A couple weeks ago we had a leadership training meeting. At that time Elder Pinnock took the time to expound scripture and he spoke tenderly about seeking the Less actives. The thing he said that most impressed me was.... Any good <youth> leader, should be able to get in the car and drive to every home of the youth they have stewardship over. They should know where they live. I remember when life was easy, and I was just YW pres over one ward, a couple times I could get all the YW to church, then about 18 months ago, I became YW pres over two wards.... The task and the distance at times are/were overwhelming. Elder Pinnock went on to expound on EZK chapter 34. GREAT CHAPTER.... I suggest you read it, with those that are lost in mind. We were also given four suggestions to help in youth retention and activation...

1. Get to know them. (Its funny, there are times that an LA has come into the program for such a short time, a month or two...they ended up changing my life forever, one particular YW, was in the program for six weeks... in those six weeks I grew to love her, because of her I will never ever lead the same, I will never be the same, she taught me so much in those six weeks.... I had another YW, who too was LA, the Lord showed me that He knows more than I, for He sees the total picture, and for a brief moment, He shared this picture with me. Get to know them

2. Ward Activation. The Ward needs to help and take part, we need to strengthen the families.

3. Lead out with love. Set the tone and example. No one likes a mean ole leader... Ü