William Latham 1st counselor, Aaron Rapley, Bishop, and Pedro Rebollo, second counselor

The YSA had an Ice Cream Social June the 3rd.

From President Bingham: We are excited to share that registration has officially opened for the Utah Area YSA Conference! The theme of the Utah Area YSA Conference is “Together in Christ,” and we hope this will be a unique and powerful experience for those who participate. This conference will bring together tens of thousands of young single adults from across the Utah Area to build relationships with each other and strengthen their faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The conference will consist of the following exciting events: August 5, 2023 ● Together in Christ concert at LaVell Edwards Stadium featuring OneRepublic, Tori Kelly, and Jordan Smith, with YSA choir and dance performances August 11 or 12, TBD, 2023 • YSA dance, location TBD August 12, 2023 ● 5k Fun Run in Lindon, Utah August 19, 2023 ● Gather Together Conference at the Salt Palace Convention Center featuring inspiring speakers, live music, hands-on service projects, sports, a life-size Tabernacle experience, and more August 20, 2023 ● Utah Area YSA devotional at the BYU Marriott Center with Elder D. Todd Christofferson (broadcast will be available) Registration is now open, and full details can be found on the event website: https://www.utahysaconference.org

The YSA Ice Cream Social will be held on Sunday, June 4th, at 6 pm. Come join in the fun at 180 2nd Street, Bunkerville.

Elder Curtis Garlick returned after serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Adriatic North Mission- Croatian Speaking. Curtis returned May 12, 2023 Colleen and Darrell Garlick of the Littlefield Ward in the East Stake, are his parents. Welcome home! Elder Garlick Testimony: I know that our Father in Heaven lives, and that he directs his work on the Earth today. He truly provides a way for us to accomplish all that He has commanded us. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that it was written for US, in these days. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to serve a mission, and I know that the Gospel changes lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Submitted by the Mesquite NV Stakes Publicist Elder William Barnum has served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Texas Dallas Mission for 24 months, teaching in Spanish. Lori and Mark Barnum are his parents. Elder William Barnum will report on June 9, 2023, 9am in the Bunkerville Chapel. The chapel Is located in Bunkerville, 355 W. Virgin Ave. Welcome Home!

I Love to See the Temple, a Primary activity, for children from both the East and West Mesquite Nevada Stakes was held Saturday, May 20. Temple President Keith Reber and his wife Stephanie spoke to the children about the temple and helped them looked forward to being able to go and visit at the open house September 15 through November 11. President Reber and his wife were introduced by Jennifer Woods, primary president of the East Stake and their niece. Pres. Reber grew up in Littlefield and went to a one room school with his mother, Dessie Reber, as his teacher. In high school he came to Virgin Valley and was a bulldog where he played on the basketball team with coach Brotherson. All four years in high school. he was the one leading the way as he and his teammates made their run up to the water tower on the hill. He served a mission and married Stephanie from Arizona. When she was at BYU, she was on the ballroom dance team and traveled all over the world with the dancers. Sr. Reber asked several questions and had participation from the children. She asked them to tell her what they could do to prepare to go to the temple? Their responses were: apologize, pray and ask, read the scripture, talk about it, repent, get baptized and go to church. She encouraged the children to ask their parents for a picture of the temple to remind them of a place to feel the Holy Spirit. She said soon the gates will be open and you can walk around the grounds and enjoy the beautiful landscaping. “You can go up and touch the door of the temple and take pictures while you are there. She continued with, “God knows each one of you and the temple is a symbol of His love for you.” Pres. Reber asked the children why we build temples? He explained that the temple helps us let Christ come into your heart and through the covenants you make, you can center your life around Christ. He asked, ‘” What do you want to be when you grow up? Kind? A good Friend? Peaceful? Trustworthy? Honest? How do become this kind of person? God said I will help you be that kind of person; by making covenants you can become that person.” He asked them to look for symbols when they visit the temple open house. He said the altar represents the sacrifice of our Savior and where is the alter placed? In the exact center of room with a large light above it. This reminds us to center our life on our Savior. “He will make you kinder. He has the power to do that.” He then quoted Ammon from the Book of Mormon,’ But with Christ I can do everything.’ He then asked the children to, “Make a decision of the kind of person you want to be and the Savior will help you be that kind of person.” The children rotated around to three different activities – making pictures of the St. George Temple, singing primary songs including I Love to See the Temple and Families can Be Together while playing with rhythm sticks, and other instruments. One group had wooden blocks, white Legos and plastic blocks to build temples. The children were very creative and worked together to construct their edifices complete with steeples and towers. The children viewed a video with Elder Bednar and Elder Rasband taking them on a tour of the Rome Temple and explaining the symbolism of the lights, alters, rooms, stained-glass windows and the baptistry where they can be baptized in behalf of their ancestors. The children were treated to cookies and drinks at the Heritage Park at the end of the activity.

