“Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear” from the October General Conference, Elder L. Tom Perry
Good afternoon sisters. It very much looks like a spring day, except it's cold. What a good Sabbath it has been. The talks on Temples were wonderful. A good challenge for us to attend often.
THOUGHT: “My dear brothers and sisters, when pain, tests, and trials come in life, draw near to the Savior. “Wait upon the Lord....look for him' (Isaiah 8:17; 2 Nephi 18:17). 'They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint' (Isaiah 40:31). Healing comes in the Lord's time and the Lord's way; be patient”.
Elder Robert D. Hales
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- “Circled in Something Extraordinary” March 29th at 6:30 at the Church by the blue silos, we will celebrating our Relief Society birthday. There will be a dinner, and a guest speaker along with visiting. Invitations will be going out soon.
- WARD ANNIVERSARY ANNUAL ENDOWMENT SESSION – Tuesday March 6th, meet in back rows of Temple Chapel by 7:45 pm.
- Sign up for the Stake Blood Drive, March 17th. Sign up sheet will be going around again next week.
- STAKE TECHNOLOGY DAY "Advancements in technology are coming faster now than ever before. As a stake presidency, we are anxious to help our stake membership learn how to take full advantage of these advances, while avoiding the ever-present dangers inherent with technology. On March 17th from 9:00 am until noon we will have a unique opportunity to learn from many who are directly involved in this effort at Church Headquarters. We encourage your attendance at this unique event. Since many of our guest speakers have made special arrangements to participate, we want to make sure we understand the level of interest in each topic. Because of this, we are asking that everyone who wants to attend please register online. For registration information, please refer to the posters and flyers in the foyer, or contact Ken Knapton or Brian Jensen. We are confident that this will be a positive experience for our stake membership."
- Sisters, we would like to encourage you to make “Daughters in My Kingdom” a part of your daily scripture study.
- A reminder to visit our RS Blog http://manila12thwardrs.blogspot.com
BIRTHDAYS: Feb. 28th, Pat Kreimier. Happy Birthday to you.
Our lesson today was presented by Darla, entitled “Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear” from the October General Conference, Elder L. Tom Perry
How many of you personally know Elder Perry? Or being in his presence?
Cheryl: Walked by him and he is tall.
Donna L: I have seen him at ballgames at BYU.
He is very energetic and enthusiastic.
Gayla: I remember seeing him and Elder Holland at the Stadium box during a football game doing the wave.
Click Here To Read More >>
Click Here To Read More >>
When I hear or read anything by Elder Perry, I pretty much know what the subject matter will be, because for the most part he will speak on missionary work.
He starts by saying how excited he is about the announcement by President Monson on the new temples. Especially, the temple in Wyoming. He explains the tradition that the Church has regarding new temples.
The Church does something throughout the world when a new temple is built that is a fairly common tradition in the United States and Canada—we hold an open house. During the weeks just prior to the dedication of a new temple, we open the doors and invite local government and religious leaders, local members of the Church, and persons of other faiths to come and tour our newly constructed temple.
These are wonderful events that help people unfamiliar with the Church learn a little more about it. Nearly everyone who visits a new temple marvels at both its exterior and interior beauty. They are impressed by the craftsmanship and attention to detail in every feature of a temple. Moreover, many of the visitors feel something unique and special as they are guided through the undedicated temple. These are common responses of visitors to our open houses, but they are not the most common response. What impresses more visitors than anything else is the members of the Church they meet at our open houses. They leave forever impressed with their hosts, the Latter-day Saints.
What does he say is the most common response from visitors to the open house?
Chanel: The feeling of being there.
Amy R: How perfect everything is. The craftsmanship.
Whitney N: No crosses. Crosses are not the symbol of our faith. The members are the symbol of our faith.
The thing that impresses more visitors than anything else is the members of the Church.
Sharon H: When the St. Louis Temple had it's open house, that was the one thing visitors said. How kind and understanding the members were. How the members handled their questions, etc.
The Media also has taken more notice.
