Elder Chigbundu Teaches About Family Roles and Responsibilities

During the Sunday session of the Paynesville Liberia Stake Conference held on December 1, 2024 in Monrovia, Liberia, Elder Christian C. Chigbundu, Area Seventy of the Africa West Area of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, admonished members of the church, particularly from the Paynesville Liberia Stake, to harken unto the words of the prophet and to repent from their sins so as to unlock the powers of heaven, enabling them to receive blessings from the Lord.

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In his talk, Elder Chigbundu called on husbands to be patriarchs in their homes and to show love to their wives at all times, noting that husbands and wives were a central part of the New and Everlasting Covenant of the gospel of Jesus Christ and that, one without the other, none can be exalted.

Among many scriptures he referenced, he emphasized Ephesians chapter 5 and Moses chapter 3, counseling husbands to refrain from traditional and cultural practices that are contrary to the gospel's culture and noting that the role of the man is to preside, provide, and lead his home in righteousness and in counsel with his wife.

Making reference to "The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Elder Chigbundu explained that women were made to be divine helpmates and a partner in progress to their husbands. As such, husbands were advised to nurture their homes with love and respect to their wives and children and refrain from exercising any form of authority or practices that are contrary to gospel teachings that support healthier and happier marriages.

He testified of his role in his home as a father, husband, and Patriarch, explaining how that has blessed his family and has helped them continually enjoy the privileges of the priesthood and blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ: "I testify to you brethren that when you allow the Lord to prevail in your homes, your families will be blessed and the Lord will show his mercy upon you".

His remarks also included a plea to love and fellowship new members. Nearly 2000 members and visitors attended the conference and received divine counsel from Elder Chigbundu as well as from others who spoke on the theme “Trust in The Lord.”