Mesquite, Nevada – Garry Lynn Noel, 76, peacefully departed this life on Sunday, May 21st, 2023, at his home with his family at his side. He was born on September 10, 1946 in Kingman, Arizona to Thomas Robert and Wilma (Reber) Noel. He married Joy Lyne Hunt on May 31, 1969 in the St. George, Utah Temple. He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 54 years, Joy; his children Julee Sidwell (Robert) Idaho Falls, ID, John Noel (Janeece), Mesquite, NV, Joni Noel, Mesquite, NV and Jarred Noel (Angelina), Mesquite, NV; Grandchildren; Kelsi, Bailee, Caleb (Hannah), Camron, Adam, Jaytee, Daxton, Isaac, Rylee, Ava, Ella and Jacob: Sisters; Shirley Luke (Ted), Cottonwood, AZ, Tauma Noel, Franklin, ID and Barbara Krogue (Elmo), North Logan, Utah: and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Thomas Robert Noel, his mother Wilma (Reber) Noel and his brothers Robert Jr. and David Noel. Garry was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Heritage Ward. He honorably served his country in the United States Army in Vietnam. His fun-loving spirit touched the lives of so many people wherever he went. His wife and family were his passion, his ability to make people laugh was his superpower. His talents included hunting and fishing, winning at every card game, telling stories, making up songs, attending his families’ games/special events, cheering people up with his playful teasing and LOVING PEOPLE UNCONDITIONALLY. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, May 27 2023 at 10:00 am at the Stake Center on 100 North Arrowhead Lane Mesquite, NV 89027. Interment will be held at the Bunkerville Cemetery, Bunkerville, Nevada following the service. The viewings will be held on Friday from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm and Saturday from 8:30 am- 9:30 am. We invite family and friends to leave condolences or memories at www.starmortuary.com

