Area Leadership Message
The Philippines Area Priorities
“For Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness; her borders must be enlarged; her stakes must be strengthened; yea, verily I say unto you, Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments” (D&C 82:14).
As we help establish and build up the Church here in the Philippines, we should unitedly understand and follow the Philippines Area Priorities. We have to work together, “because random, individual goodness is not enough in the fight against evil as counselled by Elder Neal A. Maxwell.
The General Handbook states that “The Area Presidency presides over and counsels with stake and mission presidents in the area … they determine how to apply general Church policy and direction to meet the needs in their area.” “The Area Presidency’s direction helps priesthood leaders focus efforts on strengthening families, members, and units. It addresses specific items that leaders work on together in a unified way to build the kingdom of God on earth.” “Area Presidencies are … responsible to build up and regulate affairs of the Church in their assigned areas.”
What are the principles behind the Area Priorities?
The principle of Revelation. The work of Area Presidencies is done as guided by revelation and the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. The Area Priorities reflect the Lord’s will, which is obtained through revelation. Area Presidencies seek the assistance of the Holy Ghost to ask the right questions, make inspired decisions, and establish a plan that will inspire and unite local leaders and members.
The principle of Counseling. The Area Presidency discussed together how to organize the unique strengths and address the challenges of the area to accomplish God’s work of salvation and exaltation.
The principle of Delegation. Individual leaders cannot and should not do everything themselves. It takes every member to work for the Church to prosper.
The principle of Accountability. Area Presidencies are responsible for directing the work of the Lord in the areas and are accountable to Him. Area Presidencies give area leaders, local priesthood and auxiliary leaders, families, and individuals the opportunity to account for their responsibilities to accomplish the objectives and goals of the Area Priorities.
The principle of Self-reliance. “Self-reliance is the ability, commitment, and effort to provide the spiritual and temporal necessities of life for self and family. As members become more self-reliant, they are also better able to serve others” (General Handbook 22.0).
Philippine Area Vision
Establish and build up the Church to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ by inviting all to come unto Him, make and keep temple covenants, and strengthen our families, wards, and stakes. Come unto Christ and “offer your whole soul” to Him (Omni 1:26).
The Philippines Area Priorities
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Come Unto Christ – Invite a friend to join you and experience the joy of worshipping Jesus Christ at sacrament meeting.
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Make and Keep Temple Covenants – Follow the prophet’s counsel to live worthy of a temple recommend and receive heavenly power by making and keeping temple covenants.
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Strengthen The Rising Generation – Prepare and support the rising generation to serve a full-time mission.
A crucial element of the Area Priorities is its successful implementation. In doing so the Area Presidency and all area leaders ensure that area objectives and goals become an active part of the lives of all members. The Area Presidency plans how they will teach the vision, objectives, and goals of the Area Priorities to leaders, families, and individuals in a way that motivates and inspires them to action. Stakes and wards thereafter set goals and objectives relevant to local conditions in harmony with the Area Priorities. Families and individuals are invited to do likewise.
During one of the recent tours of Elder and Sister Wong at the Cabanatuan Philippines Mission, stake and district presidents were challenged to work with the missionaries on a special ministering method. Members and leaders who had the resources but lacked the time to visit their assigned families were asked to share the names of the families with the full-time missionaries. The members prepared food items as gifts to express their love for the non-participating members, and the missionaries delivered the food and invited the recipients to come back to Church. The outpouring of love and delicious food strengthened their testimonies and saw a lot of returning members enjoying the fellowship of their wards and branches.
That is just one example of how we can use our imagination, seek inspiration, and work together to apply the principes behind the Area Priorities to invite everyone to Come Unto Christ, Make and Keep Temple Covenants, and Strengthen the Rising Generation. The Philippines Area Priorities provide a powerful vision for members and leaders to bless individuals and families in the Philippines. It unifies and focuses the efforts of priesthood and auxiliary leaders in their sacred ministries and reaches into the homes and hearts of those they serve.