New achievement program
E-mail story
It's easy. Send a link to the story you were just reading to a friend. Just fill out the form on this page and we'll send it along.
Your name and e-mail address are transmitted to the recipient. Otherwise, it is considered private information; see Privacy policy.
A recent First Presidency announcement of a new achievement program for Young Men was underscored and explained by Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve in his priesthood session address.
Announced in a Sept. 28 letter to priesthood leaders in the United States and Canada, the new program is an adaptation of a program introduced in January 2000 in areas outside North America where Scouting was not available. The adaptation includes "the important role of Scouting in the development of young men" and is called "Aaronic Priesthood: Fulfilling Our Duty to God."
"Three guidebooks . . . explain the program," Elder Hales read from the letter. "Young men who complete the requirements outlined in all of these guidebooks will receive the Duty to God Award."
In addition, Elder Hales read from the letter making the announcement of an updated, simplified Young Women Personal Progress book, a revised For the Strength of Youth pamphlet and a Guidebook for Parents and Leaders of Youth.
"There has never been a time in these latter days like today, when the message is being brought forward so strongly by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to have parents along with bishops and priesthood and auxiliary leaders make sure your young men understand who they are and what they can become — not only here in mortality but for the eternities that will follow," Elder Hales stated.
He listed the following areas in which young men will complete goals in earning the Duty to God award:
- Be faithful in priesthood duties and standards.
- Be involved in family activities.
- Participate in quorum activities.
- Complete a Duty to God service project.
- Accomplish personal goals in each of four categories: spiritual
development; physical development; educational, personal and career
development; and citizenship and social development.
"If you will fulfill the requirements for these priesthood duties and personal attributes, you will prepare yourselves for the Melchizedek Priesthood responsibilities and future challenges in your life," he said. "I promise you that your achievement of the Duty to God award will provide you with a living testimony that will sustain you throughout your life."
Blessings of these programs will be that the youth of the Church will have a clearer understanding of who they are, they will be accountable for their actions, they will take responsibility for the conduct of their lives and they will be able to set goals to achieve what they were sent to earth for, he said.
"Young men, get on your knees each day and express to God the desires of your heart," the apostle urged.
