New Spokane YSA Ward Bishopric Sustained

On Sunday, January 8, 2023, Spokane Stake President Darrell Moseley reorganized the bishopric of the Spokane Young Single Adult (YSA) Ward, sustaining and setting apart Jason Smith, formerly of the Spokane 2nd Ward, as Bishop, succeeding Aaron Binns. Bishop Smith’s counselors were also sustained, Mark Jenkins as 1st Counselor and Tanner Mullen as 2nd Counselor. Both counselors are current members of the Spokane YSA Ward, consistent with the recent Church announcement directing stakes to ensure worthy young single adult Melchizedek Priesthood holders serve as counselors in YSA ward bishoprics.

Prior to the sustaining of the new bishopric, Bishop Aaron Binns and his counselors Darrell Holmes and Carlos Gonzalez were honorably released. Along with their spouses, they offered their testimonies and expressed gratitude for their time serving with the young single adults in the stake. They invited ward members to stay on the covenant path, to continue to study the scriptures, to be steadfast in their commitment and to repent daily, calling to mind President Russell M. Nelson’s invitation to do better and be better. We are grateful for the consecrated service of these men and women, most of whom have served in the ward for nearly five years.

Following testimonies by the outgoing bishopric and their spouses, the new bishopric members, along with Bishop Smiths wife, Sister Heather Smith, were asked to bear testimony. Bishop Smith conveyed that his primary responsibility is to bring ward members to Jesus Christ. He shared the importance of the ordinances of the temple and the blessings that come from regular temple attendance. Both Bishop and Sister Smith expressed their love for the young single adults in the ward.

Bishop and Sister Smith have two adult children. The Smith Family relocated to the Spokane area from Clovis, California in 2020, residing in the Spokane Washington Valley Stake prior to moving to the Spokane 2nd Ward in late summer 2022. We are grateful for their willingness to serve and love young single adults in the Spokane Stake.