Pro rugby player opts for mission
Lagi Setu, a 22-year-old professional rugby player, made news in Australia recently with his decision to serve a Mormon mission rather than agreeing to a rumored deal with a new club.
According to the Herald Sun, Setu was expected to be released by the Brisbane Broncos and sign with the Sydney Roosters for 2011. But he opted for missionary service instead.
"He's looking to do it," Setu's agent, Isaac Moses, told the Herald Sun. "He has put in his papers. Lagi won't be going to the Roosters now."
Setu, described by the Queensland Times as "humble and deeply religious," said he would not be where he is without his faith.
"I want to spread the gospel of my religion to other places, so it can help them like it has me," he said. "I will put my blessings on hold to honor my religion for two years."
Setu's older brother Rota also interrupted a rugby career to serve a mission, the Queensland Times reported.
Lagi Setu plays for the Broncos in Australia's National Rugby League.
YW project leads to Red Cross award
TURLOCK, Calif. — A young Mormon teen from Turlock, Calif., was recently honored for raising more than $5,000 for victims of the Haiti earthquake.
A local Red Cross chapter awarded 15-year-old Anne Thomas with "The Spirit of Red Cross," an honor traditionally given to adults performing "extraordinary life saving acts," according to the Stanislaus County Chapter.
Thirteen others were also recognized at an awards breakfast June 2.
"I realized that more important than the accomplishment of raising so much money was developing charity toward all of God's children, looking past my own selfish desires and worldly cares and really caring about someone else," Thomas said.
At the beginning of the year, before the earthquake, Thomas was contemplating different service opportunities she could carry out as a "good works" requirement for one of her Young Women value projects.
"Before she had made a decision, however, the earthquake in Haiti occurred and she felt compelled to do something," said Thomas' mother, Susan Thomas.
That's when Anne Thomas, a talented pianist and cellist, decided to rally other musicians and organize a benefit concert with the help of her parents.
From arranging a venue to designing the tickets and flyers, Thomas did it all. The concert, "Young Musicians for Haiti," pulled in $4,585 that evening. A few last-minute donations put Thomas over her goal of raising $5,000.
— Jacob Hancock