Faithful Women Across the Globe Celebrate 176 Years of Relief Society 

Each spring, women from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe gather in their respective meetinghouses to commemorate the founding of Relief Society by Prophet Joseph Smith on March 17, 1842. This year, "Around The World We Are One In Christ” was the Kuala Lumpur District's theme, where close to 90 women met together to celebrate it's 176th birthday.  The event was held Saturday, March 17, 2018 in the Malaysia Service Center, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. 

There was excitement and anticipation in the air as women planned, prepared and collected items for the big day. Soon decorations were hung, food put on the tables and chairs put into place, as women arrived enthusiastically to enjoy friendships and celebrate the blessings of Relief Society, the worlds largest women's organization.

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All six branches from the Kuala Lumpur District participated.  To emphasize this year's theme, branches embraced their specific assignments spotlighting different countries from around the world; i.e. the Philippines, Great Britain, Sri Lanka, U.S.A., Malaysia and China.  Women took their country assignments to heart, showing PowerPoint presentations, making and providing samples of foods such as barbecued pork sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies from U.S.A., and wearing costumes to reflect the unique beauty of their respective country, noting: our cultures may be different, yet, we are still one in Christ as LDS women.

Cheras Branch Relief Society member Cathy Marsh said, "Not only did we have fun, it was an eye opening experience trying out the various foods and learning more about each country's culture. This Relief Society birthday sure was a memorable event! It also showcased the many talents of our sisters." 

Sister Anna Hi, who traveled close to two hours from the Malacca Branch, said, "I first learned to love Relief Society when I was at BYU-Hawaii.  I would sit at the back of the class and pretty much keep to myself. But my visiting teachers (women in Relief Society who have stewartship for another) welcomed me in, the love of Christ was definitely present and so cultural barriers or age gaps didn’t matter. Having felt the warmth and concern from these two sisters made me realize that Relief Society is the Gospel in action. Relief Society teaches me to be more like the Savior. I once read that Relief Society is the female half of the kingdom of God on earth. And that is why it is important to me. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Relief Society."

Sister Joyce Yong, the District Relief Society President, talked about the importance of serving both our own family and sisters in the Gospel, reminding us to always bake an extra cake or dublicate a dish specifically for our own family when preparing one for a family in need.  We never want our family to have feelings of resentment or neglect when we serve.  Our own family should always come first.  

President Spencer W. Kimball said, “The cultivation of Christlike qualities is a demanding and relentless task—it is not for the seasonal worker or for those who will not stretch themselves, again and again.” Ensign, Nov. 1978, 105

Relief Societies motto is, “Charity Never Faileth”. [Relief] Society is not only to relieve the poor, but to save souls. —Joseph Smith (Daughters in My Kingdom [2011], 24)

Relief Society has a storied history.