Bishop’s or Stake President’s concerns

As Bishop or Stake President you are charged with the welfare of your youth, therefore it would be natural for you to be concerned about the validity of this project; to wonder why it exists; who is behind it and what we have to gain; or you may wonder what information you will be asked to give us or if there are any hidden dangers.

To help dispel those concerns we would like to share some of the details about the "Lift Up My Soul" project that would be of particular interest and importance to you as a Bishop or a Stake President.

Who are we?

At this point the word ‘we’ represents myself (Don O. Christensen) and my family. At present I personally will be doing the images. I have several adult children who will assist as the need arises.

I provide for my family as a custom manufacturing jeweler. I was born in 1952 and have been a member of the church since 1961. I have been active in the Church since my baptism having served a mission from 1971 to 1973 in the Southwest British Mission under President John M. Madsen, who was recently released from the First Quorum of Seventy. I have served in a wide variety of positions in the church including counselor in three bishoprics. My wife Carolyn and I reside in Logan, Utah.

Within the pages of the web site I have used the word ‘we’ instead of ‘I’ because:

I want this project to be taken seriously.

I do not want to appear as a extremist or zealot attempting to take on the world single handedly.

I also don’t want to be perceived as being alone in this effort thereby causing some to pass over this opportunity because of a fear of being a burden.

It is my hope that you will be inclined to participate in this project.

Financial payments or contributions?

No soliciting of funds will ever take place with any Ward, Stake or private individual while they are participating in this project.

Although, when the link for downloading the finished files is sent to the contact person, there will be a "contribution button" which will allow them to make a voluntary donation if they choose, but such a donation is certainly not required, or even expected.

What information is required of you?

As stated on the previous page, you will be asked to provide the following information:

1. the country/nation in which you reside.
2. the name of your city/town/village and state/province.
3. the name of your Stake.
4. the name of your Ward.
5. the name of the Stake President or Bishop authorizing participation.
6. the photographs of your youth.
7. the gender of each youth.
8. the temple request of each youth. (this can vary)
9. the name and email address of the contact person.

In the past, we requested the names of the youth, however this has been determined to be unnecessary and having names was causing record keeping problems. Each youth will be identified by using a number rather than a name.

What do we gain?

My Heavenly Father has blessed me and my family greatly. I personally have been blessed with the abilities and talents to make this project possible. I have seen the effect this image has on the youth of my Ward. I believe I can make a contribution to the building and strengthening of God’s Kingdom by performing this service and I believe that I and my family will continue to be blessed for that effort.

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