PROVO, Utah — "Consider what you can do to build up the kingdom of God, to be disciples of Christ, to be of service, to be helpful in the kingdom, right now!" Primary Gen. Pres. Patricia P. Pinegar declared March 7.

Speaking at a Church Educational System fireside, Sister Pinegar asked: "What exactly is the kingdom of God on earth?" Then answering the question, she continued: "It is His Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is you and me, an organized group of people who have been baptized and taken upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and who are led by a living prophet who speaks for God.

"We're talking about building up His Church," she added. "We're talking about building up each other."

More than 15,000 college-age young adults attended the fireside, held in the BYU Marriott Center. Also in attendance was Sister Pinegar's husband, Ed. J. Pinegar. In addition, thousands of young adults viewed the proceedings, telecast live via the Church satellite system throughout the United States, Canada, Central America and the Caribbean.

In her remarks, Sister Pinegar urged: "I really do want to push you toward your potential. This idea is not something I thought about when I was your age, but you are so much better than I was, and the Church needs you so desperately."

She explained that the Lord does not require exceptional gifts or abilities. "He asks that you be humble, trusting, sincere and willing to serve. Then He can guide you to do important work in His kingdom. He is depending on you.

"Being involved in building the kingdom will require us to move out of our comfort zone. One of the great purposes of earth life is to help us change and become more Christlike. That requires us to stretch and grow. The scriptures remind us that our weaknesses can become strengths when we humble ourselves and have faith." (See Ether 12:27.)

Sister Pinegar asked, "Why should you be a kingdom builder? Is it really your responsibility? Why is it important to do right now, when you are so involved in getting an education, earning enough to make ends meet, trying to make it on your own, starting your family, building up your own kingdom?

"You should be a builder of the kingdom right now because you are desperately needed and, did you know, you have promised to help. You have covenanted to help. Your baptism is a testimony of your covenant to serve Him, to help build up the kingdom of God."

Continuing, she again asked, "Why should you be a kingdom builder? Because you need to feel that happiness and joy. That joy and happiness is worth working for.

"Why should you be a kingdom builder? Because being a kingdom builder is a wondrous opportunity. Is it not wondrous to think that He needs you, that He, who is the Creator, the Exemplar, the Redeemer, asks for your help?"

Sister Pinegar, in speaking about "how . . . we help build the kingdom," said: "The Holy Ghost will prompt us as we learn to open our ears and hearts to hear and understand the word of the Lord through the scriptures, and the living prophets."

She then offered some simple ideas on how to direct one's efforts to build the kingdom. "Start by recognizing your divine potential. As a child of God, you have the ability to improve and progress throughout your life. Open your heart and feel the desire to become even a little better than you now are.

"Building and strengthening each other is another important way you can be involved in building the kingdom," she continued. "That is something you can do so well. Open your hearts and let the Holy Ghost fill you with the desire to bless each other, your family, your roommates, your friends. Do something each day that will bring them joy; maybe just a smile would do it."

Sister Pinegar urged those listening to be an example to each other. "Your faithful example is a powerful way to build the kingdom, but at times, you must do even more than be an example. You must be as the watchmen on the tower and lovingly, but firmly, stand for the truth by warning your friends."

And, she added, "The Savior is our perfect example of building and strengthening others."

Sister Pinegar also spoke of full-time missionary service. "Our prophet, who speaks for God, pleads for our help in building the kingdom. President [Gordon B.] Hinckley has asked all able young men to be worthy, to prepare and to serve as missionaries," she said, referring to President Hinckley's address in the October 1997 general conference.

Speaking of young women, Sister Pinegar said, "You can choose whether to serve a full-time mission," and spoke of her granddaughter's love of her service in the Washington Tacoma Mission.

Then, she explained, the "most hallowed, sacred service you can ever give as a kingdom builder is the work you will do to strengthen your family and your future family. Open your heart and let the Spirit work a desire in you to help in strengthening families. If you are single and away from home or still living at home, there is much you can do as an adult child to love, respect and strengthen your parents and siblings."

Sister Pinegar spoke of the future families of those listening. "I hope marriage is the desire of your hearts. It is the noblest of desires. Many of you young men and women are in the perfect season for marriage. Don't be afraid, and don't linger too long on decisions to do good things, to do what Father in Heaven wants and needs you to do. Move forward with joy and confidence. Don't be afraid of sacrifice and struggle. Make a plan and prepare."

In her concluding remarks, she declared: "There are many ways for you to be a kingdom builder. Is it necessary to have a calling to build the kingdom? No. Is it necessary to accept callings and do your best? Yes. Is it necessary to be anxiously engaged in a good cause and bring about righteousness? Yes. You are truly needed."