Philippines/Micronesia Area:

Uniting against pornography

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Representatives of various religions from 35 nations met recently in the first International Conference on the Problem of Pornography. Participating from the Church's Public Affairs Department in Salt Lake City were Bruce L. Olsen, managing director, and Michael R. Otterson, director of area relations. Also participating were Paul Taggart, the Church's director of Public Affairs for the Philippines/Micronesia Area, and Alan Wakeley, director of Public Affairs for the Pacific Area.

One of the participants who appreciated the Church's support was Dean Kaplan, a vice president in charge of public policy for the Religious Alliance Against Pornography. He reported that hard core and child pornography are problems that every person of faith needs to be concerned about. He said four points emerged from the conference. First, hard core and child pornography are worldwide problems. Second, a clear link exists between pornography and many other problems, such as child abuse and rape. Third, the Western pornography industry is expanding rapidly throughout the world through the use of computers and computer networks, and is generally avoiding law enforcement agencies. Fourth, a necessary renewed and profoundly deep commitment was made by participants to work cooperatively on a worldwide level against pornography.

Mexico South Area:

Visitors enjoy center

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - Non-members continue to enjoy attending the Mexico City Visitors Center, which recognized its millionth visitor in April 1994. According to Fernando Torrentera, director, approximately 7,000 visitors come to the center each month. The center opened in 1983.

Among the popular presentations at the center is the film "Christ in America," which discusses the visit of the Savior to the ancient inhabitants of America. Other presentations about the Savior and purpose of life are also popular.

In addition, some of the most modern equipment in the city was recently installed at the visitors center to assist in the preaching of the gospel to visitors.

South America North Area:

Senior citizens entertained

CHOSICA, PERU - The annual senior citizen's day in this city was a major event recently for a group of some 120 senior citizens. They were taken to a local branch meetinghouse where Church members entertained them with a program. Afterward, each of the guests was presented with a shawl.

Refreshments were prepared and served by the Moron Branch, Chosica Peru Stake. Transportation for the senior citizens to and from the meetinghouse was provided by the Shinyucar Transport and Tourism Co. The guests seemed very happy with the event.

North America Central Area:

Obscenity law enforced

STEVENSVILLE, MONT. - An anti-obscenity law in Ravalli County here has helped restrict the encroachment of sexually explicit oriented businesses. The law, which recently passed election, was promoted under the leadership of Loretta Seipert, stake Relief Society president of the Stevensville Montana Stake, in conjunction with efforts of members of other churches. Sister Seipert conducted a White Ribbon against Pornography (WRAP) campaign that led to white ribbons being displayed throughout the county. Local members helped distribute literature.

Dallas Erickson, high priests group leader of the Stevensville 2nd Ward, who directs Montana Citizens for Decency through Law Inc., sponsored an anti-pornography conference. At the conference, Rodney K. Smith, dean and professor at the University of Montana Law School, said, "I am convinced that the liberty or freedom issue cuts against the purveyors of pornographic and obscene materials." He is a high councilor in the Missoula Montana Stake.

Montana is one of seven states that does not have an obscenity law that prohibits dissemination of obscene materials to everyone, said Brother Erickson.

North America Northwest Area:

Musical debuts

PUYALLAUP, WASH. - A new LDS musical play showcasing three generations of a family recently made its debut here. The play includes 16 original songs that tell of the family's joys, trials and hardships. The play was written by John Calveri with musical arrangements by Randy Kartchner.

The play, entitled "Through the Eyes of a Child," is intended to help people appreciate the value and quality of family life.

North America Northeast Area:

Stake celebrates anniversary

PITTSBURGH, PA. - Members of the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Stake and Pittsburgh Pennsylvania North Stake recently celebrated the silver anniversary of the first stake organized in Pittsburgh. Former Pittsburgh residents, including many previous stake presidents from around the state and country, returned to celebrate their heritage and growth of the Church in the area.

The theme for the 25th anniversary was "A Magnificent Heritage." The celebration included a fireside. One of the speakers was Robert Simmons, the first patriarch of the first Pittsburgh stake. Brother Simmons, 83, now lives in Utah. There was a "Magnificent Heritage Ball" complete with orchestra and floor show. Early Pittsburgh pioneers were spotlighted and a historical video was shown.

North America Southwest Area:

Volunteers flock to serve

QUARTZSITE, ARIZ. - The Quartzsite Branch of the Blythe California Stake has developed a strong volunteer program in name extraction work. The branch has a winter attendance of 250-700 but closes every summer as the visitors return to their homes in the north.

The program started in 1994 when a couple who spend the winter in Quartzsite brought with them a microfilm viewer and film. Soon others volunteered and eventually a name extraction program was sponsored by the stake.

During the first year, some 25 volunteers completed some 13,000 extractions in less than four months. This year, according to Richard and Anne Gailey who head the program for the branch, some 40 members have volunteered and completed more than 16,000 extraction records in two months.

In addition, many of the branch members travel once a week to Blythe, some 30 miles away, to do family history research.

North America Southeast Area:

Priesthood leaders strengthed

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI - The 5,000 Church members in Haiti are doing well, and conditions generally have improved throughout this island nation, said Pres. Fritzner A. Joseph, president of the Haiti Port-au-Prince Mission.

However, he said, a shortage of trained priesthood leaders is proving a challenge for the branches here. In addition, the missionary force on the island is too small for missionaries to serve in branch leadership positions. The shortage of priesthood leaders prevents the creation of any new branches.

"We have to work very closely with some branches," Pres. Joseph said. "The situation is not very stable, but it is better. It will take some time." He added that frequent power outages continue to restrict the activities of residents.

North America West Area:

Encourages involvement

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. - A seminar on community involvement attracted some 50 Church leaders from 14 stakes Jan. 28. The seminar was sponsored by the San Diego Multi-region Public Affairs Council and featured a roundtable discussion with three local ministers who told of their congregations' assistance to the needy. They also welcomed any participation from LDS wards.

Elder Michael L. Jensen, regional representative, encouraged Church leaders to make a genuine effort to find a better understanding of other faiths and to become involved in meaningful community projects with other congregations.

Utah North Area:

Ward's 100th year celebrated

LAYTON, UTAH - When more than 700 people gathered Feb. 18 for the 100th anniversary of the West Layton Ward, there were eight previous bishops among them. The oldest bishop in attendance was I. Haven Barlow, who served from 1951-53. Elder John E. Fowler of the Seventy, Utah North Area president, was a guest of honor.

The West Layton Ward was created in 1895. Included in the celebration was the Layton 2nd Ward, which was created from the West Layton Ward. Members enjoyed a roast beef dinner and a program featuring old time music and slides of early members and events. Old-timers and new members joined in the production, according to Bishop Lowell Johnson. A display of historical memorabilia was presented and a book of the history of the ward was published and soon sold out.