This month, women throughout the world will be celebrating the establishment of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, founded on March 17, 1842. This past Saturday, the Bluff Ward Sisters in Durban, South Africa celebrated by dressing in pioneer clothing and re-enacting the story of how the Relief Society began. Sister Lungile Ngidi said, “We have a privilege to belong to this organisation called Relief Society. When we live up to this honour, we will be blessed immensely.” The sisters were asked questions such as; ‘What do you love about Relief Society?’ and ‘What does “charity never faileth” mean and why do you think it’s important?’ The sisters were then given an opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings about being a member of Relief Society and how it has helped them in their lives.
- Durban Relief Society
- Durban Relief Society
- Durban Relief Society
- Durban Relief Society
- Durban Relief Society
- Durban Relief Society
- Durban Relief Society
- Durban Relief Society
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The Phoenix Branch in the Durban Stake gathered together to celebrate with a delicious breakfast, singing, and a talk by Sister Poelman, a senior missionary serving in South Africa. She spoke about how the organization of Relief Society is of ancient origin. Quoting from Daughters In My Kingdom she said, “While little is known about a formal organization of women in the New Testament, evidence suggests that women were vital participants in the Saviour’s ministry. The New Testament includes accounts of women, named and unnamed, who exercised faith in Jesus Christ, learned and lived His teachings, and testified of His ministry, miracles, and majesty. These women became exemplary disciples and important witnesses in the work of salvation.”
Regarding the newly-formed organisation, Sister Emma Smith said, “We are going to do something extraordinary”. Sister Linda K. Burton, the current Relief Society General President, wants women to know what they are celebrating. She said, “We are celebrating who we are and what our work is. We are celebrating those who have gone before, and we are celebrating our purpose.” Click here to read the full report of this story.
The Relief Society is one of the world’s oldest women’s organizations and has over six million members in 170 countries. How did you celebrate Relief Society’s birthday? Share by sending your photos to: aseapublicaffairs@ldschurch.org