The Church is receiving more attention across the world than ever before. Members of the media write or talk about the Church every day, reporting on its many activities. Many of the most prominent news outlets in the United States regularly discuss the Church or its members. These discussions extend across the globe as well.
The Church also attracts attention on the Internet, which, as you know, has dramatically changed the way people share information. At all times of the day across the entire world, the Church and its teachings are being discussed on the Internet, on blogs and social networks, by people who have never written for a newspaper or a magazine. They are making videos and sharing them online. These are ordinary people—both members of our faith and of other faiths—who are talking about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Does the world have a clear understanding of the Church?
Carol B: A young man received his call to the Provo Internet Mission. He was not happy with the call and even threw the his papers on the floor. I'm not going there, he said. He found out that the Provo Internet Mission is the most successful mission. When I went on my mission, we did it the old way. We would knock on doors and the response was 99.9% no interest. Many people are interested in the Church, either because of the people out there, like Mitt Romney, or the news. On the internet, people will e-mail, face book, twitter, they will contact the church and they want to know more. They get referrals from all over the world. We are reaching countries that won't allow missionaries. Missionaries can't go there, but the gospel is still going there.
Amy R: My nephew who has a disability, was called to that mission. They have live chat rooms where they can talk to people and teach them the gospel.
How it was done in the old ways was very discouraging. There is now a new way of contacting people
Billie W: When we were on our mission, they asked volunteer students to work in the Center and do that internet contacting.
I have one question. Once out in cyberspace, you can't retract it, it's there forever. So be careful because you are representing the Church.
Robby: You can go there to the Church website, put comments, leave your testimony.
The Church checks the comments.
Quote read by Kristi A: Joseph Smith wrote his history in part “to disabuse the public mind, and put all inquirers after truth in possession of the facts” (Joseph Smith—History 1:1). It is true that there will always be those who will distort the truth and deliberately misrepresent the teachings of the Church. But the majority of those with questions about the Church simply want to understand. These are fair-minded people who are genuinely curious about us.
What can we do to help the world have better understanding about the Church?
The growing visibility and reputation of the Church presents some remarkable opportunities to us as its members. We can help “disabuse the public mind” and correct misinformation when we are portrayed as something we are not. More important, though, we can share who we are.
There are a number of things that we can do—that you can do—to advance an understanding of the Church. If we do it with the same spirit and if we conduct ourselves in the same way we do when we host a temple open house, our friends and our neighbors will come to understand us better. Their suspicions will evaporate, negative stereotypes will disappear, and they will begin to understand the Church as it really is.
With that preface, what can we do?
Amy R: Be an example
Michelle C: We must be bold in our declaration of Jesus Christ.
Yes, I have had a fear all my life. And that was, that I had great concerned if people would reject what I had shared with them because I thought that once they heard it and rejected it , that was the end of the opportunity for them. That is wrong, false. That was a source of anxiety, fear of mine.
Elder Perry: First, we must be bold in our declaration of Jesus Christ. We want others to know that we believe He is the central figure in all human history. His life and teachings are the heart of the Bible and the other books we consider to be holy scripture. The Old Testament sets the stage for Christ’s mortal ministry. The New Testament describes His mortal ministry. The Book of Mormon gives us a second witness of His mortal ministry. He came to earth to declare His gospel as a foundation for all mankind so that all of God’s children could learn about Him and His teachings. He then gave His life in order to be our Savior and Redeemer. Only through Jesus Christ is salvation possible. This is why we believe He is the central figure in all human history. Our eternal destiny is always in His hands. It is a glorious thing to believe in Him and accept Him as our Savior, our Lord, and our Master.
“We also believe that it is possible only through Christ to find ultimate contentment, hope, and happiness—both in this life and in the eternities.”
We declare our belief in Jesus Christ and accept Him as our Savior. He will bless us and guide us in all of our efforts. As we labor here in mortality, He will strengthen us and bring us peace in times of trials. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints walk by faith in Him whose Church it is.
