September 8, 2005

  • From a letter dated September 1, 2005:


    "Faith of our Fathers, we will strive to win all nations unto thee; And through the truth that comes from God, Mankind shall then indeed be free. . ." (Hymn #84 by Frederick W. Faber).




    Words of Advice:

    1. Don't be nice to the Sisters during gym time. While we were playing volleyball, one of the sister missionaires fell.  I stopped to help her up.  She was furious.  "There are no gentlemen in sports!" She yelled at me for quite some time.  Apparently females are capable of helping themselves.


    2. If you get sick, so will your whole district.  I spread strep throat through the district.  My poor A.P. (Assistant to the President) got it really bad.  If you get sick, tell them to stay away.


    "Faith of our Fathers"

    This is the song we (MTC Choir) sang at the Tuesday devotional.  I was touched y the power it made me feel.  I felt like I was part of a legacy and had a purpose that transcends generations. 


    I was also touched by the Speaker, Elder Gene R. Cook, who spoke on prayer.  The things he shared with us were remarkable.  I was touched by what he said about some prayers being answered with a "no."  When I asked in prayer if I could go to a school that I really wanted to go to , I was told by the Lord "no."  I was not happy.  I wrestled with God in prayer, pleading but he remained firm.  In the end I submitted my will to His and went where He wanted me to go.  For doing that, I was blessed in ways I can't describe.  In a very deep and personal way I learned that God knew more than I, that He loved me, and that He would tell me how I could be happy.


    Because of that experience, When I held that letter from the Church in my hands (my mission call) I was willing to go wherever the Lord sent me.  When I read "California Arcadia," I accepted it immediately, because I knew that it was God's will.  I have been so blessed and happy by doing that.  How fitting that the closing hymn of the Devotional was #270, "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go."

    Have You Been Saved? 


    This is a phrase oft asked by "born-again" Christians.  What we often forget is that it is a question also asked by the Prophet Alma in the Book of Mormon.  I write from Alma Chapter 5) Alma describes what it means to be saved in a very deep and beautiful way. I think we don't realize the significance and power of that word "saved".


    ". . . Their souls did expand, and they did sing [of His] redeeming love.  And I say unto you that they are saved.  And now I ask of you on what conditions are they Saved? . . .What grounds had they to hope for salvation?" (Alma 5:9-10) The answer to that question is answered over the next verses.  They are saved with "faith" unto "a mighty change wrought in [their] heart[s]" (Alma 5:12).  They are saved because they "humbled themselves and put their turst in the true and living God.  And behold, they were faithful until the end;  therefore they were saved." (Alma 5:13)  Above all they are saved becaus of Jesus Christ and His infinite sacrifice.  "[F]or there can no man be saved except his garments are washed . . .from all stain through the blood of him. . .who should come to redeem his people from sins" (Alma 5:21).  This is what it is to be saved.  To have a change of heart, a repentant heart.


    I conclude with Alma's soul searching questions: "Have ye spiritually been born of God?  Have ye received His image in your countenances?  Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?  (Alma 5:14)


    I encourage you all to read this chapter.  Under my favorite scriptures to the left, you can find a link to Alma 5.  Read it.  You will find the words of one who knew the power of Christ's Redemption.  "A shepherd hath called after you and is still calling after you" (Alma 5:37).  These things I say in the name of my master and closest friend, Jesus Christ.  Amen.



    ". . .Faith of our fathers, we will love both friend and foe in all our strife, and preach thee, too, as love knows how by kindly words and virtuous life.  Faith of our fathers, holy faith, we will be true to thee till death" (Faber).