Women’s Organizational Leaders Minister in Western Europe

Sister Reyna I. Aburto, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, and Sister Michelle D. Craig, first counselor in the Young Women general presidency, ministered to leaders and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Madrid, Spain, on March 12–13, 2022.

Devotional for Children and Youth

At a devotional for Spanish children and youth on March 12, Sister Craig focused on this year’s For The Strength of Youth (FSY) theme, “Trust in the Lord.” Sister Craig spoke about the labels that define us and that “the most important things in life have to do with family and with our lives.” She emphasized that we can trust God—and his timing—with all our hearts. “He knows us and loves us. You have been chosen to come in these last days because He trusts you so much.”

Sister Craig also said that our Heavenly Father and our Savior have perfect and infinite patience toward us. Despite the difficulties, “there is peace in Jesus Christ.”

Sister Aburto also referenced the FSY theme and invited the audience to reflect on why God allows bad things to happen. “Sometimes things happen that we don’t understand. Over time I learned that each of us has agency. It is a gift that God cannot take away from us. Sometimes people misuse that agency, so we need to trust God. He will be on our paths and straighten our paths. The important thing is that we unite and help each other.”

“The peace of God endures and transcends all that is evil in the world. We are children of God,” Sister Aburto said.

Devotional for Women

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In a broadcast originating from Madrid and held for girls and women ages 14 and older, Sisters Aburto and Craig reiterated the importance of “being daughters of God” in the special devotional held on March 13.

Sister Craig referenced the Young Women theme in expressing “the most important labels are those that have to do with the family. We are daughters, mothers, sisters … and daughters of our Heavenly Father, with a work to do and an eternal destiny. It’s the most important thing for us.”

In reference to the Young Women motto, Sister Aburto said, “[it] contains the doctrine of Christ and what we must do to emerge triumphant from the war between good and evil in this world.” She continued, it is essential “to distinguish between these two poles and to know why we are here.”

The second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency expressed the importance of preserving testimony, love for God and neighbor. “By helping other people, we are witnesses of God because we realize the value of his soul.” Referring to current events in Europe, Sister Aburto said it will be necessary to be a witness for God and fulfill the covenant to “weep with those who mourn and comfort those who need comfort.”

Relief Society 180th Anniversary and Day of Service

Sisters Craig and Aburto will visit Latter-day Saints in the United Kingdom and Ireland to commemorate the Relief Society’s 180th anniversary, one of the world’s largest women’s organizations.

To mark the March 17 birthday, the Relief Society and Young Women general presidency leaders will participate in various service projects. Their trip was planned before the current crisis in Ukraine unfolded.

In February, the Relief Society general presidency issued an invitation for women around the world to celebrate the milestone with community service.

Newsroom will continue to update this story as the leaders’ minister in western Europe.