Sister Vicki F. Matsumori: First-generation members begin cycle of gospel learning
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The Primary song "Army of Helaman" teaches a great Book of Mormon lesson, said Sister Vicki F. Matsumori, second counselor in the Primary General Presidency.
But while members of the army of Helaman were taught the gospel in their youth by goodly parents, it must not be forgotten that those parents did not have the same opportunity to be taught of goodly parents, said Sister Matsumori, speaking in the Sunday morning session. She added that today there are many first-generation members who are in the same situation.
"The strength of the army of Helaman really began with their parents who were the people of Ammon," she said. "They were the ones who first learned the gospel from the scriptures. They were the ones who learned about the power of prayer. And they were the ones who first made and kept covenants with the Lord. And just as it began with them, it begins with you. As first-generation members, you are the ones who begin the cycle of teaching and strengthening the next generation."
She included herself among first-generation members saying, "You see, while I was born of goodly parents I was not taught the gospel at home. However, my parents did teach me moral values and ethical conduct....It was left to Primary teachers, Young Women leaders and priesthood leaders to provide me with gospel instruction."
Then she counseled, "As first-generation members who have gained testimonies we now have a responsibility to teach the children of today. We must teach them in our homes and in our classes. We must teach them the word of God from the scriptures. We must teach them the power of prayer and we must teach them the blessings that come from making and keeping covenants."
Then they will be able to say they are like the army of Helaman, she concluded.
