183rd Annual General Conference of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Saturday morning April 6, 2013
He stated, “ My brothers and sisters, temples are more than stone and mortar. They are filled with faith and fasting. They are built of trials and testimonies. They are sanctified by sacrifice and service .... Some degree of sacrifice has ever been associated with temple building and with temple attendance. ... Those who understand ... know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings.... Each [temple] stands as a beacon to the world, an expression of our testimony that God, our Eternal Father, lives, that He desires to bless us and, indeed, to bless His sons and daughters of all generations. ... My beloved brothers and sisters, may we make whatever sacrifices are necessary to attend the temple and to have the spirit of the temple in our hearts and in our homes.”
He also reminded us about his announcement, six months ago, that allows missionaries to serve at younger ages. Prophets always ask us to share the gospel with others and to be missionaries. This change dramatically, and immediately, increased the number of missionaries serving full time. He said, “The response of our young people has been remarkable and inspiring. ... It has been necessary for us to create 58 new missions to accommodate the increased numbers.” The Prophet then invited us “To help maintain this missionary force ... because many of our missionaries come from modest circumstances” with generous contributions, if we are able, “to the General Missionary Fund of the Church.” His invitation made me laugh right out loud because in the past, when prophets have called for such donations, the response has been as immediate and as remarkable as the surge in missionary applications.
President Monson also urged us “to be attentive and receptive to the ... inspired messages” of conference because “Those who will address us have sought prayerfully to know that which the Lord would have us hear at this time.” I testify that his message was what the Lord wanted myself and my husband to hear. We felt a confirming witness that we are able to contribute to the General Missionary Fund and carefully worked out a plan and budget to determine what a ‘generous contribution’ consists of for us. We know Thomas S. Monson speaks to us from Heavenly Father. We try to always honor his counsel.
No comments:
Post a Comment