Seminary Graduation for Mesquite Nevada East and West Stakes was held on Sunday, May 21. Twenty-eight seniors received diplomas for completing four years of study. Students from the Old Mill Ward were: Trey Hafen, Owen Rappleye, Addie Hillus, Ashlyn Shaner and Andrew Maxfield; Summer Crest Ward: Logan Cude, Alexis Rodriguez and Hailey Vellinga; Valley View Ward : Tyra Ludvigson; Vistas Ward : Jared Jensen, Dantzel Park, Sophie Tobler, Evia Toone, and Samuel Woods; Arrowhead Ward: Sadie Cowley; Bunkerville 1st Ward: Isabella Alejos, Talon Easton, Wyatt Leavitt, Stratton Waite; Bunkerville 2nd Ward: Neil Anderson, Arianne Gardner, Mathew Hughes, and Marian Leavitt; Heritage Ward: Nayeli Andrade, Destiny Mauia Moeai and Travis Terry; Virgin Valley Spanish Branch: Kiera Davis. Three graduates spoke – Evia Toone, Hailey Vellinga and Dantzel Park. Evia compared her piano lesson to weak things becoming strong. Just as learning piano was hard and learning notes was holding her back for a while. “Weak things can become strong by overcoming the difficulties. Our testimony can grow over time just as my ability to play the piano became better. Faith and persistence will give us strength in Christ.” Halily spoke about the example of Christ interacting with people – gentiles, Sarmatians, the bind, the sick, and Romans. He helped all and it didn’t matter who you were or your status. Dantzel said we can choose for ourselves to let Jesus Christ be in our lives. She asked, what will lead us closer or father away from Him? Music, media, friends or entertainment? She admonished the seniors to seek for positive influences and go to institute classes, to church and serve a mission. The race is not to the swift or wise it is how can we find strength in Christ.” Brother Nathan Porter, Seminary teacher, spoke about the state baseball championship game this past weekend. Virgin Valley’s team had had a winning season but lost in the championship. After their loss the players did not blame each other but spoke of the bonds of friendship they formed while being on the team. “Leave the disappointments on the field,” he said. He applied this lesson to events that will come into their lives now that they have graduated. “The results weren’t what you wanted at the game and the results of other efforts may not be what you thought you would receive. When you apply for a job and don’t get it, or you don’t get the raise you think you deserve – leave it behind! It is in the struggles that we will bond with Jesus Christ. There will be hurts and struggles and we may have a different ending than we wanted, but the gospel is there. The future is only as bright as your faith. I invite you to be on the Savior’s team; so, trust in Jesus Christ and turn your life over to Him.” Pres. Jared Hollinghead, Mesquite Nevada West Stake, asked the graduates to” Look unto the Lord in every thought and doubt not. Be faithful.” He told a story about a football game that did not turn out with a winning score the team thought they could make. One player felt it was his fault and blamed himself even two weeks later. Pres. Hollinghead quoted D&C 6:32-35. “Go your way and perform you work and look unto Christ in every thought – doubt not and fear not. Fear not to do good and then you will reap the good! He asked them to ‘Go forth with Faith’ -with faith you can overcome your fears.” Pres. David Anderson, of Mesquite Nevada East Stake, said that seminary plans for next year will have to be changed and there will be more early morning and after school classes and only seniors can attend released time seminary. Extra teachers will be called for these classes. Quoting Elder Ballard, he said, “We don’t have to ring our hands,” but we will find a new way to have seminary just as we found a new way 30 years ago when we overcame the porno store and picketed for 31 months. A beautiful thing came out of that picketing – it was a seminary building.” He asked the incoming students to,” attend 100%, come prepared, read the Book of Mormon and anticipate great opportunities for learning. Those who prevail today will do no small thing to sacrifice a little next year to attend. He compared the small sacrifice to the sacrifice our ancestors made to pull handcarts across the plains to reach their goal of living in Zion. The Book of Mormon teaches that we will have a bright recollection of our mistakes but more importantly we will have an even brighter recollection of the good things we did. Seek for experiences to say hello to someone, be good, be loving, Care for someone that needs you. Be slow to anger. Be quick to forgive – ‘for these are the tings that Jesus taught.’ You never know how one small act can be multiplied exponentially.” He also spoke about the parable of the sowers who scattered seeds on good ground and some came up 30 times and how the 2 loaves and small fishes were multiplied. “Do your best and the Lord will do the rest.” He stated.

Sister Alleia Atkinson is serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She started her mission on April 17, 2023. Sister Atkinson is serving in the Washington DC North Mission. Sister Atkinson Testimony I am a strong believer that a testimony should always be about Christ. Especially now that I wear His name on my chest 7 days a week from the time I get up to the time I go to bed. His name is the most important thing you can say. The name of our church, the name we sanctify prayers with, the name of our Savior. I have a strong testimony about our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ. He's experienced our pain and our troubles and our joy and our happiness. He felt all of it in the Garden of Gethsemane. Making Him the perfect Savior and friend for us. Then He paid for our sins. He paid the ultimate price. The one we couldn't hope to pay. He did so because He loves us, and because He loves us he died and rose again. Breaking the chains of death to allow us all to follow Him the day of resurrection. Through Him we are all saved and welcomed back into the presence of our Heavenly Father. As long as we use Christ's Atonement. We must repent before we can be forgiven. I know that He will forgive you and that God will forgive you. Our Heavenly Father wants us back to live with Him as any Father would. I know you can repent and be forgiven of any sin. Some you may have to take to the bishop first, but any sin can be forgiven. Our heavenly mansions have been prepared we just have to earn them.

Elder Gilbert & Sister Deon Felshaw have returned after serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On April 23rd, they returned from the Idaho Boise Mission where they served in Garden Valley, Idaho. Brother and Sister Felshaw will be speaking in the Arrowhead Ward on May 21. 2023 at 9 am in the Stake Center on Arrowhead. Welcome home!