Chad reminded me this week of this statement by President Ezra Taft Benson:
"You
must also bend your efforts and your activities to stimulating
meaningful scripture study among the members of the Church. Often we
spend great effort in trying to increase the activity levels in our
stakes. We work diligently to raise the percentages of those attending
sacrament meetings. We labor to get a higher percentage of our young men
on missions. We strive to improve the numbers of those marrying in the
temple. All of these are commendable efforts and important to the growth
of the kingdom. But when individual members and families immerse
themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, these other
areas of activity will automatically come. Testimonies will
increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified.
Personal revelation will flow."
(The Power of the Word)
Here
in Mozambique the Church subsidizes ninety percent (90%) of the cost
for scriptures. This is a great blessing to the members. A paperback
triple combination costs about $.52 ! A paperback Book of Mormon sells
for $.50. However, shipping and delivery is very difficult here. There
was a time for about six (6) months in which we were not able to receive
any triple combinations. Hopefully, this will not occur again.
Meaningful
Scripture study can be a blessing in everyone's life. I do not know
anyone that studies the scriptures daily that does not regularly attend
Church.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie said: "..the secret of gaining answers to prayers is prior obedience to the Lord's [commandments]". ( DNTC, vol. 3, pages 391-392)
Here are a couple examples of this:
Zeniff states: "..... Nephi was more faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord—therefore he was favored of the Lord, for the Lord heard his prayers and answered them"
(Mosiah 10:13).
The
prophet Joseph Smith received this revelation: "They were slow to
hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their
God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of
their trouble. In
the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but, in the
day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me" (D & C 101:
7-8).
A
week ago today, Friday, at 7AM, we picked up the two elders on the left
(E. Bigelow & E. Lake) to go to the airport having completed their
missions.
Here they are getting ready to pass through security. Elder Lake on the
right had been serving as the branch president in Inhamizua. He gave
away his suit to the new branch president who did not have a suit.
Later on this Good Friday, this police officer stopped me and noticed
that the registration on our truck had expired. He said that because I
was a missionary he would forgive me without any fine. After thanking
him I asked permission to take his photo.
The missionaries use these tables as study desks. They sell for
$28/each. We had four additional missionaries arrive, so I stopped and
bought four of these tables, made by these eight men in this photo.
Isn't it amazing that 36.5% of the worlds population lives in China and
India ? The US which is the third most populated country, is home to
only 4.44% of the world's population. We are indeed the lucky ones....
Our guard Jose can remain in this squatting position for a long time.
Elder Rameka from New Zealand was just released as the branch president
in Chimoio and transferred to Manga 2, for his last transfer before
going home. This is outside his new apartment just after he arrived on
Monday this week.
The good branch president in Dondo (Rui Moda) works as a police officer.
Yesterday, was a training meeting for missionary trainers. Here are 14
elders packed into a small room to listen to President Kretly provide
the training.
Sure love you!
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