Introduction

President Susan H. Porter’s talk “Here Am I, Send Me” may be spoken directly to children, but its message is deeply meaningful for Relief Society. It reminds us that every child of God came to earth with gifts, purpose, divine identity, and the ability to make a difference for good. It also teaches a powerful truth for every disciple: when we offer the Lord what we have, even if it feels small, He can make it great.

This lesson help is designed to make preparation easier and more Spirit-led. The talk is broken into chronological discussion sections, with direct quotes, thoughtful questions, object lesson ideas, and personal sharing prompts. This allows teachers to focus less on organizing the talk and more on helping sisters reflect, share, and feel invited to come closer to Jesus Christ.

All quotes are taken directly from the talk provided.

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Section 1: We Lived Before We Came to Earth

Teach

President Porter begins by teaching children their eternal identity. Before they were born, they lived as spirits, learned, grew, and came to earth with gifts, purpose, and power to do good.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“Children, do you love to answer the question, ‘How old are you?’ Are you 5, 8, or 11? That is how long you have lived on earth, but did you know that your spirit is much, much older? Although you don’t remember, you spent a long time in the spirit world learning and growing. On the day you were born, your body was new, but you had lived as a spirit for many years. You were born with gifts. You have a purpose. And you have the ability to make a difference for good.”

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it powerful to remember that our spirits are much older than our bodies?
2. How does premortal identity change the way we see children?
3. What does it mean that every child is born with gifts?
4. Why do people sometimes forget they have purpose?
5. How can remembering our eternal identity bring confidence?
6. What does this teach us about the worth of every soul?
7. How can adults help children recognize their gifts?
8. How does this doctrine affect the way we mother, teach, minister, or lead?
9. What difference does it make to believe we can make a difference for good?
10. How can Relief Society sisters help each other remember divine purpose?

Object Lessons

1. Use a baby picture and a star image to discuss earthly birth and eternal identity.
2. Show a wrapped gift to symbolize gifts each child brings to earth.
3. Use a name tag labeled “Child of God” to discuss identity.
4. Show a seed to represent divine potential.
5. Use a timeline that begins before birth and continues into eternity.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time you felt reminded of your eternal identity.
2. Describe a gift you believe Heavenly Father gave you.
3. Share how knowing you have purpose has helped you.
4. Talk about a child whose gifts have blessed your life.
5. Share how your understanding of premortal life affects your parenting or teaching.
6. Describe a moment when you saw divine potential in someone.
7. Share how the Lord helped you make a difference for good.
8. Talk about what helps you remember who you really are.
9. Share a time someone helped you recognize your gifts.
10. Describe what this doctrine means to you personally.

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Section 2: Heavenly Father’s Plan Is a Plan of Happiness

Teach

President Porter then teaches the plan of salvation in simple, beautiful language. Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to receive everything He enjoys. His plan allows us to come to earth, gain bodies, choose commandments, and return to Him with our families.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“Heavenly Father loves His children so much that He wants each of us to receive all the blessings He enjoys. Before we came to earth, He shared with us His plan of happiness. As part of His plan, we would need to come to earth, gain a body, and choose to live His loving commandments. Then we could return to live with Him and our families in joy and peace.”

Discussion Questions

1. What do you love about the phrase “all the blessings He enjoys”?
2. Why is the plan of salvation called a plan of happiness?
3. How does gaining a body fit into Heavenly Father’s plan?
4. Why are commandments described as loving?
5. How does agency help us become more like God?
6. What does returning to God with our families mean to you?
7. Why is joy and peace such a beautiful description of eternity?
8. How can we teach the plan of happiness in a way children can feel?
9. How does this doctrine bring comfort in hard family seasons?
10. What part of Heavenly Father’s plan feels especially personal to you?

