Members in India report that the First Presidency has approved the organization of the first LDS stake in India. During the weekend of May 26-27th, the Hyderabad India District will become a stake in a special conference in Hyderabad. The creation of the first stake in India marks a significant milestone in LDS growth in India as stakes require large numbers of active members and priesthood holders to operate. It is likely that all six branches in the district will become wards in the new stake. With the creation of a stake in India, the likelihood of a temple announcement for India becomes much more likely considering there are approximately 13,000 members in India and Pakistan who must travel to the Hong Kong China Temple to participate in temple ordinances.
India currently ranks as the country with the second most members without a stake based on official year-end 2010 membership statistics. At present, no other districts appear close to becoming stakes within the next couple years. The New Delhi India District appears the closest to becoming the second stake in India as there are seven branches in the district, but some of these branches have few active members.
I happened to be in business in Mumbai this week and was able to attend services today with the members of the branch here. They were so excited about the creation of the stake - they had anticipated it for some time. It was humbling to be here when the announcement was made. The members who spoke in church did so with enthusiasm for the basic truths of the gospel that illuminate so much for us in living our lives. What a Sabbath experience - so grateful to have been here today. The gospel news is spreading to all parts of the world.
ReplyDeleteTracy Jones says...
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting time in India! My husband works in Bangalore and we have been in India for 2 years and we just signed up for year 3. It is exciting to see the growth and change. Things are moving fast in India and I only pray that I will be here to hear the announcement of a Temple.
Hi Tracy Jones—small world! We are so excited to hear this news. When we lived in Delhi from 2005-2008 a stake seemed an impossibility. I am so excited for the Saints in Hyderabad to have the blessings of a stake patriarch, and hopefully someday a temple in India. By small and simple things great things are certainly coming to pass.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome!
ReplyDeleteServiced in many different callings within the last 19 years membership, i would say that this is nothing less than a temple announcement in India to me. and will be proud to be a member of this great historic movement for my future generations.
ReplyDeleteAmen Merinda Cutler... :o) What a HUGE blessing! We are so excited for the people there. Tracy Jones, it is indeed a small world. As expats in India for 3 years it was a wonderful experience. I am jealous of you being there for a creation of a stake!
ReplyDeleteThere are no words which can express our feelings to express how excited we are for the stake conference few more days and we are counting the hours, minutes and seconds, I am greatful to be a part of this great event and specially to be a pioneer. The lord loves us and he is mindful of our struggles and the blessings which we need with that same excitmenmt we are also looking forward for the Temple which will also soon be here as to our faith in Jesus Christ.
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