Angie's Homecoming Talk (given at the Northpointe Ward April 12, 2015)
“We are living in the time of the Restoration. Sometimes we think of the Restoration of the Gospel as something complete, already behind
behind us. In reality, the Restoration is an ongoing process; we are living in it right now. It includes ‘all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal’, And the many and great important things that He will yet reveal. The exciting developments of today are part of that long foretold period of preparation that will culminate in the glorious Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Elder Uchtedorf ?)
This is one of the most remarkable periods of the world’s history!
WHAT IS OUR ROLE IN THIS GREAT ONGOING RESTORATION?
A. The Gathering of all God’s children.
We see many great changes in missionary work. We see younger missionaries, use of modern technology to help them, more missions,
etc.
In our general conference from 2014, we heard Gerald Causse’ say:
“These vast worldwide changes serve the designs of the Almighty God. The gathering of His elect from the four corners of the earth is
taking place not only by sending missionaries to far away countries, but also with the arrival of people from other areas into our cities and
neighborhoods. Many, without knowing it, are being led by the Lord to places where they can hear the gospel and come unto His Fold.”
B. Examples: Mahmoud, Mahsa, Bezad
Our time in Linz ward has been filled with teaching and fellowshipping young people from the Middle East. Most are from Iran or Afghanistan, a few from Syria or Iraq. These are people seeking a freer way of life and a respite from the oppression and violence of their home countries. Many trudge by foot through Turkey and into Eastern Europe before they find a place of refuge. They come with only the clothes on their backs. Mahmoud is a young man that waited a year to be baptized since the rules were he had to have official asylum before that could happen. Mahsa is a young woman that came to Austria to study and planned to return to her life and family in Iran. She found the gospel and embraced baptism. For her, it is sad that she can never safely go back to see her family. She cannot even call them or they would be in trouble because their daughter became a Christian (an offense that requires execution in Iran). Bezad, came to be free of the duties and responsibilities of working for the secret police. His like is forfeit for just leaving. His wife and son are in hiding in Iran. He waits until he can be given refugee status. At this point, he has lost faith of seeing his family and gave up on the missionaries and their message. But, we can still hope that he will eventually find his way back to the church again and hopefully, enjoy the full benefits of membership. We taught him with much love and have faith in Heavenly Father not letting go of him.
LESSONS SERVING AS A MISSIONARY COUPLE
President Larson warned us prior to leaving for our mission that we would never be the same again. He was so right. We have gained clearer insights into our own personal progress and the Lord’s love for His children.
1. We have learned that weakness is not sin.
We commonly think of sin and weakness as a black mark on the fabric of our soul. In the mission field, I lived the gospel more fervently, but I have never been more aware of my weaknesses. Sin leads us away from God. It is a choice encouraged by Satan. Weakness leads us towards God. In Ether 12:27 we learn that weakness is a condition given by Heavenly Father to teach us that as we humble ourselves and turn to Him, He will make up the difference. GRACE is the key to our personal progress. Ultimately, it is only by His Grace that we can be make whole and perfect.
2. Miracles and answers to prayers.
We have experienced miraculous protections from harm, help with my health, softening of hearts, and great joy.
3. We have learned that the “mantel of authority” applies to missionaries as well.
Joseph Smith said that “All men called to minister to the inhabitants of this world were called (ordained) to so in the pre-existence.” There is a real, tangible power placed upon each missionary. With that power, he can testify with conviction, learn languages, radiate a special spirit, and reach hearts. There are no limitations because
of age, education, ability. It only requires faith and an awareness of his role.
4. God’s timing is not ours. Through watching how God works with others, I have come to realize we are too easily caught up in the idea of quick conversions, mighty changes happening in a moment. That can happen, but most of the time we see it happening slowly over time.
Finally, let me share my testimony…
I know that God, our Heavenly Father, is aware of us. Without our realizing it, he is guiding and directing the course of our lives.
Only personal sin and rebellion can alter that course. I know that we are part of something much bigger than we can understand or imagine.
I know that we can help, even in a small way, to further the Lord’s kingdom here on earth. I am keenly aware of the power of the Atonement in my life. I love and revere the Savior for His great sacrifice and love. He is my example, he is my Savior, He is at the center of all we do as members of the church. We are blessed to live in these times of the fulness of the Gospel. I know that my faith will be tested many times before my time here on earth is done. I know that the Lord will help me through those times. I know he is REAL. I love Him.
