Sister Linda K. Burton’s Legacy: Love, Encouragement, and Counsel in Kuala Lumpur

“We are part of a great worldwide sisterhood,” said Sister Linda K. Burton, General President of the Relief Society* of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recently in Kuala Lumpur.  In her touching address to the women, Sister Burton told stories of women from all over the world who help one another, who lift and serve each other and who do what is right and good. In different gatherings, she spoke to the full-time missionaries, young single adult Church members and investigators, to an orphanage, and to the adult women of the Church. Kuala Lumpur was one stop on her travels that included India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

A theme present in all of Sister Burton’s addresses was the message that our Heavenly Father knows each of us by name, and loves each of us. We are all His children. He desires to bless us, and He wants us to care for one another.  To the women, she gave encouragement as she said, “The Lord can work miracles through us (women) in our homes, in our personal lives, and as we work in the Church. Sometimes we beat ourselves up, thinking we are not enough. He (The Lord) loves you for every effort you give to be better today than yesterday, in your homes and in the Church.”

The chapel was filled to overflowing with smiling women sixteen years of age and older. They assembled from Malacca, Klang, Kuala Lumpur, Cheras, Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya.  Sister Burton continued with words from a favorite Church song, Hymn #309, “The errand of angels is given to women; And this is a gift that, as sisters, we claim: To do whatsoever is gentle and human, To cheer and to bless in humanity’s name.”  In counsel, she offered a plea to refrain from judgment and criticism, to remember prayer, and to stay on the covenant path that leads to our goal of eternal life with our Father in Heaven. This can be accomplished by filling our lives with the things that matter most in life like scripture study, prayer, and helping others. She said to find joy in life, to be a witness of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Speaking of this unprecedented visit, a lovely single adult woman stated that this was the opportunity of a lifetime, to meet and to hear from the leader of one of the Church’s auxiliary organizations. A member of the District Choir who sang beautifully of being of one heart, one faith, one in the Lord, this dear sister said this is the first time that she knew that a Church auxiliary president has officially visited Malaysia, and she was so happy to attend. She was among the many women who politely waited to meet and hug Sister Burton afterwards, share a few words, and snap a picture!

There were touching moments repeatedly, as Sister Burton greeted and hugged refugees, members, missionaries and investigators long after the meetings ended. It was obvious Sister Burton loves the Lord, and the people whom she serves, and they love her in return! Sister Burton was personable, warm and love personified.

In speaking to the smallest group she would address during her visit, the young missionary force, she said that “true success comes in consecrating our lives, our time and choices to His work, then we permit Him to raise us to our highest destiny.” She encouraged them in their work to notice who they are becoming because they are improving every day. She thanked them for their service.

When called upon to make remarks at the Pure Life Society, a home for orphans and underprivileged children, Sister Burton expressed heartfelt appreciation for those who help these precious children of our Heavenly Father. “When we reach out and help someone else, we are the ones that probably benefit the most. It enriches and deepens our souls and allows us closer to nature as part of the human family and part of the family of God.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shares a wonderful history with the Pure Life Society, and Mother Mangalam, its Life-President. Sister Burton and Mother Mangalam shared tender moments during their time together. These two beautiful women share and embody many similar values and convictions such as goodness, compassion and a desire to serve others.

In her talk to the single adults, Sister Burton said that the prophets and Church leaders are working today to shore up the members to be ready for the Savior’s return and the battle that precedes it. In this life we will have to do hard things, but we can do this hard stuff a little at a time. She said to remain hopeful, joyful and grateful.

Sister Burton was accompanied by her husband, Craig, Elder Randy D. Funk, the Asia Area President and his wife Andrea, and President Stephen A. Simmons, the Singapore Mission President and his wife, Elizabeth.

*The Relief Society is for women ages 18 and over whose purpose is to provide support for the temporal and spiritual needs of all women in the Church, as well as others who are in need. The Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the oldest and largest women’s organizations in the world and celebrates its 175th anniversary in March. (mormonnewsroom.org) “Charity never faileth" is the Relief Society motto, referenced in 1 Corinthians 13:8.