Object Lessons

1. Draw a simple plan of salvation path with “home” at the end.
2. Use a family photo to discuss returning to God with families.
3. Show a heart around the word “commandments” to represent loving guidance.
4. Use a gift box labeled “body” to discuss mortality as a gift.
5. Create stepping stones labeled earth, body, agency, commandments, family, joy.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share how the plan of salvation has blessed your life.
2. Describe a time this doctrine brought you peace.
3. Share what it means to you that Heavenly Father wants you to receive His blessings.
4. Talk about how commandments have brought happiness.
5. Share how your body has helped you learn and grow.
6. Describe how family fits into your eternal hope.
7. Share how the plan of happiness has helped you teach children.
8. Talk about a time you felt Heavenly Father’s love through His plan.
9. Share what joy and peace with God means to you.
10. Describe how this doctrine changes the way you see mortality.

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Section 3: Jesus Christ Said, “Here Am I, Send Me”

Teach

President Porter centers the plan on Jesus Christ. Heavenly Father knew we would need help, and Jesus willingly came to earth because He loved the Father and loved us.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“Heavenly Father knew that when we came to earth, we would make mistakes and would need help to return home to Him. Do you know who Heavenly Father chose to help us? Yes, Jesus! Jesus Christ had so much love for Heavenly Father and for us, He said, ‘Here am I, send me.’

“Heavenly Father sent Jesus to earth. He showed us how to live to be happy. He taught us how to love God and love others. In Gethsemane, Jesus Christ suffered the pain of all our sins and challenges. He died on the cross and then, in the greatest miracle of all, He was resurrected! That is what we celebrate today on Easter! Jesus, our Lord and Savior, won the battle over everything that is hard and unfair in our lives.”

Discussion Questions

1. What does it teach you about Jesus that He said, “Here am I, send me”?
2. Why did we need a Savior in Heavenly Father’s plan?
3. How did Jesus show us how to live happily?
4. Why are love of God and love of others the most important commandments?
5. What does it mean that Christ suffered the pain of our sins and challenges?
6. How does Easter help us remember what He overcame?
7. What hard or unfair things has Christ won the battle over?
8. Why is the Resurrection called “the greatest miracle of all”?
9. How does this section deepen your love for Jesus Christ?
10. How can we help children understand the Savior’s willing love?

Object Lessons

1. Use a volunteer hand raised to represent “Here am I, send me.”
2. Show a picture of Gethsemane, the cross, and the empty tomb.
3. Use a trophy or victory symbol to discuss Christ winning the battle.
4. Place a heart over a picture of Christ to represent His love.
5. Use two signs: “love God” and “love others” as the Savior’s pattern.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share what Jesus Christ’s willingness means to you.
2. Describe a time He helped you return to Heavenly Father.
3. Share how His example has taught you to live happier.
4. Talk about how He has helped you love God or others.
5. Share a time the Atonement felt personal.
6. Describe how Easter strengthens your faith.
7. Share how Christ has helped with something hard or unfair.
8. Talk about what the Resurrection means to you.
9. Share why you are grateful Jesus said, “Here am I, send me.”
10. Describe how you have felt His love.

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Section 4: Jesus Knows You and Will Help You Grow

Teach

President Porter teaches children that Jesus Christ knows them, understands them, and loves them. He helps us become the magnificent people we are meant to be.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“Jesus Christ knows you, He understands you, and He loves you. Jesus has done everything to help you. Stay close to Him. Learn all you can about Him. As you try to keep the most important commandments to love God and love others, He will help you grow into the magnificent person you are meant to be! He will help you be happier, learn faster, feel comfort, make friends, and have more opportunities.”

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to you that Jesus knows, understands, and loves you?
2. Why is staying close to Him so important?
3. How do we “learn all we can” about Jesus?
4. What does it mean to grow into the person we are meant to be?
5. How does keeping the two great commandments help us become magnificent?
6. Why do you think President Porter mentions happiness, learning, comfort, friends, and opportunities?
7. How has the Savior helped you grow?
8. What helps children feel understood by Jesus?
9. How can adults model staying close to Christ?
10. What part of this promise do you most need right now?

