Missionaries Speak at Public Policy Forum in Brazil

A missionary companionship from the Brazil Brasilia Mission spoke at a public policy forum of the Camara Legislature of the Federal District of Brazil to form public policy for youth on May 13, 2015.

Elder Bean of Houston, Texas and Elder Duarte of Sao Paulo, spoke of the importance of instilling good values in the lives of youth. Another group of missionaries participated in the forum by singing a hymn at the opening of the event.

In the forum, which included district and federal authorities, youth were invited to present their concerns and convictions in order to change public policy and ensure the rights established in Brazil’s “Youth Statute.”

Deputy Lira, who organized the event, expressed his concern about the violence and abuse that occurs in Brazil which affects thousands of innocent youth. Members of the parliament also spoke and said that the state has adopted preventative measures to safeguard youth from the use of drugs, both legal and illegal, because drug usage is directly connected to criminal activity.

Lira stated that God has given all men the right to choose and youth should be responsible for their own decisions. Lira directly quoted President Thomas S. Monson’s words when he said,

[pull_quote_center]Decisions determine destiny.[/pull_quote_center]

Participating in the forum was the secretary of State’s Human and Social Development, Marcos Pacco; the secretary of Entrepreneurship, Thiago Jarjur; the secretary of the National Youth, Angela Guimaraes; the secretary of Social Movement and Institutional Relations, Acilino Ribeiro and the President of the Brazil Brasilia Mission, Mark Lundgren.