Children are never too young to start learning and living the gospel of Jesus Christ, said Michaelene P. Grassli, Primary general president. And the purpose of the Primary is to do just that.
"The goals of Primary support that purpose," Sister Grassli explained. "Those goals include teaching children they are children of God and that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love them. Other goals are helping children prepare for and understand baptism, to receive the Holy Ghost, and to grow in their understanding of the gospel plan. Boys are also taught about the importance of the priesthood and how to be worthy to use this power to bless the lives of others. Girls are prepared to fulfill their roles as righteous women and to live lives of service.""We believe that children should be invited to come unto Christ," said Betty Jo Jepsen, first counselor in the Primary general presidency. "For Primary leaders, there is nothing more significant than teaching a child gospel principles, thus building the kingdom and perpetuating the values of the gospel."
One activity that seems to be especially effective in teaching and solidifying gospel principles in the lives of children is the annual children's sacrament meeting presentation, noted Ruth B. Wright, second counselor in the general presidency.
This sacrament meeting presentation has been going on for "as long as we can remember," Sister Wright observed. "Every year we hear stories about families who, through their children's participation in this program, are either converted or become activated. The simple faith and testimonies of children that are shared in these meetings can be extremely powerful."
Each year the program has a simple, direct theme. This year's theme, "I am a child of God," offered many opportunities for children to develop and strengthen a relationship with their Heavenly Father. Next year's theme is "I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," and teaches children that they are members of the same Church that Jesus organized when He lived on earth.
Another learning activity that Primary leaders want to emphasize is "achievement days," for 10- and 11-year old girls (and for boys of the same age in countries where Scouting is not functioning). These monthly activities are geared toward offering children a chance to use gospel principles in their daily lives.
"We urge local Primary leaders to use these achievement days as an opportunity to recognize and encourage the girls and boys to set and reach goals," Sister Grassli said. "These achievement days can be a wonderful way to strengthen the self-esteem and self-worth of our Primary children."
Giving children opportunities to succeed begins early in the Primary program, with children as young as 3 years of age learning how to pray and speak publicly. Each age group has a different scriptural emphasis - beginning with the nursery, where toddlers are taught about the creation and Heavenly Father.
"It's a sacred calling to teach these children about the gospel of Jesus Christ," Sister Grassli observed. "Service in the Primary brings great joy."