One Year

November 10, 2015

This weekend we had a wonderful opportunity to meet with Elder and Sister Brent Nielson of the Seventies Quorum.  He was here visiting our mission, spending time with the young Sisters and Elders, and meeting with our Senior Missionaries in New Hampshire Manchester Mission.  

I loved many things about the instructions we were given, but one that caught my attention was the importance of UNITY.  This is something we need in every aspect of our lives.  He said if we would put down the sword of rebellion and take up the cause of the Lord Jesus Christ in our everyday lives, if we would quit finding fault in others and build up those we associate with, we would find that those we love, our families, the people in our work place and the world, would become our fast friends and we would do anything for their benefit.

If we would follow Jesus Christ's call to "come unto me," and then truly follow His ways we could find true joy.

I had two young women, students from Montreal, come to the visitors center.  They were full of life and excitement.  They were thrilled to be here.  They wanted to know everything I could tell them, they wanted every pamphlet and pass along card we have, they wanted the Proclamation on the Family, and The Living Christ, they wanted a Book of Mormon.  They were not members of our Church but knew someone that had made a wonderful impression on them. They are seeking truth and God's plan.  I hope what they learned here will help them reach out to Christ and come unto Him.

Several years ago we visited Denmark with Amy, McKay, Lilly and Lauren.  One of the places we visited was The Church of Our Lady, on Stroet Street, where the famous Christus stands in prominence.  There in the same church are statues of each of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ from His time on the earth.  They are beautifully done. The one of Peter holding keys is especially important.  These are the keys to the kingdom of God, and were restored to Joseph Smith in 1829.  They are held today by President Thomas S. Monson. The reason I put this in the blog today is that all we teach, the stories we tell here at the Visitors Center, are ll encompassed by those keys of authority present in our lives today.  

Roger standing by Peter the Apostle.

We had two Senior Sister missionaries who left to return home to Utah yesterday.  They had spent most of their time in Maine.  They helped teach a young mother who had sought refugee status here in the States.  She was found protesting against her government in the Congo, where she was fighting for freedom.  She was jailed, beaten, and raped.  She was released from jail and went to her home only to have a neighbor come to her and to tell her that the police were on their way to jail her again. They helped her get to a Catholic Church, to safety, and there to come through the underground to the U.S. She brought her young boys, ages six and four, but she still has no idea where her husband is, or if he is still alive.  The missionaries taught her and she knew what they told her was true.  Last Friday she was baptized; on Saturday I was able to give her a tour of the Visitor Center.  Her countenance and spirit were pure and good.  She is on her way now with Sister Farr and Sister Edwards to a place of safety where she can work towards citizenship and freedom for her family.

There is a spirit about this place that is amazing.

Thank you for the picture Marjean.

With the way the world is today it is nice to have a place of peace in my life.  I love this mission. I love this scripture too from Paul: 

Ephesians 6:11-18

11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.

15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

I love home! I love my family more than words can say.  I love the Lord Jesus Christ, and I am thankful daily for the Atonement in my life.