News Release

Making His Paths Straight

The Annual Africa SE Area Public Affairs Conference held in Johannesburg Feb. 9-10, 2018, with general authorities, area seventies, and leaders of public affairs addressing the attendees.

The Annual Africa SE Area Public Affairs Conference held in Johannesburg Feb. 9-10, 2018, with general authorities, area seventies, and leaders of public affairs addressing the attendees.

                                  

Elder Joni L. Koch, General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints addressed the newly called Coordinating Council Public Affairs Directors (CCPAD) with a theme from 1 Samuel 16:7. Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. Elder Koch emphasized that both features are important to enable us to resonate with those people who are necessary connections within our public affairs work.

                                              

Christ provides us water from the spring, as opoosed to dirty water from a lake. Feeding the ten thousand bread and fish— not to entice them to come back for more fish, rather to use their agency to do the right thing after hearing his word. He cautioned, we should never compromise our standards or beliefs but proclaim them no matter what obstacles come our way.

The theme for the year was introduced by the Area Public Affairs leader, Ellis Mnyandu—Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord, Make His Paths Straight, from. D&C 65:1. What we are about—strengthening families, establishing the gospel in the hearts of members and inviting all to come unto Christ—that is our priority.

                                           

Elder Elder Kevin S. Hamilton was the key note speaker sharing an inspiring message and Brother and Sister Vizzini entertained the group with pleasurable music during a formal dinner.

                                         

A fun activity provided a team building exercise, introduced by past area director, Sean Donnelly—a true sports-enthusiast. He personally involved all attendees to accept the task of building a strong team and learn how to shape councils into an organization that can accomplish the public affairs work. “Focus, endure and triumph!” was his cry.

                                       

All discourses correlated with ideas to help implement and strengthen strategies and as Leader Ellis Mnyandu concluded, “to act with the end in sight. The strength of a council comes with diversity, power comes in our unity.” Ignore outside pressure, listen to others and the spirit, and take time to plan and act with harmony.

                                     

Attendees agreed the conference was inspirational, informative and enjoyable. The comradery was noticed by the CCPAD's, despite three diverse languages and representation of many countries. All were motivated and ready to move forward to continue to hasten His work.

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