Monday December 5, 2011

 I have one really interesting experience to share with you all.

Friday night we got a call from our ward mission leader to go see a gentleman named Fonne in the hospital.  We went in to the emergency room to give him a blessing and found out that neither Fonne or his daughter Darlene who was there are members of the church.  His son Rod is a less active member though and the one who requested that we come give him the blessing.  We were able to give him a blessing and share a scripture with Darlene and her husband a blessing.  We left that night not really thinking anything of it.  When we were at dinner sunday night we recieved a call from President Belliston requesting that we go give Fonne a blessing.  We were surprised and a little annoyed that they wanted a second blessing.  But we're good missionaries, so we called the number we were given and got in touch with Rod.  So we set up a time to go give Fonne a blessing.  When we arrive at the hospital we found Rod, Darlene, and some of Fonne's children and grandchildren.  They were all excited because Fonne was responsive for the first time in two days.  Rod's wife told us that she didn't think Fonne would last the night though.  We were able to coach Rod in giving the first blessing he's given in several years to his ailing father.  Before we left I told Rod to call us if anything changes.

I couldn't help thinking that even though I wasn't there for grandpa at the end I was able to comfort a family that was on the verge of losing the Eldest member of the family.

What joy we can find in the gospel and its teachings.  We are able to understand the things that science cant explain.  Death and illness are all part of God's plan to make us stronger wiser being in this world.  I pray that we can all take the things we learn from our hardships and build our testimonies of the Atonement and other works of Christ into our lives.  I pray that we can feel the spirit in a new understanding as we seek to help others understand as well.  Such is my prayer in the name of the Savior.  Jesus Christ.  Amen.

"Feed my sheep..."

Elder Christofferson