Relief Society · Elders Quorum · 25 minutes
Elder Taniela B. Wakolo · Of the Seventy · Sunday Afternoon Session
Recommended path
Mix and match to create one 25-minute interactive lesson. Swap any activity for an option below.
This class in one line
God's plan is to unite families eternally through Christ, and patient, Christlike love, not pressure, is what draws people to come unto Him together.
Skip reading all four stories in full; choose ONE that will resonate most with your class and let discussion breathe around it.
Before Sunday
Sunday's lesson: coming to Christ as families
This Sunday we'll discuss a talk by Elder Taniela B. Wakolo called 'Come unto Christ, Together.' He shares several true stories of spouses and families who found their way to the gospel through years of patient, loving faith, not pressure. One of those stories is his own. Come ready to talk honestly about what it looks like to love someone toward the gospel. Ponder: Who in your life are you quietly waiting for, and what has that experience taught you about God's patience?
Pick one opening
Think of someone you love who isn't where you'd hoped they'd be spiritually, maybe a spouse, a parent, a child, a friend. Without using any names, what word would you use to describe how that waiting has felt? We'll come back to those feelings as we discuss Elder Wakolo's talk today.
Think of someone you love who isn't where you'd hoped they'd be spiritually, maybe a spouse, a parent, a child, a friend. Without using any names, what word would you use to describe how that waiting has felt? We'll come back to those feelings as we discuss Elder Wakolo's talk today.
Elder Wakolo told us about a faithful wife in Fiji who attended church alone for eight years while her husband remained hesitant. Twenty-four missionaries came and went. She didn't withdraw, didn't resent, she just kept serving. Then Elder Wakolo paused and told us: that wife was his wife, Anita. And his only regret was not being baptized sooner.
Teach this first
Elder Wakolo's stories share a common thread: no one was argued, guilted, or pressured into the gospel. Conversion came through years of quiet faithfulness, Christlike patience, and the continuing, gentle invitation. He taught that 'the gospel of Jesus Christ is not a wedge to divide families but a bridge to unite them eternally,' and that our discipleship must reflect 'the Savior's patience, His gentleness, and His perfect love.'
Elder Wakolo: 'The Savior never forces. He invites. He blesses. He fulfills promises according to faith and faithfulness.'
Ask the class
If time remains
Elder Wakolo reminded us that 'the seed is planted long before it breaks the soil,' that Bob Hasenyager was sealed to Marlene just four months before he died of cancer, and that 'it is never too late for miracles.' Conversion is personal; timing is individual.
Ask the class
Counsel together
Last 3–5 minutes
Choose one person you love who is not yet where you hope they'll be. This week, do one small thing that reflects the Savior's patience toward them, not to move the timeline, just to love them the way Christ would.
Elder Wakolo closed with this promise from the talk: 'I invite you to make a commitment and choose to come unto Christ, together. Eternity shall be your reward.'
Your witness: Share what you personally believe about God's ability to reach people you love, and what sustains your patience while you wait.