ‘island of morality’ (Mike Wallace, 60 Minutes),
which would ‘make any list of the most admired.’(Time,
Aug. 4, 1997.)
“The
scriptures tell of a time when the Church will become a
‘standard for all nations’ (D&C 115:5); a time when
it will literally ‘come forth out of the wilderness -
clear as the moon, and fair as the sun, and as terrible as
an army with banners.’ (D&C 5:14, D&C 109:73.)
“Indeed,
the Church is moving out of obscurity and darkness and into
a new bright age.” (LDS Public Relations Professionals
Annual Conference; August, 1997)
The
following year, Elder Ballard said, “Watch for every
opportunity to lift the Church out of obscurity. You can do
it.” (LDS Public Relations Professionals annual
conference, May 2, 1998).
Elder
Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve, speaking at
a BYU fireside said, that “President Gordon B. Hinckley is
boldly leading the Church into an era when it will come
‘out of obscurity and out of darkness.’ We are stepping
onto the stage of world events and drawing the world’s
attention. The Church is moving in an accelerated way.”
(Church News 4/19/97)
Last year many of you received an email from the
Singapore Public Affairs council outlining our 3 main
objectives:
1.
Increase positive awareness of the Church here in
Singapore and its Christ-centered doctrine.
2. Reaffirm the Church's role as a vital
source of answers to life's challenges here in
Singapore.
3. Build bridges of friendship and
understanding with others here in
Singapore.
One of the best ways we can achieve these goals is
by rendering service to the local community. On July 6th
of this year, Bro. Robert Gardner gave a devotional at
Brigham Young University entitled “Here Am I”. In his
address, he outlined 3 principles of service: Initiative,
Involvement, and Integrity. When he spoke of becoming
involved in service, he used the efforts of many in our
Stake as an example. He specifically referred to our service
to those in Cambodia and to the residents of the Singapore
Leprosy Home.
(To review
the talk, go to: http://www.byubroadcasting.org/devotionals/).
It is wonderful to be recognized for our efforts,
but we must not stop here. To bring the Church out of
“obscurity and out of darkness” in Singapore, we have
been asked to organize visible events of service. To do
this, we will need to plan and expedite activities that
involve many people in the Stake and activities, which will
make a significant contribution to our local community.
President Hinckley has reminded us that….
“A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
“Neither do men light a candle, and put it under
a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all
that are in the house.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they
may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” Matt.
5:14-16; italics added).
“We have,
indeed, become as a city upon a hill for the world to see.
If we are to be that which the Lord would have us be, we
must indeed become “a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a
peculiar people; that [we] should shew forth the praises of
him who hath called [us] out of darkness into his marvelous
light” 1 Pet. 2:9.
(“A City upon a Hill,” Ensign, July 1990).
Having said
all of this, we wish to inform you of a Stake service
project which is being organized by the Stake Relief
Society. We hope to have a joint project with LDS Charities
and the Singapore Stake, where we will be purchasing 100
mattresses to be donated to the Jamiyah Children’s Home
here in Singapore. Jamiyah is a Muslim Missionary
organization. To top off the mattresses, the members of the
Stake will tie 100 quilts. We hope to be able to present our
donation by October 23rd. More information and
details will follow. As always, we thank you for your
enduring support, and we look forward to working together on
this worthy cause.
