March 2009 Literacy Letter

Dear Sisters,

It's hard to believe it is already March. This year is flying by. This month's Literacy Letter will focus on technology. Technology is another area in which we can increase our literacy. In 1974, at a Regional Respresentatives' Seminar, President Spencer W. Kimball said, "I believe that the Lord is anxious to put into our hands inventions of which we laymen have hardly had a glimpse...When we have used the satellite and related discoveries to their greatest potential...then, and not until then, shall we approach the insistence of our Lord and Master to go unto all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." Technology is a tool that can be applied to Perfecting the Saints, Proclaiming the Gospel, and Redeeming the Dead. In an address entitled, "This is Our Day," (Ensign, May 1999) President James E. Faust said, "There has been an explosion of secular knowledge. I believe that God has opened up these treasures of intelligence to enhance His purposes on the earth. The new century will bring exponential advances in that treasury." President Faust instructs that:

1. Advances in travel and communication have helped the institutional Church move forward at a rapid pace in proclaiming the gospel.
2. Technology provides significant support to the ongoing mission of the Church.
3. The advances in communication and travel have hastened the pace at which the word of the Lord goes out from Zion.
4. The marvelous outpouring of knowledge has heightened our ability to take the Lord's saving message to the world.
5. Technology can be mastered through great effort and learning. But technical savvy is not fully useful unless there is spiritual purpose and meaning to it.
"I am certain the Lord expects us to apply it to the advancement of His purposes and the blessing of mankind, but we must adopt those lofty ideals as personal goals and desires before we can direct technology to these purposes."

The General Relief Society Presidency has encouraged us as sisters to blog about our service.

The Relief Society general presidency is inviting you to do something special for someone else. Gather with one or more friends and serve! Let us know about your experience at reliefsociety@ldschurch.org. Invite everyone you know; blog about it! This can be a wonderful gift to the Savior.
The Church is also posting Mormon Messages, short videos about basic gospel beliefs and stories of hope and inspiration on YouTube at
http://www.youtube.com/MormonMessages.

In closing, President Faust stated, "We should seize every opportunity to move forward in faith, looking beyond the year 2000 into a future bright with hope, acknowledging that all good gifts come by divine providence. With such increased knowledge comes a higher responsibility. If we work hard, wisely manage our personal stewardships, and live providently, the Lord will prosper us in our use of this heightened knowledge to advance His holy work."

We love you and appreciate all that you do.

Love,

Your Sisters in Stake Relief Society