Study Guide for "Smiling Faces and Grateful Hearts"

In his heartfelt General Conference address, Elder Carlos A. Godoy shares his experiences and observations from serving in the Africa South Area of the Church. Through inspiring stories of faith and resilience, he illustrates how the Saints in Africa embody the profound teaching that true joy comes from focusing on God's plan and Jesus Christ, regardless of life's circumstances. Elder Godoy emphasizes the power of gratitude and a positive attitude in overcoming challenges, drawing on scriptural insights and personal testimonies to affirm the Savior's healing power.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does Elder Godoy emphasize as the source of true joy?
How do the Saints in Africa exemplify faith and resilience?
What role does gratitude play in the lives of the Saints Elder Godoy describes?
How does Elder Godoy describe the Savior's ability to succor us in our challenges?
What scriptural insights does Elder Godoy share to illustrate the Savior's healing power?

Topics

Embrace Joy Through Focus on God's Plan

Elder Godoy highlights the teaching that joy is derived not from our circumstances but from focusing on God's plan of salvation and Jesus Christ. This principle is exemplified by the Saints in Africa, who face significant challenges yet maintain joyful attitudes.

The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.

When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation … and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives.

What does Elder Godoy say is the true source of joy?
How do the Saints in Africa demonstrate the principle of finding joy through focusing on God's plan?
When have you experienced joy by focusing on God's plan and Jesus Christ?
How can you shift your focus to God's plan in challenging times?

Live with Smiling Faces and Grateful Hearts

Throughout his talk, Elder Godoy shares stories of African Saints who face their challenges with gratitude and a positive attitude. Despite difficult circumstances, they maintain "smiling faces and grateful hearts," illustrating the power of gratitude in overcoming adversity.

They have learned that our relationship with the Savior enables us to approach difficulties with smiling faces and grateful hearts.

There were no complaints—only smiling faces and grateful hearts.

How do the Saints Elder Godoy describes demonstrate gratitude in difficult circumstances?
What impact does maintaining a positive attitude have on facing challenges?
How can you cultivate a grateful heart in your daily life?
Think of a recent challenge. How might gratitude have changed your perspective?

Find Strength in the Savior's Healing Power

Elder Godoy testifies of the Savior's ability to succor us in our afflictions, drawing on scriptural teachings that Christ has suffered all pains and knows how to comfort us. He emphasizes that no pain or weakness is unknown to the Savior.

And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind. … And he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, … that he may know … how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

No human being, perhaps, knows. But the Son of God perfectly knows and understands.

What scriptures does Elder Godoy reference to illustrate the Savior's healing power?
How does Elder Godoy describe the Savior's understanding of our pains and weaknesses?
Reflect on a time when you felt the Savior's healing power. How did it help you?
How can you seek the Savior's comfort in your current challenges?

Serve and Grow Amidst Challenges

Elder Godoy describes how the Saints in Africa are dedicated to serving others and growing spiritually despite facing significant economic and social challenges. He notes their commitment to the Church and the blessings that come from their service.

It’s inspiring to see generational families of all backgrounds, including many successful and well-educated Church members, dedicating their time and talents to serve others.

What examples of service and dedication does Elder Godoy share from his experiences in Africa?
How do the Saints" actions illustrate growth through service?
In what ways can you serve others despite your own challenges?
How has serving others helped you grow spiritually?

Witness the Impact of Faithful Living

Elder Godoy provides examples of how faithful living transforms lives, particularly among new members and youth in Africa. Programs like Succeed in School and BYU–Pathway Worldwide contribute to this transformation, demonstrating the Church's role in uplifting individuals.

Programs such as Succeed in School, EnglishConnect, BYU–Pathway Worldwide, and the Perpetual Education Fund bless many lives, especially those of the rising generation.

What role do Church programs play in the lives of the Saints in Africa?
How does Elder Godoy describe the transformation that occurs through faithful living?
How have Church programs impacted your life or the lives of those around you?
What steps can you take to live more faithfully and experience transformation in your own life?