Object Lessons

1. Use a growing plant to represent becoming who we are meant to be.
2. Show a magnifying glass over a picture of Christ to symbolize learning of Him.
3. Use a blanket to represent comfort.
4. Display a heart with “love God” and “love others.”
5. Use a caterpillar and butterfly image to represent divine growth.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time you felt Jesus knew you personally.
2. Describe how He has helped you grow.
3. Share what helps you stay close to Him.
4. Talk about how learning about Christ has changed you.
5. Share a moment when His love brought comfort.
6. Describe how keeping commandments has made you happier.
7. Share a time the Savior helped you make a friend or bless someone.
8. Talk about the person you feel He is helping you become.
9. Share how loving God and others has changed your heart.
10. Describe what “magnificent person” means to you.

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Section 5: Wake Up Each Day with Purpose

Teach

President Porter invites children to begin each day with purpose and confidence, asking Heavenly Father to send them to do good. This principle applies powerfully to every disciple of Jesus Christ.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“Wake up each day with purpose and confidence, knowing that Jesus will walk with you. Follow His example and say in prayer to Heavenly Father, ‘Here am I, send me.’ Then listen for thoughts and ideas. What will He send you to do? Through His Spirit, He may send you to comfort someone who is lonely, help your family, learn important lessons at school, or teach someone to pray. He can help you stand for truth so you can bring His light to others.”

Discussion Questions

1. What would change if we woke up each day with purpose and confidence?
2. Why does knowing Jesus walks with us bring courage?
3. What does it mean to pray, “Here am I, send me”?
4. How do thoughts and ideas from the Spirit often come?
5. What kinds of simple assignments might the Lord send us to do?
6. How can comforting the lonely be holy work?
7. Why is helping family part of discipleship?
8. How can children and adults stand for truth in loving ways?
9. What does it mean to bring Christ’s light to others?
10. How can we make this daily prayer part of our lives?

Object Lessons

1. Use an alarm clock to represent waking up with purpose.
2. Hold up a small light to symbolize bringing light to others.
3. Use a paper airplane labeled “send me.”
4. Show a listening ear symbol to represent listening for the Spirit.
5. Use a daily checklist with spiritual assignments.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time you felt sent to help someone.
2. Describe how prayer helps you find purpose.
3. Share how Jesus has walked with you during a day.
4. Talk about a prompting you followed.
5. Share a time you comforted someone lonely.
6. Describe a way you serve your family.
7. Share a moment when you stood for truth.
8. Talk about how you recognize thoughts from the Spirit.
9. Share what purpose looks like in your current season.
10. Describe what “Here am I, send me” means in your life.

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Section 6: Offer What You Have and Let God Make It Great

Teach

President Porter uses the story of the boy with five loaves and two fishes to teach children that they do not need to solve everything. They only need to offer what they have, and Heavenly Father can make it great.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“Do you remember learning about Jesus feeding more than 5,000 people? Jesus had been teaching people all day, and they were hungry. Somewhere in this large group there was a young boy who had five loaves of bread and two small fishes. He knew that this food could not feed very many people, but he decided to give Jesus what he had. Jesus took the food and thanked Heavenly Father for it. That food fed thousands of people!”

“Just as the young boy did not have to figure out how a small amount of bread and fish could feed so many people, you do not need to worry about fixing all the problems around you. Heavenly Father can provide miracles when you simply offer what you have. When you say, ‘Here am I, send me,’ Heavenly Father can take something small and simple and make it great!”

Discussion Questions

1. What do you love about the boy offering what he had?
2. Why is it comforting that he did not have to figure out the miracle?
3. What small offerings can children give to the Lord?
4. What small offerings can Relief Society sisters give?
5. Why do we sometimes hesitate because we think our contribution is too small?
6. What does this teach about God’s power to multiply?
7. How can this principle reduce pressure and perfectionism?
8. What problems around us are not ours to fix alone?
9. How have you seen the Lord make something small become great?
10. What do you feel invited to offer Him?

