Jan 7th
Dear family
Last night --and I attended YW and YM activity on a stake level they showed a video put out by the church introducing this years theme --Be strong (found in Joshua) and know that God is with thee where ever thou goest. The kids really seemed to grasp it and were so reverent. Pres Hunter talked about the fact that being raised in an active family is so wonderful --but for those who weren't they could be the example and choose for themselves to be active--so they the good be good parents one day and give their kids the advantage of an active family.
Sister Bryan talked about the strenghth the Book of Mormon reading had given her--especially as their son was undergoing brain operation this past year..Brooke hunter told of being in China and how when comfronted with tea and alcohal--of course she refused--but really got hassled about it--by the time--she left and at the last dinner--those who hassled her--told the waiters to take it from her and a friend Sam--and that they didn't drink and wouldn't be needing it--they had gained the respect of the English teachers. she also told about feeling alone at times-- but the patriarcle blessing she recieved gave her courage as well as the scripture saying (In John) I will not leave you comfortless-
the youth have so many challenges day to day--I think the whole evening reminded them that they are part of a bigger whole --world wide and they have the strength to stand alone.
