For Young Children

New Friends, Old Friends

By Jane McBride Choate

Based on a true story

“A friend loveth at all times” (Proverbs 17:17).

1. It was Sunday morning, and Lissa was nervous. Her ward boundaries had been changed. That meant she would be going to a new ward today. Dad and Mom saw that Lissa was worried.

   What’s wrong?

   I won’t know anyone in the new ward. Why did they have to change our old ward?

   It’s actually a good thing. The Church is growing. That means more people have accepted the gospel.

2. Will I ever see my friends from the old ward again?

   We will make sure you do. You can invite them to our house for your birthday.

3. At church Lissa walked into the Primary room. She saw some of her friends from her old ward, but there were a lot of new faces too. In class Lissa and the other children played a game to help them learn each other’s names. The new children seemed nice.

4. After class Lissa found her parents and little brother waiting for her in the hall.

   Mom, do you think I can invite the new children to our house on my birthday too?

   That’s a great idea.

5. That week Lissa and Mom made invitations for children in their old ward and for children in their new ward.

6. On Lissa’s birthday, all the children arrived. They played the game she played in Primary so everyone could learn the names of everybody else.

7. Did you have a good time?

   Yes! Now I have old friends and new friends!

Illustrations by Adam Koford