This date will go down as one of the most significant and happiest days of my life. On Saturday, my dream, my focus, my goal, and my only humble but faithful wish was granted. Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and Prophet, Seer, and Revelator on the earth today announced the construction of a Tample here in Rio de Janeiro.
Words cannot describe the emotions that were felt that day. When announced, the best way that i can describe what happened is like this- everyone exploded!! Revence was unfortunately thrown out the window as everyone assissting the General Conference jumped to thier feet. The spirit of God was poured onto us as we laughed, cired, hugged and kissed; celebrating together and praising god in union. No film, no poet, and no explanation from man could have described the elevated atmosphere, because thats what it truely was; elevated! Ive never felt such powerful emotion in my life, because it didnt come form me, it was a direct gift from god.
I mark it as one of the greatest days because im starting to understand the importance of temples. The Saints here understand its importance as well! A temple is lilterally a house of the Lord. He abides in them physically as well as his Holy Spirit. Saving Ordinances done in the temple do just what they imply; SAVE!! Save us from the darkness here on earth and help us prepare to return to God. We may save others as well through Vicarious works and missionary efforts. I know that to be true, and my testimony stands along with thousands of other saints here in rio.
It means so much to me that God sees fit to bless the saints here with these blessings. I have been so blessed by his love!! i feel as if every prayer, every step, contact, every lesson, every rejection and every sucess over this past year has meant something. rejections are hard; literally being spit upon and casted out with threatenings of murder is not an easy thing to recieve, but as Jeffery R. Holland said,´´It was NEVER east for Christ, why should it be easy for us as his servants?`` Every step has been hard. But i have grwon so much from it. Every effort of mine here in rio has gone towards something so much bigger than me; a joint effort of member and missionary to place a house of the Lord here in this part of Zion. Thousands will be saved. Thats what temples do. Im just so grateful to have been a part of the work required. Im humbled to know that the Lord blesses his servants. I never could have counted the hardships ive come across down here, but i´ll NEVER be able to count the blessings ive recieved!!!!
The work, however is just beginning. Now is the time to redouble the efforts. Already the Lord is quickening the work here. Flávia was baptised!! And what a special reunion that was. the youth welcomed her with arms of love. the room was filled to the brim with attendants. Shes such a special Child of God. Her funny personality and Charisma will be a great addition to the ward. many more ´´eleites`` and revealing themselves at this time, theres not enough room to recieve these blessings from my most merciful and loving God!!
In short, my overall reaction to the announcement was peace. I cried without shame as i rejoiced with these saints. Quintin L Cook hit it right on the nail in his talk. peace can be found in this world, we just have to create it!! I feel so much peace in this moment, knowing that God is our heavenly father and that he has a perfect and infinite love for me. Im so glad i get to share this love with others!!! I John 3:11-our message is love... share it with everyone!
Spiritual Thought- my sister asked me some pretty good questions so I thought my answers will suffice for this week!
1) Why do you think its so important to know about and have a testimony of the restoration of the gospel?
its important to have a testimony of the restauration of the gospel because besides the atonement of Christ, it is the most important event that has ever taken place on the face and in the history of the earth. What good is the atonement if we have no knowledge of it? Christ clarified that knowledge to all of his special witnesses, the prophets, including Joseph Smith! God revealing himself and his son to Joseph Smith not only clears up a thousand years of discussion about the doctrine of the Trinity, but testifies as well that our god is still a loving god. He didnt just love his disciples in Jerusalem, but loves each and every one of us. Through Joseph Smith, Christ revealed true doctrine of salvation. He talked with god face to face as did moses, reminding the world that the lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Sacred ordinances were restored, through temples we can save EVERYONE that has not had the chance to hear the words of Christ. Shouldn´t that be important to know? I think so! :)
2)How has this knowledge effected investigators you have taught?
This knoweldge of the Restauration has had a huge impact on the people ive come in contact with down here in Rio. It has brightened the hope, knowlegde and faith within all the hearts that are willing to recieve the words of Christ. It has bettered the lives of many who already had faith in Christ, the knowledge and faith we have give a sturdy foundation to the unstable faith of other Christians. This isn´t just another church with another doctine. This is CHRISTS church with CHRISTS name and CHRISTS doctrine(and then people say we aren´t Christians....). Having knowledge and being part of The Church of Jesus Christ brings all the blessings promised by god to his children, including Imortallity and eternal life! Like dad worte in his last letter to me, the resauration is,´´like a font of sorely needed waters to distressed travelers on the face of the earth. They are parched, wanting for relief, but not for liquids but for Living Waters.``people want to know about that God still loves them they just dont know how to figure out!! We are the meesangers of the restauration, and when we share our knowledge, faith is increased, knowledge is expanded, lives are turned around, families are united and the god blesses beyond measure!!"
-Elder Kelland Hansen
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