The Blessing of Good People


Our Fast Sunday began with a mission-wide prayer at 7:30 yesterday evening.  Together, all missionaries began a 24-hour fast (normally it is 2 meals, whatever time period that usually entails for the individual).  It was a special one, so that our hearts could be united in the new challenge to each to read "Jesus the Christ."  It is a tremendously important book, and definitely a faith-promoting one. 

It will be a difficult one for many because the language is quite academic and it is from 1915 or thereabout.  With 52 countries represented in this mission, English is not the first language for a good number of our young missionaries.  In fact, many attended the MTC in Preston to learn English before coming to the London Mission.  The book is available in nearly every language for those who wish to read it in their language.

Fast meeting was excellent in the 2nd Ward, and then the 1st Ward meeting was indescribable.  The Reverend Andrew Teal was one of our speakers and then the Bishop turned the remaining 15 minutes over for testimonies.  Reverend Teal gave a magnificent sermon, talking about the great commandment to love God and our fellowman, quote extensively from The Book of Mormon.  He is a quiet gentle speaker, yet a powerful and inspiring speaker.  He finished with his testimony of the precepts he had read in Alma and Nephi.  He bore testimony of the Quorum of the Twelve as being men of God.  He announced that from this coming September through January, he will be at BYU working on a book. 

If you would like to see him and hear him speak a few words in the Pembroke Chapel, look at this short video about Elder Holland's visit to Oxford a year and a half ago.

https://www.mormonnewsroom.org.uk/article/oxford-university-invites-elder-jeffrey-r-holland-to-meet-with-theologians-and-religious-leaders

He will attend General Conference again this coming April as a guest of Elder Holland's.  This will be his fourth I believe.

We had the YSAs over to break the fast this afternoon.  There were nine, and we had a grand time.  It was potluck, and I made good old-fashioned meatloaf.  The meal turned out great.  Afterward they sat around the table talking for nearly an hour, then moved a few feet away to the living room for a board game.



now 



A few more left, and then SK, the four who remained and I watched "The Shop Around the Corner."  What a great movie!  Made in 1940 and delightful - they all enjoyed it.

We said good-by to one more.  I said goodnight, and SK, Berklee, Seth and Derek are now watching the Superbowl as I type (or will be shortly).  It has been a phenomenal day.

Comments

Erin said…
That's funny about them watching the Super Bowl! How late were they up?

You are doing so much good there for those YSA's and missionaries!
February 2, 2020 at 6:54 PM
Elder and Sister Madsen said…
Dad came to bed at 4 a.m. He cleaned the kitchen before he settled down to sleep! What a cutie.
The YSAs left at 2. I hope they'll be OK with all they have to do today.
February 2, 2020 at 10:24 PM
melissa said…
That’s dedication to the super bowl!!
February 4, 2020 at 6:54 PM
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