I mentioned in the previous post that while visiting Kevin's parents we were able to go to church with them twice. This time I was particularly observant and noticed a few things. One thing I noticed was that they only had 53 people counting all the babies, kids, and us. This is a ward, not a branch. Everyone has a calling. Kevin's dad is the Young Men's President (only one young man) no counselors although he is hoping to get one just so they have two leadership. Kevin's mom is a counselor in Relief Society and his sister is a counselor in Young Women's. Carson and Lexie were in the same Primary class along with their cousins. They have one sharing time all together Sunbeams to eleven year olds. They are extremely under staffed yet they do their jobs the best they can. They pray for growth. Zach passed the Sacrament with the one other Young Man and they had two adults help them.
I noticed almost ALL the members are converts to the church. I noticed that the lessons in Sunday School focused more on application, because they are questioned daily by co-workers, friends, and even family members who are not members why they believe in what they do. They are examples of the church everywhere they go. They sacrifice so much more, many drive long distances to even come to church. Not to mention any activities, visiting teaching and home teaching are sacrifices in money and time just to do what they have been asked to do.
Everytime we have visited people come from out of town visiting the area, they do not want to miss church. This time we had two truck drivers who came in regular clothes as they were passing through the area. They did not just stay for the Sacrament block they stayed for the whole meeting. I was so impressed.
I enjoyed the lessons, and really had a new perspective. I am thankful for the gospel in my life and I am grateful for where I live and the conveniences it brings. I also am grateful for the members in the mission field and the examples they are to me in dedication and committment. I loved that everyone knew we were visiting and welcomed us over and over. I loved the overwhelming feeling of being needed.
I did not mean to go on and on, I have been spoiled by living in Utah almost my entire life and it is good to experience new things and realize the blessings in our lives. The gospel is a good thing and it requires committment, dedication and a strong testimony no matter where we live. There are good members and good examples of the church everywhere.
7 months ago
6 comments:
That is really cool. I'm so glad that you shared that experience. I'm going to try to be more grateful for the conveniences of living so close to my ward and building. I'm glad that you made it back. I've missed seeing you!
Sounds like what I grew up with. :) My Dad was Branch President when I was young. I was the first kid in the "new" branch to get baptised. We originally met in a 2 story farm house that had a huge barn with owls in it, and an old tool shed with the tools still inside. My CTR class met in a walk-in closet. Primary in a bedroom, and sacrament meeting in the livingroom/diningroom.
Tara
You are so right. When we lived in Ohio, I had never really even been to church outside of Utah, but we learned that the church is the same everywhere you go and that even sometimes outside of Utah, the members are stronger because they don't take the church or the convienences we have for granted...we really are blessed...Thanks so much for the reminder to be grateful!
Sometimes I miss the church outside of Utah. It was such a different experience then what we have here. Both are good, just different.
Amen! I second and third that. Utah was really hard for me to get used to after living in the "mission field." Now, I'm so used to it, I think it would be hard to leave. I understand your point.
Living in Georgia was such an eye opening experience for me. And such a testimony builder. I was the one that had to know all the answers that people asked- and they asked a lot! I was so impressed with the youth. Most of them were the only members in their entire school, yet they still stood stronger and taller than some of the youth here in Utah.
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