Just as the young men and young women of the LDS (Mormon) Church have programs designed to help them develop spiritually, mentally, and physically, so do the boys and girls in Primary age 8-11. This program is called ‘Faith in God’.
When a child reaches the age of eight and is baptized, he or she should receive a booklet titled ‘Faith in God for Girls’ or ‘Faith in God for Boys’. The child is asked to work on different activities in various areas:
· Learning and Living the Gospel
· Serving others
· Developing Talents
· Preparing for the Priesthood (for boys)
· Preparing for Young Women (for girls)
Many of the activities to be passed off are the same for both boys and girls. For example, one activity in the Serving Others section is:
· Plan, prepare, and serve a nutritious meal.
There are many activities designed specifically for boys or girls. For girls, one activity is:
· Write in your journal how you can serve the Lord as you stand for truth and righteousness
For boys, one activity to help them prepare to receive the Aaronic Priesthood would be:
· Learn about the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood (see D&C 13, 107:20, and Joseph Smith – History 1:68-73)
An extra benefit to the boys being involved in this program is many of the activities are designed to help them in scouting as well.
One of the most wonderful things about this program is how it teaches these young people to make and accomplish goals. None of them are too difficult, and under the program’s structure both parents and teachers can help the children attain these goals.
An adult woman (or two) will help the girls out by arranging an activity night, twice a month, either in her own home or a home of one of the girls. Where scouting is implemented, those nights can be substituted for activity nights.
The hope is that after the child has turned eleven, and has then completed all of the requirements, she can have the certificate located at the back of the book signed by both the Primary president as well as a bishop/branch president.
Once your and continues on into the Young Men and Young Women programs, they will continue to habit of making and accomplishing goals. The hope is that as these children grow they will continue this excellent habit, helping them to become goal-oriented adults.
