Saints Gather for Conference

On the weekend of the 24^th and 25^th of June this year, all roads lead to the Kololo stake center as members and visitors of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Kampala North Stake gathered for their first conference since the creation of the new stake a few months ago.

The two-day event saw several leaders and selected speakers address the congregation on various topics, all encouraging members and guests to strive to become more Christlike in all aspects of their lives.

The two sessions on Saturday the 24 June included a priesthood training session from 12:00pm to 2:00pm and a general adult meeting from 3:30 to 5:30pm. The Sunday session was held from 10:00am to 12:00am with a new member meeting having been held earlier at 9:00am.

Speaking during conference President of the Uganda Kampala Mission, Stephen Collings asked the people to strive to have the influence of the Holy Spirit in their lives by being very repentant. He said, "repentance brings cleanliness and power."   He also urged the members to be united one with another. "Blessings can only come when there is no contention."

His wife Tracy Collings asked the congregation to have scripture study prevail in their lives. She said, " with prayer and a desire to learn, Heavenly Father will reveal many things to your minds." Also, "respect and consideration for others will grow, parents would better counsel their children and there will be an increase in peace, joy and happiness among them."

The president of the Kampala Uganda North Stake, Jimmy Carter Okot, emphasized the need for unity and urged members to pray for one another and even for those in the community who may not be kind to them. He cautioned members not to spend so much time on social media which he said can rob them of time for spiritual things that help give direction in their lives.

Other speakers urged members to be active missionaries and share the gospel. By so doing the congregation was promised an increase in their own testimonies of the Savior. They urged members to prepare to serve full time missions and asked members to be prayerful, noting that Heavenly Father always answers prayers. They encouraged members to hold regular family home evenings, on a set day in the week where the family gathers to learn and play together for at least one hour.

They were encouraged to fast as practiced even in the old times and to visit and care for families through the established home teaching program of the Church. They were also urged to pay their tithing and fast offerings which is how the church runs its evangelical programs and cares for the needy.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hold stake conferences twice each year. During these conferences members of the church get the opportunity to be taught by their leaders, and show support for them in their responsibilities. Priesthood advancements are also announced.

The next stake conference will be held in January 2018.

Uganda now has three stakes which is akin a diocese in other faiths.