Finding relief from life’s challenges with President Camille Johnson

SALT LAKE CITY — There are plenty of challenges and difficulties in life today that are both man-made and natural. 

The Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is about providing relief to others. On Friday, General Relief Society President Camille Johnson joined Inside Sources with Boyd Matheson to talk about her ministry in Africa and providing relief to mothers. 

Matheson opens the conversation by asking President Johnson to give share her experience of visiting Africa. 

“My effort on that trip was directed not only at members of our church,” President Johnson said. “But I also had a sweet opportunity to travel into the northeastern corner of Uganda with UNICEF.”

President Johnson says the church has made a significant donation to UNICEF. She says the church has collaborated in an effort called ‘No Time to Waste’.

Challenges of life in Uganda

She says it highlights the needs of malnourished children in this part of the country. It addresses the needs of mothers and children in Uganda. 

“And we had a sweet opportunity while we were there to observe and really assess where are contributions are landing,” President Johnson said. “And what difference they’re making. So that was a sweet treat.”

Matheson asked, “You mentioned to me a few weeks ago that you came back with Africa eyes. Tell us about that?”

“I think my Africa eyes help me to see things with a little bit more simplicity,” President Johnson said. “Sometimes we overthink, but in a very simple way, oftentimes teaching with pictures rather than words.”

President Johnson says the opportunity she has to travel around the world serves one purpose.

“I view these opportunities to meet with people around the word,” she said. “As an opportunity, as I said, to share the love of our Heavenly Father and help them recognize that we’re all part of a family of God.”

Jesus is Relief

Matheson asked, “You chose some very specific words in your message during general conference that Jesus is Relief. Give us a little insight into that?”

“I’ve been thinking about that and contemplating what it means to be a part of the Relief Society,” President Johnson said. “And the impression came very strongly that Jesus Christ is the source of our relief.”

In recognition of Mother’s Day, Matheson asked, “What is your message for the women of the world as a world religious leader that they should be certain that they should have confidence?”

“They should be certain that they are known,” President Johnson said. “And that they’re loved and that they’re needed.”

Listen to the entire segment.

Inside Sources with Boyd Matheson can be heard on weekdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Bonneville International Corporation, the company that owns KSL NewsRadio, is a subsidiary of Deseret Management Corporation, which is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Read more:

• Reflecting on impact of the Relief Society on International Women’s Day
• Latter-day Saints sewing millions of masks, providing other global relief projects

 

 

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