"Come unto Christ" is the 2014 theme for the youth (ages 12-18) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Approximately 300 youth from the church gathered on the evening of February 12, 2014 to talk Standards. The youth were divided into three groups and met in three different buildings located in Bunkerville and Mesquite. The evening began with a devotional at each building. All groups heard from local members of the church on a variety of topics. The oldest group (ages 16-18) received wonderful counsel on the topic of "Remaining Valiant and Going Forward With Faith". Those aged 14-15, were counseled on the importance of "Feasting on the Words of Christ". The youngest group (ages 12-13) learned how to be a good friend and how to better socialize with others. At the end of the devotional all the youth watched a video entitled "Come Unto Christ". It portrays youth struggling to make it through some of life's challenges and how their lives are changed as they determine to make Jesus Christ a part of their lives through prayer, scripture study, repentance and service. Many of the youth commented on how much they enjoyed the video. Following the devotional all the youth enjoyed a dinner and time to socialize with one another. It was a fun, inspiring evening for all who participated. The events for the evening were planned and carried out by local youth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We wish to express appreciation to those men and women who took time to help that evening by speaking, setting up technical equipment and preparing and serving food.

Elder Colby Clem has been called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Oregon Salem Mission. He will enter the Missionary Training Center (MTC) on Feb. 5, 2014. Colby’s parents (Charles and Gayla Clem) grew up here and just recently moved back after his dad retired from the Air Force. “I am very glad to be leaving for my mission from Mesquite, because Mesquite is home… always has been, always will be” said Elder Clem. Although serving a mission has always been something Elder Clem figured he would do, he didn’t make the final decision until his senior year. While preparing to leave on his mission, Colby had been working at McDonald. “I am very excited to go and teach the gospel, so they can be as happy as I am.”

They are the first 3 Eagle Scouts from Troop 87. Boy Scout Troop 87, sponsored by the Virgin Valley Spanish Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held a special Court of Honor on Sunday, January 26, 2014, at the LDS chapel 100 North Arrowhead, to honor three young men who earned Scouting's highest honor, the rank of Eagle Scout. There were 65 in attendance, including many Scouts and their families. Edgar Silveyra, 18, completed all of the requirements for Eagle, which included a service project. His project was re-striping the parking lot of the Mesa View Regional Hospital. He was assisted by several Scouts and adults. Fernando Gonzalez, 17, also completed all of the requirements for Eagle, which included a service project. The project consisted of painting the curbs red for the No Parking zones at the Sports Complex for the City of Mesquite. Many Scouts and some adults helped with this project. Kevin Zúñiga, 17, completed the requirements for Eagle Scout, including a service project for the City of Mesquite and the Mesquite Fire Department. He and his team of 10 Scouts re-painted approximately 45 fire hydrants and the red curbing nearby each one. Congratulations Eagle Scouts!

Adison leaves for the MTC (Missionary Training Center) on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 to serve a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints. He will serve in the Oklahoma Tulsa Mission. Adison Van Houten is the son of Mike and Robyn Van Houten. Adison's family would like to invite family and friends to a get-together at the Van Houten’s on Saturday, January 11th at 7:30 pm to visit with Adison before he leaves. He is speaking in church on Sunday, January 12th, 2pm at the LDS Stake Center.