July 2004 Ensign - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

60
THE BASICS
The eight Chicago-area stakes completed a few
basic steps to implement and maintain their
young single adult search-and-rescue effort:
• After recognizing the need to focus on the
young single adults and receiving instruction
from the Area Presidency, the stake presidents
organized the search and rescue in the wards
with the help of CES coordinators.
• The search began with an invitation to bishops
to have every young single adult contacted
within a three-month time period. Welcome packets,
including a short survey, were created to aid
the contacting members in this process.
• A database for tracking the young single
adults was created and updated regularly.
• When a contact was made, the young
single adult was asked to complete the survey
and invited to church, an activity, or institute.
• If the young adult decided to accept the
invitation, he or she was fellowshipped. If he or
she decided not to, the member who made the
initial contact continued to help the young single
adult feel welcome.
Young single adults
gather frequently at the
Chicago Illinois Temple
(above) to strengthen
bonds of friendship
and their love for
Heavenly Father.
PHOTOGRAPH BY DON O. THORPE
when their members leave for college or
work, they have the name of their new
ward and bishop, the location and times
of meetings, and information about the
closest institute.
Reaching the One
All this might seem like a lot of work—
and it is. But ward leaders and members
are happy to do it. President Evans points
out that as large as the Church gets, it will
always function on a branch or ward level.
“And that always gives us the ability, through
priesthood leadership, to reach the one.”
As one of those touched by the loving
efforts of his own family and his ward family,
JD is enjoying his activity in the Church. He
and others in the Chicago area stakes know
that the worth of a soul truly “is great in the
sight of God” (D&C 18:10). ■