This is the fourth Area Broadcast that I have participated in and the first as your Area President. While my assignments in the Area Presidency have changed over the years what has not changed is my love for the people of the Philippines. Sister Ardern and I treasure our many friends throughout this country.
We will introduce our Area Goals for 2015. Goals help us to stretch, to grow, to reach beyond the mediocre and to give us focus. Setting meaningful goals as an individual, family, ward and stake, helps us to grow and establish the Church. The format for the Area goals has changed but not the reason. They will be set in four key areas with measurements coming from nine different indicators, which Elder Bowen will outline. We invite each one of you to take responsibility for achieving the area goals as well as those you set for yourselves. Elder Echo Hawk will address the role you will play in helping to achieve the goals. As you become familiar with these goals, you must ask yourself what it is you can do to contribute to the achieving of them. Please remember that the goals are not just about improved numbers, they are, more importantly, about bringing more saints nearer to God so they can enjoy all of the blessings of obedience and covenant making.