Object Lessons

1. Bring five small pieces of bread and two paper fish.
2. Use a small coin or seed to represent small offerings.
3. Show a tiny light in a dark room to illustrate small things making a difference.
4. Pour a small amount of water into a larger bowl to symbolize contribution.
5. Use a multiplication symbol beside a picture of Christ.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time the Lord multiplied a small effort.
2. Describe something small you can offer Him.
3. Share how you have learned you do not need to fix everything.
4. Talk about a time your simple service mattered.
5. Share how God used someone else’s small offering to bless you.
6. Describe a miracle that came from humble effort.
7. Share how this story helps you with perfectionism.
8. Talk about what you are willing to place in the Savior’s hands.
9. Share a time you felt your offering was enough because Christ was involved.
10. Describe what “small and simple” means in your discipleship.

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Section 7: Children Can Bring God’s Love to the World

Teach

President Porter shares examples of children around the world making a difference. Their offerings are simple but powerful: reading scripture, sharing lunch, making activity kits, speaking about faith, praying, and testifying.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“I have seen children all over the world who are offering what they have to bring God’s love to their families, church, friends, and communities. In the Caribbean, a mother told me that the Spirit lifted her heavy heart when her young son asked her to read the Book of Mormon with him. In Ghana, Primary children told me they share their lunch at school with others who don’t have any. In Cambodia, I saw sick children in a local hospital light up when they were given activity kits made by Primary children who cared about them.”

“A few months ago, Chloe and Eli, both 10, stood before a group of business leaders and spoke confidently about how their faith affects their everyday life. They shared that they think about the gospel every day. They pray for others and look for ways to help. Chloe and Eli taught adults what it means to be disciples of Jesus Christ.”

“Recently, during a fast and testimony meeting, I saw a Primary boy walk to the stand and ask, ‘Would everyone who loves Jesus please raise your hands?’ At that moment, every person looked up, smiled, and raised their hands. All thoughts were on our Savior, Jesus Christ. It was a sacred moment of joy!”

Discussion Questions

1. Which child’s example in this section touched you most?
2. What do these stories teach about children’s spiritual influence?
3. Why should adults take children’s faith seriously?
4. How can children bring God’s love into homes and communities?
5. What can Relief Society sisters learn from Primary children?
6. Why are simple acts of discipleship often so powerful?
7. How does praying for others help children become disciples?
8. What does it mean to think about the gospel every day?
9. How can testimony invite everyone’s thoughts to Christ?
10. How can we better encourage children to offer what they have?

Object Lessons

1. Use a lunchbox to discuss sharing and compassion.
2. Show a Book of Mormon to represent a child inviting scripture study.
3. Create a small care kit to symbolize service.
4. Use raised hands to recreate the testimony meeting moment.
5. Show a small microphone to represent children testifying.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time a child strengthened your faith.
2. Describe a simple act of service that touched you.
3. Share how children in your life bring God’s love.
4. Talk about a moment when a child’s testimony changed the room.
5. Share how you have learned discipleship from children.
6. Describe a way you can help children notice their spiritual gifts.
7. Share a time someone prayed for you and it mattered.
8. Talk about how simple faith can invite the Spirit.
9. Share how you can help children serve in meaningful ways.
10. Describe a sacred moment of joy centered on Jesus Christ.

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Section 8: Blessings Come Now and Later

Teach

President Porter teaches that bringing ourselves and others closer to Christ brings blessings now and later. Discipleship blesses this life and prepares us for eternal joy.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“When I was young, my mother often made a special dessert for Sunday. After dinner she’d ask, ‘Do you want dessert now or later?’ We children knew my dad would always answer with a big smile, ‘I want some now and later!’

“When you strive to bring yourself and others closer to Jesus, you will receive blessings now and later. Today you can make choices that will help you change and grow now and prepare you for blessings of love and joy forever.”

