Godly Faith: Boys-Only Awards?

The Faith in God Award is a religious award for children between the ages of 8 and 11. The award was introduced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help children develop their faith and establish a righteous pattern of living. The award has different requirements for boys and girls, with boys preparing for the priesthood and girls preparing for young women. The award is earned by completing activities such as praying daily, reading scriptures, and serving others. The activities are designed to be enjoyable and engaging, helping children develop gospel habits and understand the joy of living the gospel.

Girls can receive the award too

Girls can receive the Faith in God Award too! While there are separate programs for boys and girls, both are eligible for the award. The Faith in God Award is designed for children aged eight to eleven. The program was implemented in the United States and Canada on July 1, 2003, and was later introduced internationally in 2004.

The Faith in God for Girls program provides a guidebook for girls, which includes a letter of love and counsel from the First Presidency, as well as activities to help girls develop their faith. The guidebook is beautifully illustrated with original artwork and is designed to fit inside their scriptures. Girls are encouraged to place their picture inside the guidebook, along with a statement that reads: "I am a child of God. I know Heavenly Father loves me, and I love Him. I can pray to Heavenly Father anytime, anywhere. I am trying to remember and follow Jesus Christ."

To earn the Faith in God Award, girls are asked to complete certain basic requirements, such as praying daily, reading the scriptures regularly, attending meetings, paying tithing, and honouring their parents. They are also encouraged to write down their testimony of the Church, memorize the Articles of Faith, and complete activities in three categories: Learning and Living the Gospel, Serving Others, and Developing Talents.

In their 11th year, girls will do additional activities to prepare for entering Young Women. This includes meeting with a member of the Young Women presidency or Beehive class presidency to learn about the importance of the Young Women program. By participating in these activities, girls can develop their faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and prepare for their future roles.

Boys must prepare for the priesthood

The Faith in God award is a significant part of the program, recognising children who have excelled in their duties and encouraging them to develop a stronger faith. Boys are expected to complete specific tasks as part of the program, such as praying daily, reading scriptures, and honouring their parents. They are also encouraged to write down their testimony of the Church and complete activities that prepare them for their future roles, including understanding the importance of a good education.

Preparing for the priesthood is a crucial aspect of the program for boys. This preparation includes meeting with the deacons quorum adviser or presidency to learn about their future responsibilities and the importance of their role. It is designed to help boys develop greater faith and courage, as well as a deeper understanding of gospel principles. The activities are intended to be enjoyable and engaging, providing a "lab experience" with gospel principles.

The Faith in God program aims to strengthen families and assist parents in teaching their children about the gospel and their future roles. By participating in these activities, boys can develop essential habits and behaviours that will serve them well as they transition into the priesthood. It is important for boys to understand the significance of their future roles and to be actively involved in their spiritual growth and development.

The program also encourages boys to develop their talents and skills, such as budgeting and saving money, and creating art or engaging in physical activities. These activities are designed to help boys become well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the responsibilities and challenges of the priesthood. Overall, the Faith in God program provides a comprehensive approach to helping boys prepare for the priesthood, fostering their spiritual growth, and equipping them with the necessary tools to face their future with confidence.

Girls must prepare for Young Women

• Studying the thirteenth article of faith and making a list of uplifting and virtuous things.
• Discussing with a parent or leader how to seek out these virtuous things.
• Meeting with the Beehive class presidency or a member of the Young Women presidency to learn about the purpose and importance of the Young Women program.
• Writing in a journal about how to serve the Lord by standing for truth and righteousness.

The program also involves basic requirements such as praying, reading scriptures, keeping the commandments, honouring parents, and paying tithing. These activities are designed to help girls develop their faith and prepare for their future roles.

Children must pray daily

The Faith in God Award is not just for boys; it is for girls and boys. The program is designed for children aged 8 to 11. Children participating in the Faith in God Award program are encouraged to pray daily, read the scriptures, and live "My Gospel Standards".

Prayer is a powerful tool for children to connect with God and strengthen their faith. It is important for children to develop a habit of daily prayer from a young age. Praying helps children to feel a sense of peace and happiness, knowing that they are loved and protected by God. It also teaches them to trust in God and rely on Him for strength and guidance.

• Praying provides an opportunity for children to talk to God, express their thoughts and feelings, and build a personal relationship with Him.
• Daily prayer allows children to develop a habit of gratitude, thanking God for their blessings, such as their family, friends, and the world around them.
• Prayer helps children to feel protected and safe, knowing that God is always with them and will keep them from harm.
• Praying gives children a sense of peace and comfort, especially when they are facing challenges, sadness, or difficult situations.
• Daily prayer teaches children to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving towards others, as they learn to ask God for help in showing love and care for those around them.

By praying daily, children can develop a strong foundation of faith and a deeper understanding of God's love and presence in their lives. It helps them navigate life's challenges and make decisions aligned with their spiritual values.

Children must read the scriptures

The Faith in God Award is not just for boys—it is for both boys and girls. The award is designed for children aged eight to eleven and is intended to help them develop their faith in Jesus Christ and establish a righteous pattern of living. The award program is centred around reading the scriptures and living by the principles of the gospel.

Children who participate in the Faith in God Award program are given a guidebook, which includes a letter of love and counsel from the First Presidency, and are encouraged to read the scriptures and develop their understanding of the gospel. The guidebooks are beautifully illustrated and include the Articles of Faith and "My Gospel Standards". The activities in the guidebooks are designed to be enjoyable and engaging, and they can be done individually, with family members, or with the child's activity days group.

The basic requirements for earning the Faith in God Award include praying, studying the scriptures, keeping the commandments, honouring parents, and paying tithing. In addition to these, children are asked to complete activities in three categories: learning and living the gospel, serving others, and developing talents. For example, they might be asked to prepare a pedigree chart or write a history about one of their grandparents, plan a fitness program, or learn a new game or sport. These activities are designed to help children develop their faith and understand the importance of living according to the gospel.

At age eleven, children begin working on additional activities that are specifically tailored to prepare boys for receiving the Aaronic Priesthood and girls for entering Young Women. Boys will meet with the deacons quorum adviser or presidency to learn about the responsibilities of being part of a deacons quorum, while girls will meet with a member of the Young Women presidency to learn about the purpose and importance of the Young Women program. These activities are designed to help children continue their spiritual growth and development as they transition into adolescence.

By participating in the Faith in God Award program and reading the scriptures, children can develop their faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and learn how to apply the principles of the gospel in their daily lives. It is a valuable opportunity for them to establish a strong spiritual foundation and develop habits that will serve them throughout their lives.

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