YW @ 150: Celebrating in a Hundred and Fifty Ways

“What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with you, it is a joy to be with you!”

These words, from Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women General President, helped set the mood for an equally wonderful evening of song, prayer and inspiration as Young Women from throughout the Philippines gathered virtually for the Commemorative Devotional celebrating the 150th worldwideanniversary of the Young Women organization held last November 22.

Held at the Philippines Area headquarters, the devotional was hosted by media personality and junior news anchor Janella Renner, with the wives of the Philippines Area presidency members, namely, Sister Anita Wakolo, Sister Susan Bangerter, and Sister Kyung Koo Choi, sharing uplifting experiences and helping answer questions submitted by the youth.

“You are faithful, you are resilient,” Sister Cordon told the participants in her welcome message streamed live from Church headquarters in Salt Lake City. “I want you to know you are loved by the Lord, and I love you,” she added. “You have taught me what it means to have joy in the midst of many trials.”

The devotional highlighted the accomplishments of the young women who eagerly responded to the “My 150” sesquicentennial theme, with many of them following suggested activities related to the number 150, such as reading 150 pages of scripture, indexing 150 names, and sharing 150 inspirational social media,posts. Musical renditions were also rendered virtually by Young Women from places as diverse as General Santos City, Iloilo, Bukidnon, and Bulacan.

Sister Wakolo, Sister Bangerter, Sister Choi as well as Sister Cordon took turns answering questions given by the Young Women, which included “How can we best help other struggling young women to remain active in the Church?”, “How can I influence my siblings to prioritize seminary over other activities?” and “What do you think is the most important role of women in the Lord’s Church?”

“The Lord needs each one of you,” Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, Philippines Area President, told the Young Women in his concluding remarks. “He needs you today, tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, even in the next 50 years as He gathers Israel in these latter days.”

Sister Camille Obedoza, 15, of Marbel 2nd Branch. Marbel District, says she was touched by the message that small acts of service and kindness create a big impact on others. “It is meaningful to me because I personally suffer from obsessivecompulsive disorder. It gave me comfort that no matter what happens He is there and that through our trials we can lift others’ burdens too.”

For Sister Keona Aranguren, 16, of San Pablo 3rd Ward, San Pablo Stake, “Sister Choi’s message about missionary work for sisters particularly touched my heart.” Keona shares that she is confident that “Heavenly Father will help me to find unique ways for me to serve and is willing to guide me to make the best decision, according to His timing and plan for me.”