News Release

Church Members Benefiting from Self-Reliance Groups

Looking forward to “Choose Your Path” Event

Many people might think of welfare as a program to help those in temporarily difficult circumstances. But the intent of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints welfare plan is much more far-reaching; it also involves promoting self-reliance as a way of life. President Thomas S. Monson has taught that self-reliance—“the ability, commitment, and effort to provide the necessities of life for self and family” —is an essential element of our temporal and spiritual well-being.

In recent months, members of the Church living in Hong Kong have started attending self-reliance groups offered through their local branches or wards (congregations). A self-reliance group meeting uses a “council” model and is different from most classes, lessons, and workshops. There are no teachers or trainers. Instead, local members counsel together, learn together, mentor each other, act on what they are learning, and hold each other accountable for commitments. This group mentoring and counseling process, together with the Church-produced workbooks and videos, creates a dynamic learning environment strengthening each member in his or her progress towards a self-reliant life. 

Local leaders determine which of the following groups are needed in their area. Group members can participate in one or all of the groups offered near their residence.

1. Starting and Growing My Business groups help people start or improve their own business.

2. My Job Search groups help people find new or better work.

3. Education for Better Work groups help people identify an educational path to increase their income.

As part of each group, members also study 12 doctrinal topics on self-reliance from the manual "My Foundation: Principles, Skills, Habits."

On Thursday, 1 October, the public is welcome to attend a “Choose Your Path” series of workshops from 10:00am – 1:00pm at the Church’s administration building in Wan Chai at 118 Gloucester Road. Reservations are required. Interested parties should contact Sister Powell at 852-2910-2948. Participants will learn ways to create personal opportunities, present themselves with confidence, use social media marketing, keep long-distance relationships alive, and much more. Lunch will be provided and there is no cost to attend.  

If you are interested in learning more about self-reliance groups available in Hong Kong, check out the Facebook page. 

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