“Sharon Eubank,” Ensign, May 2017
Sharon Eubank
First Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency
As a new employee with LDS Humanitarian Services, Sharon Eubank witnessed misery, sadness, and grief that made it hard for her to function. Through prayer, she came to understand that although she could help the Lord take care of His children, she was not in charge of that sorrow. “Jesus Christ is in charge. He will bear this burden. They are His people, and He hears and answers their prayers.” That answer changed her ability to reach out and serve.
Years later, Sister Eubank, as the director of LDS Charities—the humanitarian arm of the Church—has delivered aid and promoted self-reliance to those in need across the globe.
Sustained on April 1, 2017, to the Relief Society General Presidency, she will continue in her role as director of LDS Charities. There is a “great link” between LDS Charities and Relief Society, where members of the Relief Society General Presidency sit on the board of directors for LDS Charities, she explained. Her responsibilities with both organizations will strengthen that link.
Born in 1963 in Redding, California, USA, Sharon is the oldest of Mark and Jean Eubank’s seven children. Raised in Bountiful, Utah, USA, Sister Eubank grew up on a 10-acre (4 ha) plot of land where the Eubank children picked apricots, repaired sprinklers, and had close access to Utah’s mountains.
Sister Eubank received her bachelor’s degree in English and history from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and served in the Finland Helsinki Mission.
In addition to her work with the Church’s Welfare Department, Sister Eubank worked on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., USA, was co-owner of a small business, and lived abroad in Japan and France.
Each opportunity was a “leap of faith” that helped her learn the skills she uses today, allowed her to meet wonderful people inside and outside of the Church, and gave her a love and appreciation for many of the world’s cultures, languages, and foods.