In the Spotlight

BYU Men’s Volleyball Wins National Title

Brigham Young University’s men’s volleyball team won the 2001 National Collegiate Athletic Association championship, defeating the top-ranked University of California at Los Angeles, 3–0.

Along with securing its second NCAA championship in three years, the team earned the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) regular season title, the 2001 MPSF Coach of the Year title, and All-American ranking for four players.

First Latino Branch Formed in Japan

Until recently, English-speaking branches were the only fully non-Japanese-speaking branches in Japan. But earlier this year, the Kouga Branch, the first all-Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking branch in Japan, was organized in the Japan Kobe Mission.

David F. Robertson, recently released as president of the mission, said the branch is in a factory district of Japan’s Shiga prefecture, which employs thousands of workers from South American countries. “Some were already members and leaders in South America before they came to Japan,” says Brother Robertson. “The creation of this branch allows these members to worship and serve in their native tongue.” Latino members who have joined the Church in Japan are a major part of the branch.

Australian Stake Receives Service Award

The Perth Australia Warwick Stake received an award for the best community project in Western Australia for the year 2000. Stake members spent a day cleaning the Ocean Reef Beach for the start of the summer season.

Robert Hill, Minister for Environment and Heritage, presented Warwick stake president Peter Meurs with a picture that now hangs in the stake center. A number of other government dignitaries were also present at the awards ceremony.

Tennessee Stake Involves Inmates in Quilting

For the past several months, inmates of the Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex in Wartburg, Tennessee, have been spending their Saturdays quilting. Eight to 10 quilts are completed each month and delivered to child welfare agencies.

The project was started by a Latter-day Saint inmate at Brushy Mountain, who contacted leaders of the Knoxville Cumberland Stake and asked for their help in beginning a service club at the facility. Stake members provide quilting supplies and finish the edges after inmates have tied the quilts. In addition, weekly worship services are being held at the facility under the direction of Cumberland Stake President Richard Riggs.

Inmates have expressed appreciation for the program. One inmate said that many feel sorry for crimes they have committed and that the project provides a way for them to repay the community.