Elder Perry: Next, speak up about the Church. In the course of our everyday lives, we are blessed with many opportunities to share our beliefs with others. When our professional and personal associates inquire about our religious beliefs, they are inviting us to share who we are and what we believe. They may or may not be interested in the Church, but they are interested in getting to know us at a deeper level.
Whenever I was asked to share the gospel, I would freeze. But now I know that if I am asked about yourself, you can said, I am a wife, a mother, I have 3 children. I go to Church every Sunday. What Church? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints If they are interested, they might ask you what do you believe in. If they are really interested, they will ask more questions.
Lynette: We can be righteous examples. If we keep the commandments, they'll ask us.
So Lynette, if someone asked you why you don't drink coffee, what would you say?
Lynette: Our bodies are temples and we are commanded to not take things that will cause us harm.
Yes, people do care that the Lord does care about them.
Amy R: That happened to me not too long ago. I had visitors come to my home who aren't members of the Church and they asked me where a Starbucks was. I said I didn't know. They said that in their town, there was one at about every corner. This led to a discussion. I didn't really know what to say.
Well, you shared your lifestyle.
Amy R: He likes it here. Enjoys the surroundings.
I can guarantee that they'll go back to Indiana and talk about that there are no coffee shops around.
Robby: My aunt and uncle are Catholics, not practicing ones, and they drink coffee, tea. When they arrived here they said, we know that we aren't getting any coffee here, but that's alright. They would ask little questions about our religion and we would answer them. They even wanted to go to Temple Square.
That's because they are curious. Little questions get little answers. We don't have to bombard them with answers. Use common sense.
Second, be righteous examples to others.
Megan: I was very touched by Sister Backman's testimony. When I visited her, you know she fell down the stairs and is on bed rest, she was very concerned about the aide that was coming to help her. The lady is not LDS. Sharon's question was, how can I tell her about the gospel, bear witness of the Savior. To me, that is so powerful, just being who you are.
Michelle C: You, yourself served Sister Backman, by your actions, in sustaining her in her desire to share the gospel and her testimony.
Lynette: I heard someone say “Always preach the gospel, use words if necessary.”
Billie: I love what she said. On our tour with some students, a lady said 'there is something different about you two, I can see a light.'
When I was in Israel in 1993, we had a Jewish tour guide who had the gift and talent to know who was LDS. She could pick out an LDS, by the light , the aura that was around them.
Alisa J: There is a book written by a non LDS woman who moved to Utah County about 10 years ago. I think the name of the book is 'To my Mormon neighbors with Love.' When she first came here, it was a total culture shock. She didn't want to be converted, and so many people would bring her food, etc. One Christmas someone even brought her an extension cord ' extend your Merry Christmas'. I thought they were out to get me. She wanted friendship without an ulterior motive. She is still not a member of the Church, but feels like she has friends.
Robby: I remember when I moved here from Australia. People show their love by bringing so much food. They love reaching out. They loved me.
Lynette: We have to use caution if we have young children. Our little children can say things. Teach them to be sensitive, to include others in their playing.
Yes, be careful in your discussions at home.
Robby: There was this sister who had an inactive husband. When the neighbors discovered that 'daddy' was less active, the children were not allowed to play with his children.
“Some members seem to want to keep their membership in the Church a secret. They have their reasons. For example, they may believe that it is not their place to share their beliefs. Perhaps they are fearful they might make a mistake or be asked a question they can’t answer. If such thoughts ever run through your head, I have some advice for you. Simply remember the words of John: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear” (1 John 4:18). If we simply love God and love our neighbors, we are promised that we will overcome our fears.
If you have visited Mormon.org lately, which is the Church website for those interested in learning about the Church, you have seen members who have uploaded information about themselves. They are creating online profiles that explain who they are and why their religious beliefs are important to them. They are speaking up about their faith.
He concludes by this promise:
“I promise you that if you will respond to the invitation to share your beliefs and feelings about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, a spirit of love and a spirit of courage will be your constant companion, for “perfect love casteth out fear” (1 John 4:18).
I'll share my testimony with his. “May we prepare ourselves to take advantage of the opportunities given to us to share our beliefs, I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
0 comments:
Post a Comment