“Friends, Hearts, and Invitations,” Friend, Oct. 2013, 8–9
Friends, Hearts, & Invitations
Photographs by Christina Smith
The girls in the Holladay Stake First Ward in Utah, USA, know their activity day plans are much more fun when more girls are involved. That’s why they made a special effort to get every girl in their neighborhood to come to the activities. The group was praying for more members when they realized that there were many girls nearby they could invite to attend. With the help of their leaders, they decided to reach out to their friends from school and in their neighborhood.
At first the girls were nervous to knock on doors and talk to others, but their leaders encouraged them and let them do all the talking. Soon they had many new friends! When they started their project, only four girls were coming regularly. Now the group has more than 20 girls who participate every week!
“It was exciting because we were doing missionary work. We helped the other girls feel special and cared about. That is what Heavenly Father wants.”—Beth V., age 11
“I remember getting a phone call every time for the activities. It was nice to be reminded, but mostly it felt like they really wanted me to be there.”—Arianna M., age 12
“I felt good inside that I helped someone.”—Eleanore P., age 10
“The first time standing on the doorstep, I felt uncertain. But after a couple of times, it was no big deal. I just thought, let’s go get another girl to come and join us and make it more fun!”—Erin P., age 11
After Santina B., age 11, was invited to activity days, she started coming to church too. Eventually her mom started attending with her. “Activity days helped us know more people and feel comfortable. We belonged there and were included,” Santina said.