Sunday, April 20, 2014

          It was a beautiful Easter Sunday and we hope you each were enriched as you paused to recognize the blessing of the Resurrection, the Infinite Atonement, and the gift of life hereafter from our Savior, Jesus Christ.   There were so many inspirational videos available about the Savior’s life and I appreciate those who made them accessible to me.

          The missionaries from one of the two missions here sponsored another investigator/new member fireside this afternoon and it was a huge success.  Buses from everywhere in the city brought scores of people who filled the chapel and cultural hall to overflowing.  Fifty missionaries filled the choir seats and there were that many more scattered in the congregation and standing all along the back wall.  The choir sang with enthusiasm and conviction and Katia’s number was so beautiful.  The music was interspersed with testimonies from newly baptized families and videos about the Savior.  The testimonies were powerful real-life experiences that these individuals had had as they journeyed toward baptism.  A couple of them had just recently been to the temple to be sealed.  I know that hearts were touched. 

People mingled on the grounds for a long time afterward where we watched missionaries sharing their testimonies with small groups of people.  It was an amazing feeling to watch it all take place and know that hearts were being turned to the truth by the Spirit.  Glade said that there was never anything like that when he was a missionary and what they wouldn’t have given to have had such an opportunity.

          Another recently baptized family was confirmed in Sacrament Meeting today—father, mother, and two children—and a toddler received a name and a blessing.  Tentative new missionaries are arriving and many with marvelous experiences behind them are preparing to return home.  The Lord’s work is moving forward and it is inspiring to see how it unfolds here.  Someone asked Glade to speak to a group of 60-80 investigators that will be coming here May 25^th.  He is to talk to them about the work we do in the temple and he is very excited.

          Happy Easter to all of you.  We love you so much and hope you had an exceptionally great day!