Like many other immigrants, Keith and Lindsay Chapman left much behind when they moved from the UK to New Zealand in 2012.
Such a move necessitated them leaving behind possessions and many valued relationships, but what was most important—their three children, their life experiences, their education and what was held dear in their hearts and minds—travelled with them.
So the Chapmans, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, brought with them their children, their cherished religious beliefs, their faith and trust in God, and their desire to centre their lives on their young family.
“We left our home, family and friends on the other side of the world, and came to New Zealand without work, trusting that this is where God wanted us to be,” said Keith. “If it wasn’t for our faith—knowing that everything would work out—I am not sure we would still be here.”
Now happily settled in New Zealand and Keith using his MBA in his career, their family remains their most important focus. And the teachings outlined in a document called “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” helps guide them in their family life.
This proclamation was issued 21 years ago this week (23 September 1995) by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who are the senior leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
It is a declaration and reaffirmation of doctrines and practices that prophets have stated repeatedly throughout history. It contains principles that are vital to the happiness and well-being of every family in a world which many people feel has lost its way.
The proclamation reminds all people in the world of the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, and of the importance of family—which Latter-day Saints and many others believe is ordained of God. The statement also declares that happiness is, and has been for ages, most likely achieved in family life.
One paragraph reads: “Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”
Lindsay Chapman believes that “each of the principles taught through the proclamation contributes to having a successful family. For us, some of them came naturally and were very easy to achieve. Others took, and still do take, much more work and effort and can lapse, if we aren’t diligent.”
She continued, “It has provided our family with another opportunity of seeing how being obedient to the Lord’s messengers brings blessings into our lives.
“Just as Noah warned the people in his day and the consequences that followed to those who did not listen, we can see—two decades on—the consequences to society from the institution of the family being attacked from all sides.”
“It breaks your heart,” said Keith. “We are grateful for the guidance in the proclamation. Its teachings are needed in the world today. Anyone who desires greater joy in life would benefit from its teachings.”
