Elder Perry, Chickens, and Me

By Sister Bonnie H. Cordon

First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency

From an interview with Linda Davies

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

When you grow up on a farm, you learn that everyone has a job. As a 10-year-old, my job was taking care of our chickens.

At first the baby chicks were cuddly little balls of yellow fuzz. But then they grew into chickens. Whenever I fed them, they’d peck at my ankles. It really hurt!

My father was serving as stake president. During that time, Elder L. Tom Perry came as the visiting General Authority. He and his family visited our home, and we loved listening to his inspiring words.

But the magic of the moment was broken when my mother asked, “Bonnie, have you fed the chickens yet?”

I had completely forgotten about those chickens and didn’t want to leave. But Elder Perry brightened up and asked, “Does someone need to feed chickens? Lee and I can help you!”

I couldn’t believe it! An Apostle would actually help me feed chickens!

I grabbed my flashlight, and Elder Perry, his son, and I started walking. I knew the way, so when we came to a ditch, I knew I had to jump. But Elder Perry didn’t know it was there, so he stumbled into the ditch and got his shoe wet. I was horrified.

He was very kind, and we kept going. Soon we reached the coop, and the three of us fed the chickens.

On the way back home, Elder Perry asked if he could hold the flashlight.

“Bonnie,” he said, “now I can see where I’m going too. Walking with your light, I couldn’t see very well, so I fell. In a way, this light is like our testimonies of Heavenly Father. Each one of us needs our own testimony.”

What a perfect lesson from a wise and loving Apostle! It is one I will never forget.

Bright Testimonies

The pictures in this maze show things you can do to gain a testimony and keep it bright. Can you get to all five before you get to the end of the maze?

Women Leader Cards

Meet the Primary General Presidency!

Sister Joy D. Jones

General President of the Primary

Loves eating popcorn and having popcorn parties with her family.
Carried stacks of library books home to read before school and on weekends.
Studied home and family sciences in college.

Sister Bonnie H. Cordon

First Counselor, Primary General Presidency

In grade school, raised chickens and sold eggs.
Studied education in college and served a mission in Portugal.
Loves to scuba dive, ski, hike, and meet people around the world.

Sister Cristina B. Franco

Second Counselor, Primary General Presidency

Born in Argentina, the oldest of three children.
In Primary, became best friends with a boy who later became her husband!
Worked with her husband, Rodolfo, in a watch and clock shop.