Wives of 68 United Nations' ambassadors, diplomats and consuls spent a morning at the Church's New York City visitors center recently, learning how LDS teachings help families meet the challenges of today's society.

Representing 34 nations as diverse as China, Nepal, the USSR, Guatemala, Fiji and several African countries, these women came to learn more of the Mormon family life style and ethic, and to become acquainted with the Family History Center.Those attending expressed surprise at the breadth of the international Church, as related by Beverly Campbell, East Coast director of special and international affairs.

The group participated in a panel discussion that explored six areas of family preparedness and the impact of such preparedness on a family's success.

Panel members Jody H. Davis, Linda Inouye and LaWynn Murphy, gave personal insights into their own family experiences and the role the Church plays in their lives. Panel moderator, Dorothy Bench, answered numerous queries, including: "Is your health code the reason that all you women have such beautiful skin?" "How can I keep my family together?" and "How do Mormons maintain the respect of their children?"

There was much interest in other aspects of family and Church life: "Do you have a lower divorce rate?" "When missionaries go to other countries, who pays their way?" "Why is your Church growing so fast?"

David and Lilia Seegmiller, directors of the Family History Center, conducted a "hands-on" tour of the facilities. Some three hours after the main group left, two international visitors were still at the microfilm readers. One proudly showed her notebook with 14 pages of family names she had gleaned from the records. Many of the visitors expressed a desire to return and search out specific family lines.

When several of the visitors learned they lived in the same area as panel members, arrangements were made among the women to enroll children in Boy Scout troops, invite teen-age children to various youth activities, and offer rides to Relief Society meetings, and other events.

Guests were invited to view numerous handicraft projects including quilts, paintings, stitchery, dolls, clothing, a coat, and even a dress made by a 7-year-old Primary girl.

The visit to the center was sponsored by the International Council of Women. It was the group's second trip to the visitors center.