On March 17, 1842 when Sister Emma Smith, wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith, was called to be the President of the newly organized Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she said to the 18 women assembled that “we are involved in something extraordinary.” Truly, this organization has proven to be quite extraordinary. Relief Society sisters worldwide engage in good works to “provide support for the temporal and spiritual needs of all women in the Church, as well as others who are in need.”*
Recently in Kuala Lumpur, adult women gathered to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the founding of Relief Society. Opening “gifts” to share with one another, each local congregation performed a presentation of some kind. In the songs sung, the dances performed, and the fashions modeled, local and diverse cultures were well represented. Different languages were spoken, sung and signed. Colorful costumes from Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia were donned. A skit parodied the Wizard of Ahhhs, and illustrated the road of life, complete with witches good and bad! Another skit illustrated the role of women in silent service to answer to the needs of others.
At the program’s conclusion, local District Council President Tai Tolman spoke to the sisters. He acknowledged their many talents and contributions and thanked them for their service. It was a light and lively evening, enjoyed by 150 women from congregations in Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Cheras, Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Klang, and Puchong.
Sister Linda K. Burton, General Relief Society President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints visited Kuala Lumpur in February. In her remarks to the Relief Society sisters, she said that “We are part of a great worldwide sisterhood.” She gave encouragement as she said, “The Lord can work miracles through us in our homes, in our personal lives, and as we work in the Church. Sometimes we beat ourselves up, thinking we are not enough. He (the Lord) loves you for every effort you give to be better today than yesterday, in your homes and in the Church.” She quoted Hymn #309, “The errand of angels is given to women; And this is a gift that, as sisters, we claim: To do whatsoever is gentle and human, To cheer and to bless in humanity’s name.” This is something extraordinary in this day and age.
All adult women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the “Mormons”) are members of Relief Society. Women of other faiths who attend Relief Society are warmly welcomed and encouraged to participate. The Relief Society motto is “Charity Never Faileth.”
*mormonnewsroom.org For more information, visit www.mormon.org.