The Joy of the Saints

Since returning to the Medicine Lake ward, my current calling is serving as the 2nd Assistant in the High Priests Group Leadership.

My responsibilities are for Temple, Family History and Indexing, as well as Home Teaching.  What a privilege and thrill to return  to service with my beloved Fine Old High Priests group members.

While we were serving in Uptown, the missionaries taught and baptized a large number of saints formerly from Western Africa:  Liberia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Ivory Ghost, Nigeria. 

Last fall, plans were made to begin a temple preparation glass for many of these members.  Starting in January, we have taught the lessons to these dear people. 

They are like sponges.  They can’t seem to get enough Gospel knowledge in their lives.  They are developing a wonderful appreciation for the temple and what it does and will yet mean to them.

Yesterday, 25 February 2012, the 8th Annual Medicine Lake Ward Temple Excursion took place.  Some 30+ youth and leaders did baptisms for the dead. Then they went to the Adjacent Stake Center and provided childcare for parents so they could go to the temple.

11 people from our ward went to the temple for the first time yesterday, doing Baptisms for The Dead.  7 brothers and sisters also participated.  A wonderful and powerful experience for them.

 

Additionally, there were 36 ward members serving as Patrons + 4 officiators,  I officiated.   1 sister received her Endowment yesterday, one on Wednesday.  A marvelous and powerful experience.    (about 120 total attendees)

As the Saints entered the temple, it was my privilege to greet many of them at the entry.  The joy that overcame me to see these amazing saints come to the temple for the first time was powerful.  It was true joy, yea even the joy that brings tears to your eyes.

Today in our Sunday School class, Bro. Sorenson, our Group Leader, asked the participants what they took away from their temple experience.  The reports from these people; the depth of their knowledge; the understanding of what they were doing there; why they were doing it; wanting more.  It was one of the most profound classes I have ever experienced.   

One of the individuals was responding to the question and as he spoke, an impression as to why this man has been led to the Church and is so keen to participate came into my mind.  An indication of some of the things in his future was given.  These are powerful, tried, tested and true people.

Later in the class period, Bro Sorenson said that he had come to understand why these powerful, committed individuals had joined the church and it had to do with a lot more than what they may realize.  An amazing confirmation from another source of the strength and vitality of these people.

Pat & I have had the privilege to have several of them in our home.  These have been most enjoyable experiences.  Wonderful stories of their conversions and things that have helped shape them into the people they are.  We love these dear people and treasure our association with them.