Amazing Expansion of Missionary Work

Elder Jeffrey R Holland visited 7 African countries in 16 days. Among other things, he dedicated the countries of Cameroon and Rwanda for missionary work. There are already members there. In one stake conference 56 brothers were sustained to receive the Melchizedek priesthood. It is amazing that the work goes on at the rate it is. During one of the meetings a children's choir sang, conducted by a 9 year old boy.


In this picture, Elder Holland is dedicating the country of Cameroon for missionary work.

This is a portion of what he said in the dedicatory prayer on a hilltop in Rwanda:

"We are doing all we can, Father in Heaven, to reach to heaven. We ask Thee with great affection, loyalty and love that Thou would bring heaven down to us. We ask that Thou would receive us here, as we stand tip-toe to enter Thy presence, feel Thy Spirit and build Thy kingdom."

The sweetness of what he said brought me to tears.

Gratitude?

You know how you read and read and SUDDENLY, something jumps off the page? I love that feeling, but frequently wonder where my head was before. Sometimes the stupid pills kick in and sometimes the enlightenment pills kick in! LOL

I was reading one of the Priesthood Session talks from this past General Conference the other day when it happened again. It was President Eyering's talk which I always love, but one sentence, one phrase just leaped at me.

Now, before I go on; I know that we are involved in the Lord's work, that we are his hands in many ways. That he plans on us doing the work, that he aids us in doing the work, the we have a responsibility to do the work.

Here's the statement that struck me:

"Whatever part you play in that priesthood visit (he was talking about home teaching to Aaronic priesthood holders), your desire to go to the people for the Lord to help them will bring at least two blessings. First, you will feel the love of God for the people you visit. And, second, you will feel the Savior’s gratitude for your desire to give the help the Savior knew they needed." April 2009 Priesthood Session

I don't think it ever occurred to me that the Savior was grateful to us for what we do. After all, he doesn't need us to do the work, he doesn't need us to finance the work, he doesn't need our testimonies. He could do it himself. Or so I thought.

Ronald darling tells me that I'm wrong - that the Lord does need us. It isn't that he couldn't do all the work, but that would defeat his plans. But gratitude? Really?

And then I thought of a conversation I had the other day about mud pies. Your kids made/make them. They want to share them, so they offer you one. Do you not say Thank You? And aren't you really pleased that they are developing social skills and sharing skills? And aren't they cute when they are trying to be grown up like you?

What about when you are cleaning or raking leaves or pulling weeds and they want to help? You say Thank You, you are pleased that they want to help, that they are learning a good work ethic. Maybe that's similar to the Savior's feelings when we help him with his work.

I hope he doesn't roll his eyes when I leave the room!