Discussion Questions

1. What do you like about the “now and later” image?
2. What blessings of discipleship come now?
3. What blessings come later?
4. Why is it important to teach children that choices matter now?
5. How does bringing others to Christ bless us too?
6. What choices help us change and grow?
7. How does eternal perspective make present obedience easier?
8. What blessings of love and joy do you look forward to?
9. How can we help children see that gospel living blesses them today?
10. What “now and later” blessing have you experienced?

Object Lessons

1. Use a piece of candy labeled “now” and another labeled “later.”
2. Show a seed and fruit to represent immediate growth and future harvest.
3. Use a calendar to show short-term and eternal blessings.
4. Display two gift boxes labeled “now” and “later.”
5. Use a staircase to represent choices leading to future blessings.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a blessing you have received now from following Christ.
2. Describe a blessing you look forward to later.
3. Share how a choice helped you change and grow.
4. Talk about how bringing someone closer to Christ blessed you.
5. Share how eternal perspective helps you today.
6. Describe a time obedience brought immediate peace.
7. Share a time a blessing came much later.
8. Talk about how you teach children about future blessings.
9. Share what joy forever means to you.
10. Describe how the gospel blesses your life now and later.

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Section 9: Pray, “Here Am I, Send Me”

Teach

President Porter closes by inviting all children—and all of us—to pray with willingness, move forward with Christ, and bring ourselves and others to Him.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“I invite you to pray to Heavenly Father and say, like Jesus did, ‘Here am I, send me.’ And then move forward, walking with Him to bring yourself and others to Christ. ‘[You] are cov’nant children with a gift to give.’

“I bear my witness that God, our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, love you. Because of Heavenly Father’s plan and Jesus Christ’s Atonement, all of us can receive the blessing of living joyfully forever with our families in Their presence.”

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to pray with willingness?
2. Why does the phrase “Here am I, send me” require faith?
3. What does it mean to move forward walking with Christ?
4. How do we bring ourselves to Christ before helping others come to Him?
5. What does it mean to be covenant children with a gift to give?
6. How does this final invitation connect to the whole talk?
7. Why is it important that President Porter ends with Heavenly Father’s love and Christ’s Atonement?
8. What gift do you feel you can give right now?
9. How can Relief Society sisters help children respond to this invitation?
10. What is one way you feel sent by the Lord in this season?

Object Lessons

1. Use a gift box labeled “a gift to give.”
2. Show footprints beside a picture of Christ to represent walking with Him.
3. Write a simple prayer prompt: “Here am I, send me.”
4. Use a covenant path image with children and adults together.
5. Hold a family photo to connect the invitation with eternal joy.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time you prayed, in your own way, “Here am I, send me.”
2. Describe how the Lord has sent you to bless someone.
3. Share a gift you feel called to offer.
4. Talk about how you bring yourself closer to Christ.
5. Share how you help others come closer to Him.
6. Describe what walking with Christ means to you.
7. Share how covenant identity gives you courage.
8. Talk about how Heavenly Father’s plan brings joy to your family.
9. Share your testimony of Jesus Christ’s Atonement.
10. Describe what you feel invited to do because of this talk.

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Conclusion

President Porter’s talk is a beautiful reminder that children are not waiting to become disciples someday. They already have gifts, purpose, and power to bring God’s love into the world. But this message is not only for children. It invites every covenant disciple to wake up with purpose, pray with willingness, offer what they have, and trust Jesus Christ to make small things great.

A lesson help like this gives teachers a clear path through the talk while still leaving room for the Spirit. With the quotes, questions, object lessons, and sharing prompts prepared, you can focus on what matters most: helping sisters feel the Savior’s love, recognize divine purpose in themselves and the children they influence, and respond more willingly to the Lord’s invitation.

As you teach this message in Relief Society, sisters can be reminded that Jesus Christ walks with us, strengthens our offerings, and helps us become who we are meant to be. We are covenant children with gifts to give, and when we say, “Here am I, send me,” Heavenly Father can take something small and simple and make it great.

Posted By: Lia · In: Relief Society