As you may know, my folks are out in the mission field. They have just got their internet up and going and I've already heard from them several times. It's wonderful to hear of their experiences in just the short time they've been there in Kansas. The branch they will be serving in is small, 18-30 active members, half of them children. Mom says she counts 6 active women in the branch. In my life, I've grown up in Utah and I've lived in the Mesa, Arizona area for the past ten years. The LDS church membership is growing and we are outgrowing the meeting houses. Mom wondered how they were going to fulfill VT, RS and Primary with only 6 women. I told her that while our family was little, we held church with only 5 active members, three were children, one woman, one man. (may family) We lived in the Alaskan bush. Dad took a job as a school teacher in a very remote area of Alaska. We had to have food flown in to us there. There were no other members for miles. We held sacrament in the tiny living room of the trailer house we lived in. We'd then split up, the boys with one parent in one bedroom, me with the other parent in another bedroom for primary and sunday school. If we could do it with such a small number, there will be a way for that small branch in Kansas. I forget the challenges these small branches must have as they work to build testimonies and fulfill callings. The Branch President has 40 families on his home teaching list and the branch is very spread out. Keeping the faith growing with such support so far apart can certainly be a struggle. I take for granted that there are so many who share my religious beliefs all around me. I am strengthened by these good folks so near and dear to me.
Mom and dad's attention was drawn to a name on the branch membership list. As it turns out, he's a 3rd cousin. It is obvious he's no longer active as they met him at his home and found him to be a rough, abrasive guy who rides a motorcycle, drinks and smokes. He's a trucker by trade. They visited with him a bit and they report that he seemed to soften a little and seemed to enjoy the visit from someone who cared enough to look him up. Mom walked away with his dad's phone number. (she continues to pursue genealogy) Mom says they will try to visit him again and hopefully meet his wife as well. So already some neat experiences are coming from their time in Kansas. Much work to do. I often have wondered if I've to the testimony it takes to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. I've been reading Jesus The Christ and have wondered in awe at the first 12 apostles. They had such faith! They grew up hearing of the savior and were noble enough to walk with the physical Savior on earth. I read and wonder if I have that rock solid testimony. I get lost in the day to day living and the small silly things of life and I wonder where my deep feelings really are. I stood to say opening prayer in sacrament meeting this Sunday and as I thanked the Lord for the Savior, I found I was getting choked up. I DO have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I cannot put into words how I have come by this great love and respect for Him, but it's there. I was actually very relieved to have had that tiny experience to know I do know who my savior is and I have a deep love for him. I am strengthened by the fact that I have a good friend who is serving a mission as well as my parents. We live in troubled world and all too often we get distracted by it and forget to really bask in the great blessing this life is. President Thomas S. Monson reminded us in this past conference to remember to enjoy life as we live it and not to become so focused on the future that we forget to really enjoy the moment! Life is a beautiful thing! Take time to enjoy each moment. Don't dwell on the things that don't matter so much.
Finding strength beyond my own in this life comes from only my Lord and Savior. This is born to me through the Holy Ghost not in words, but feelings that you can never find words to completely describe. This is the gift of knowing who we are, as children of God. I am finding strength in this knowledge and belief.
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