Upon reading the words “Fountain of Living Waters” we may think of the scripture in First Nephi 11:25/3:68-69, that states: “And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a representation of the love of God; and I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God.”
In the Acts of the Three Nephites 14:9 there is also a beautiful reference to these words of Nephi; there are many other scriptures that refer to fountains of water, springs of water, and living water. The Lord God is the source of this pure fountain of living waters.
The influence and effectiveness of women and men joining together in great faith, and becoming one in heart and purpose—for the bringing forth of Zion—will have the power to change the world. All of us, individually, and together, are invited to become involved in this work. As we, with “all feelings in common”, become “of one heart and purpose” and live in righteousness, each participant will have their temporal and spiritual needs met so that there will be no poor among us (The Sealed Book of Moses 4:40-41).
To assist with this process, the Lord has brought forth the women’s ministry, the Fountain of Living Waters society. This ministry will bring guidance and strength to women and also to families and, therefore, to the church—it is a ministry that will assist in the establishment of Zion. As stated in the September 2020 revelation, this society should be small in the beginning, grow gradually, and also move forward slowly. This slower growth and development within the society will allow for a deepening spiritual maturity among the women as we prepare and give ministry both individually and as an organization.
Women are called upon to bring ministry through various avenues. Currently, this includes preparing lessons and also presenting this material at church meetings; leading a series of lessons for the Financial Learning Project regarding becoming debt-free; and giving personalized ministry to women and families within the church and our communities.
The name for the women’s society was given by revelation to our prophet, Mauricio Artur Berger. This beautiful name, the Fountain of Living Waters, challenges women to a higher calling. It is a calling that women need to prayerfully prepare for. It is a calling that requires dedication to the Lord and enthusiasm and support for the work of the church. It is a calling that will have an effect upon not only the female members of the Church of Christ, but also our families, our church, our communities, and the establishment of Zion—which begins, first, in our hearts.
The Fountain of Living Waters society is not a duplicate of the Relief Society that was first established in 1842. Our organization is unique and specific to the work that needs to be accomplished in this Second Invitation.
The president was called by revelation through Prophet Mauricio Berger at the conference in November 2019; and the ordination to this calling took place during the November 2020 conference. Later, in September 2023 the president of the Fountain of Living Waters became a fully accepted member of the General Authorities and now has an active voice in decisions that affect the church. Part of this president’s calling and responsibility is to bring attention to negative attitudes and behaviors that are expressed towards women. Both men, and women, need to recognize and accept the vitally important role that women have in the leadership of the church as well as in ministry to families and the needs of the community.
Each individual member in our international organization is called by the president of this society; this is always under the direction of the Holy Spirit. The organizational structure was also given under this same direction and inspiration. Over time, we are developing our ministries; this will become more evident as the church moves forward in this marvelous work that continues to open up before us.
As we, both women and men, search our own hearts and ask the Lord to show us the way—to cleanse our hearts, to mold us and shape us into humble servants of the Lord Jesus Christ—we will each grow in grace and knowledge. We will find joy in keeping the Sabbath Day holy. We will witness new blessings as we pay our tithing. We will discover greater meaning in preparing for and partaking of the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. We will always find joy in helping others.
As the Fountain of Living Waters develops its God-ordained ministry, may all of us continue to have the Lord’s guidance and blessings as we seek to bring compassionate ministry to our families, our church, and our communities.
