The objective of teaching and learning in the Church is to help members know, do and become what our Heavenly Father desires of us, taught Brother Russell T. Osguthorpe, General President of the Sunday School during his visit to India.  On September 1-4, 2011, Brother Osguthorpe made his first ever visit to India.  He described how an effective gospel teacher will explain doctrine, extend invitations to act, and testify of associated blessings.

During his visit to Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and New Delhi, Brother Osguthorpe was accompanied by the Asia Area President, Elder Anthony D. Perkins of the Seventy.  In each city they visited they first met with full-time missionaries. Brother Osguthorpe and Elder Perkins are both former mission presidents and they counseled the missionaries about having a vision for the work in which they are engaged.  They then conducted a focus group with district and branch leaders and teachers to help Brother Osguthorpe understand the progress of the Church in India and the challenges facing members.  Finally, they met with the general membership in each city.

Brother Osguthorpe’s teaching in the member meetings not only provided valuable instruction but was an excellent example of how to teach effectively in the home and in the Church.  He used scriptures, shared personal experiences, showed video segments of General Conference messages, asked inspired questions of the congregation, responded to their questions, and even taught a song about the three D’s of success - desire, decision and determination.

Brother Osguthope’s visit to India was the concluding portion of his visit to Asia, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.