My name is Candace Pimentel and I am the Bessemer Stake Primary 2nd Counselor. My husband, Michael, and I have been married for almost 13 years in May. We have 3 children: Grayson (10), Raylen (7), and Stella (5). We have both been in Alabama for a while. Much of our married life was spent in Tuscaloosa while my husband attended the University of Alabama. We moved to Gardendale about a year and a half ago for my husband's job. In the past, we have homsechooled our kids, but they are currently "trying out" public school. We all love sports, especially watching the Crimson Tide play football. My kids all play sports, currently basketball, but also soccer. I love being active and running. I also love traveling and seeing new places. My most favorite thing to do, which I've done almost every year, is to load up in the van and take a vacation out west to Wyoming and Utah. It's a family tradition! I've been a member my whole life and, like Nephi, have been born of goodly parents. I'm grateful to have the gospel in my life and the opportunity to repent and strengthen my testimony daily. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lord here in the Bessemer Stake.

With love, Sister Pimentel.

A true shepherd loves his sheep, knows each one by name, and “has personal interest in” them.

In the New Testament, we find a parable and instruction from the Savior that provide further insight pertaining to our responsibility as shepherds, ministering sisters and brothers, of lost sheep:

“What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

“And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

“And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.”

As we summarize the lesson taught in the parable, we find this valuable counsel:

1. We are to identify the lost sheep.

2. We search after them until they are found.

3. When they are found, we may have to lay them on our shoulders to bring them home.

4. We surround them with friends upon their return.

All Church leaders are called to help other people become “true followers of … Jesus Christ” (Moroni 7:48). To do this, leaders first strive to be the Savior’s faithful disciples, living each day so that they can return to live in God’s presence. Then they can help others develop strong testimonies and draw nearer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Church programs and activities help achieve these purposes.

Leaders can best teach others how to be “true followers” by their personal example. This pattern—being a faithful disciple in order to help others become faithful disciples—is the purpose behind every calling in the Church.

When leaders serve according to this pattern, they help Church members desire to be worthy of temple marriage and the blessing of an eternal family.

Handbook 2, Chapter 3.1