Brent was asked by the Stake President to write something that would be used in the 2020 History of the Orlando South Stake. The reason he was asked and not the Stake Young Men President (Brent is the first counselor) was because the Stake Young Men President was released a few weeks ago when his ward (Windy Ridge Spanish Ward) was split and President Eckert ended up in the other stake. Brent and brother Jorgensen (second counselor) were also released but as of yet they have not called a new presidency. Here is the report Brent wrote.
Stake Young Men 2020 History Report
As we look back on this past year, our family has been able to grow with the challenges that have faced us during Covid. As we nervously prepared to worship in a different way than we had ever previously done, we were blessed to be able to worship individually as a family and feel the spirit of partaking of the Sacrament in our home. Our 15 year old son had just been ordained a priest in January and alongside myself blessed and passed the Sacrament. We prepared Come Follow Me lessons and discussed the gospel in our home. We had to rely upon ourselves to teach one another instead of the normal learning we had in traditional Sunday School, Priesthood and Relief Society with our ward family. Socially it was a struggle as church life among friends always has strengthened us spiritually. We are grateful for the inspiration that President Nelson has received on us being more home centered and church supported in our growth and study of the gospel. We believe that our family has been strengthened in our faith in our Savior Jesus Christ and the guiding of His church on the earth. It has been a struggle for us socially in the church as we miss the close associations of friends we have in our wards.
We began the year in the Lake Reams Ward where I served as Bishop. In February our ward was split and we became part of the new Lake Butler Ward. With the changes that happened in March due to Covid, it has been difficult to get to know many of the members in our new ward. Our son missed his youth activities that he enjoys so much. With the improvement of the virus situation and the lessening of the restrictions that allowed for more youth activities, he greatly looks forward to youth activities each week. We are grateful for our faith and testimony in our Savior Jesus Christ and that we have a living prophet that leads and guides His church on the earth today. With this faith we have been given the strength and hope to get through this difficult time as a family.
In early November our Young Men’s Presidency was officially called with:
Shone Eckert as President
Brent Hanson as First Counselor
Eric Jorgensen as Second Counselor
We have noticed that many youth during this difficult time have remained valiant and stalwart in their testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ and its principles and commandments. We have also seen as we visited the wards that one of the challenges they are facing is the ability to get the young men to participate in both virtual and in person activities. They have stated that there are various reasons for this. The youth have become used to not meeting together and there is fear of the virus. Unfortunately this is causing a reduced interest and an increased lack of faith in the gospel in some of our youth. We are striving to find ways to help strengthen the youth with activities that will bring them together. We know that their faith grows when they are around each other. We must find a way in this environment to help lead and guide them.
Brent Hanson
