When the Prophet Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society he taught that this organization was part of the Restoration and was organized for “the relief of the poor, the destitute, the widow and the orphan” (History of the Church, 4:567). In addition he taught that the Relief Society was “not only to relieve the poor, but to save souls” (History of the Church, 5:25). This is our purpose.
A History of Relief Society
In the general Relief Society meeting on September 25, 2010, Sister Julie B. Beck taught, “Studying and applying the history of Relief Society gives definition and expression to who we are as disciples and followers of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” She announced that a history of Relief Society will be published in 2011.
An exact date has not been determined for the release of this history. In the meantime, updates and additional information will be available on the Relief Society site of LDS.org and on the visiting teaching message page of the Liahona and Ensign, where you will find excerpts from the history of Relief Society.
Sister Beck said, “As we move the Lord’s work forward, the history of Relief Society will continue to be written by faithful sisters throughout the world.” For this reason, the Relief Society general presidency encourages you to record what is happening in your life. Though you might not feel that you are making history, sisters around the world can learn from you and your personal experiences. Consider recording:
- Visiting teaching experiences.
- How faith and personal righteousness is being increased.
- How homes and families are being strengthened.
- How the poor and needy are being sought out and blessed.
In your continuing efforts to fulfill the purposes of Relief Society, remember the following statement by Sister Beck: “Ultimately, the value of history is not so much in its dates, times, and places. It is valuable as it teaches us the principles, purposes, and patterns we are to follow, and it helps us to know who we are, what we are to do, and unites us in strengthening the homes of Zion and building the kingdom of God on the earth.”
More more info click here http://lds.org/pa/display/0,17884,8211-1,00.html