Genesis Primary Brings Great Blessings
What a blessing it is to be able to work with our children in the Genesis Primary. To appreciate the great opportunity it is and the importance of our children we reflect on the words of the Savior found in the Book of Matthew. We read in Matthew 18:1-5:
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?Throughout the scriptures Christ reemphasizes the importance of children.
And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
In Luke we read how the mothers brought their children and infants to be blessed. The disciples, seeing Christ was busy, rebuked them and tried to turn them away. Once again Jesus responds:
"Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not: for of such is the Kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” (Luke 18:16-17.)The account of Christ visiting the Nephites in America gives us another vivid account of the love Christ has for the children. After Christ had healed the sick and the afflicted, He commands the Nephites that their children should be brought to Him. We read:
“So they brought their little children and set them down upon the ground round about him, and Jesus stood in the midst; and the multitude gave way till they had all been brought unto him.” (3 Nephi 17:12.)
It is recorded that Jesus “took their little children, ONE by ONE and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.” (3 Nephi 17:21; emphasis added.)
What a glorious sight this must have been, for after this angels came down and encircled the children and ministered to them.
How precious are the children! The importance of children is made very clear. Christ loves them. Their well-being and happiness is of paramount concern.The children of Genesis have brought love, joy, and great blessing into our lives. We have had the great blessing and opportunity to interact with them each month. They are beautiful and precious. The Lord’s hand is directing this great work. Doors and opportunities are continually opening for us. It seems that each month help comes in unexpected ways.
Our primary is growing. What a joy it is each month to see old friends and new faces. The support and help have strengthened and fortified our testimonies. We appreciate all those who so willingly volunteer to help. When a need arises there is always someone who seems to come to bring strength and support to the program. We have learned to truly “trust in the Lord,” knowing that He will indeed direct our paths and touch hearts so that this work will succeed. Our prayers have been answered and help has always come.
Genesis Primary is indeed the place to be for excitement. We never know what to expect from one month to the next except to know that we will always be spiritually fed and infused by a great outpouring of the Spirit.
As we look into the children’s radiant faces we see such hope for the future. The Lord has commanded us, “All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” How important it is that we teach them and love them. What a great commission and responsibility we all have to instill within the children the knowledge that they are indeed children of a loving Father in Heaven who loves each of us and is so concerned for our well-being. We need to teach them to love and rejoice and gain strength from our diversity.
We live in difficult and trying times. Temptation and strife are rampant. Our children are our greatest asset and hope for the future. How important it is that we love, cherish, and fortify them that they may rise to life’s challenges and become righteous leaders—secure in the knowledge that they are indeed children of God. Armed with that knowledge they may stand firm against the winds of temptation and adversity with a strong resolve to follow the admonition of Nephi, “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.” (2 Nephi 31:20.)Genesis is a blessing in our lives. The Primary children are a gift to be treasured. May they feel that Genesis is a safe haven where they can come and be with friends, loving teachers, and leaders and feel the Spirit of the Lord with a great outpouring of love.
The children of Genesis belong to all of us. May we all share in the great blessings which they bring—joy, love, happiness, and a great enthusiasm for life. We are truly blessed!
Genesis Primary Presidency
Elizabeth Steenblik
Gayle Featherstone
Shawnee Preator