CARRY-THE-KETTLE, Winnipeg — On a given weekday afternoon — while friends are off tossing a football or slouched in front of a television — 14-year-old Chad O'Watch is seated at the computer in the clerk's office typing a program for Sunday's meetings. When he's finished, he'll prepare for that evening's combined youth activity.

Photo by Rupert K. Gandy

Just a few years after joining Church, 14-year-old Chad O'Watch serves as branch clerk in the Carry-The-Kettle Branch in Canada.

Chad is a typical teenager who enjoys the common antics of youth. But when it comes to gospel service, his maturity matches his 6-foot 4-inch frame. Each Sunday, in addition to his calling as branch clerk, Chad fulfills his assignments in the Aaronic Priesthood, and will lead the music, offer prayers and give talks.

"I love to do it," he said. "I love to serve my Heavenly Father, who, I know, helps me."

Chad is a member of the Carry-The-Kettle Branch, Canada Winnipeg Mission. The branch is located on an Indian reservation about 60 miles from the stake center in Regina.

Members once met in a trailer house, but now enjoy a new meetinghouse. Not all members live on the reservation. Some travel up to 1 1/2 hours to attend. Average attendance is about 25 members, with few priesthood holders.

Chad has demonstrated a willingness to bear the burdens of the branch, said Rupert K. Gandy, president of the branch who is serving a mission with his wife, Marilyn.

Chad joined the Church in 1999 at age 11. He wasn't much inclined to spiritual things when he was younger, he said. But his father, who wanted a better life for his son than he had, drove Chad to Church one Sunday morning and, against his son's will, dropped him off.

Chad soon became friends with the missionaries who answered his many questions, such as, "Why should I join?"

"I knew I was to join," he said. "I felt like I would have a better life."

While it may be highly unusual for a 14-year-old to serve as branch clerk, said President Gandy, Chad's willingness and stalwart service have qualified him. "His service has greatly blessed the branch," he said.

There were no active youth in the branch at the time of Chad's baptism. But with several baptisms and a reactivation effort since, the branch now has a steady youth program, including a friend Chad introduced to the gospel.

Chad has ambitions to serve a mission and earn a college education. He is preparing himself by an enthusiastic scripture study regime and participation in extracurricular activities in school, including the volleyball and track teams.

"In a branch of limited priesthood leadership, members are taking strength from a 14-year-old who is magnifying his calling," said President Gandy. — Shaun Stahle