Kim Smith is a listener and a leader. That’s what her friends say of her.
She has years of professional and volunteer experience listening to people, helping them feel included and valued, and then watching them move forward in their lives in healthy ways.
By day, she works in the Ministry of Justice’s diversity and inclusion team. Out of work time, she serves her congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and her community as a volunteer.
At church, she is called “Kim” and also “Sister Smith.” Latter-day Saints, along with many other people of faith, believe that all human beings are children of God, so the “Brother” and “Sister” title is commonly heard at church meetings.
And for Sister Smith, this is exactly what inspires her to help people be heard, feel valued, and to have the confidence to take steps in their faith journey, or in other parts of their life.
“My approach has been to try and know what the Lord will have me do, and do that,” Sister Smith says.
She will have to rely on this approach for living and helping others as she begins a new volunteer role in the Church, as an Area Organisation Adviser for New Zealand, from Manukau City to the bottom of the South Island.
Area Organisation Advisers in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offer love, a listening ear, training and encouragement to congregational leaders in the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary organisations of the Church.
Despite still trying to understand the magnitude of her new role and how she will manage it along with her full-time work, she brings her aroha (love and heart) and passion for people.
Sister Smith finds strength in her life by looking to Jesus Christ. She does this through regular scripture study and personal prayer, and by worshipping each week with her fellow congregation members in Wellington, and at the temple when she can get to Hamilton. She is thrilled that a temple was announced last year to be built closer to home, in Porirua, 20 minutes’ drive north of Wellington.
Paraphrasing a quote by Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sister Smith says, “Whenever any kind of upheaval occurs in [my] life, the safest place to be spiritually is living inside [my] temple covenants.’”
Temple covenants are sacred promises made by members of the Church which focus on strengthening faith in Jesus Christ, becoming a better person, and unifying families.
“Recalibrating my life often happens inside the temple,” Sister Smith says. “It helps me know how to deal with my life outside the temple. My approach has been to try and know what the Lord will have me do, and do that.”
During Sister Smith’s time as a Relief Society president in Wellington, she has learned that “the Lord really is in charge” and that “we just need to get on with what He wants us to do.”
One of the most important learnings of her life, she says, is the importance of unity.
“Unity comes as we each follow the Saviour, Jesus Christ, and His prophet, President Russell M. Nelson.”
The focus of Sister Smith’s voluntary work in the Church has been mainly with young adult women who are struggling to feel they belong.
“I’m always available to listen and support, because I know how much the Lord can heal their hearts, care for and bless them and their families,” she said.
Sister Smith’s advice to women is, “Always have hope and look for the Lord’s hand in your life. You will see [His hand] in the small details of your day, and of your life.”
She cautions, “Whatever you do, don’t give up on the Lord.”
Sister Smith’s favourite quote is “never supress a generous thought,” because she has learned by experience that when you act upon those generous thoughts, miracles can happen.
“There are many opportunities to minister to others around us, in our families, in our communities,” says Sister Smith.
She adds, “There is a significant need in our communities, and you don’t need to look far to see and hear people in need and find ways to help bless their lives.”
Pacific area organisation advisers help provide training and mentorship for local leaders. They participate in councils within the Pacific Area as they work together in unity with the men and women of the Church in their respective locations. They serve under the direction of the Pacific Area Presidency for three to five years.