Referring to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as “a volunteer machine”, District 6 City Councilman Greg Brockhouse encouraged his fellow Council members to reach out to the Church. Every City Councilman gets the opportunity to invite a guest to give the invocation at the opening of City Council meetings. Thursday, September 6th was Councilman Greg Brockhouse’s opportunity to invite someone to pray, and he knew where to turn – ask someone from the “volunteer machine.”
Councilman Brockhouse has been hearing a lot about the Church over the last 18 months and has noted the good that has been going on. Through JustServe projects happening all over the city, and several large donations to help the homeless in the area, many in City Hall have begun to notice. Bishop Bruce Baillio, from the San Pedro Ward, who has been very instrumental in JustServe and helping to facilitate several donations, was asked to give the invocation.
Noting that the Church 
is known for it’s emphasis on the family, Councilman Brockhouse asked Bishop Baillio to pray specifically for the family members of those on the city council. Another member of the Church will give an invocation next month. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has taught: “In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance.” The “volunteer machine” is grateful for the recognition received and is ready to continue serving in our community.