Come Unto Christ

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Lake Mary Stake, 

Happy March! So much has already happened this year. I hope you take a moment to reflect on your personal growth and the incredible work being done in our stake. 

One of the most inspiring events so far has been our stake-wide service project, where we joined hands with members of other faiths and our community to build beds for children in need. As I toured the project, I asked if there would be enough places for these beds to go, and I was assured that there is a backlog of children still waiting for a bed to sleep in. What an incredible reminder of the real difference we can make! I was so proud to see so many of you working side by side, building not just beds but hope for those who need it most. In fact, the work went so quickly that the second shift nearly ran out of things to do! Well done! Here's a link to some pictures from the event. Be sure to share your own photos to our email so we can submit them to Salt Lake City as part of our stake history. 

This year, our stake is focusing on the Gathering of Israel, and I can already feel the momentum. Last year, 36 individuals entered the covenant path and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. That’s something to celebrate—but we can do even more! Our goal for 2025 is to make an extraordinary effort to see 80 people accept the gospel and begin their journey on the covenant path. It’s ambitious, but I have no doubt we can do it! In just the first few weeks of this year, we’ve already witnessed 15 baptisms—a remarkable start.

The mission is also seeing incredible growth. In December 2024, 76 people entered the waters of baptism—the highest number of convert baptisms in a decade. Then, in January, another 76 were baptized. The Lord is hastening His work, and we have the opportunity to be a part of it.

Many wards are participating in 40-day fasts to dedicate their missionary efforts to the Lord. Each day, a different member fasts and prays for missionary opportunities, keeping the spiritual momentum going for 40 days. What a powerful way to focus on what President Russell M. Nelson has called “the greatest work on the earth today”—the Gathering of Israel. I invite each of you to pray for your own missionary experiences. I promise that as we do, the Lord will place people in our paths who are ready to hear His word.

Below, you’ll find our Stake Focus and the Area Leadership Focus. Our stake has aligned its efforts with the vision of our Area Presidency, and we invite each of you to seek inspiration on how you can align your families, organizations, and wards with these goals. When we work together, united in purpose, we can accomplish truly great things.

I continue to be inspired by the faith and dedication of this stake. The ultimate goal is to see our wards thriving with 200+ members attending each week and for our branches to grow into wards. Ultimately, I would love to see a temple in Seminole County—what a blessing that would be!

Thank you for all you do. I have no doubt that as we move forward in faith, the Lord will magnify our efforts.

With love,
D. Fuller Haring
President