First I spoke about Heber C. Kimball who joined the church in its infancy (1832). He was very stalwart and faithful, supporting Joseph Smith even when some were turning against him. In the later 1830s Joseph Smith came to him one day and said,
‘Brother Heber, the Spirit of the Lord has whispered to me:
“Let my servant Heber go to England and proclaim my Gospel and open the door of
salvation to that nation.”
The thought was overpowering. He had been surprised at his call to the
apostleship. Now he was
overwhelmed. Like Jeremiah he staggered
under the weight of his own weakness, exclaiming in self-humiliation: “O Lord,
I am a man of stammering tongue and altogether unfit for such a work; how can I
go to preach in that land, which is so famed throughout Christendom for
learning, knowledge and piety; the nursery of religion; and to a people whose
intelligence is proverbial!” He felt so weak that he was ready to sink under
the burden placed upon him.
“However all these considerations did not deter me from the
path of duty; the moment I understood the will of my Heavenly Father, I felt a
determination to go at all hazards, believing that He would support me by His
almighty power, and endow me with every qualification that I needed; and
although my family was dear to me and I should have to leave them almost
destitute, I felt that the cause of truth, the Gospel of Christ, outweighed
every other consideration.”
I am so grateful for his faith and courage to do
something so difficult. He did go and was set apart as the head of the mission. He was accompanied by Elders Orson Hyde, Willard Richards, and Joseph Fielding as well as 3 other elders from Canada. Although they were only there 8 months, they baptized over 2,000 people. After returning home for a couple of years, he also was sent back to serve another mission in England with several of the other apostles. They checked on their earlier converts that were still there, then spread out to other areas. Heber went to the London area and found it much more difficult to teach there. Because of his powerful testimony, he was able to have success planting some deep roots of the Gospel there. They were there for one year, but as they were getting ready to depart, they held a conference and determined the membership of the church in England was now 5,814 - not counting 50 who were not in an organized branch and 800 who had emigrated to the states. I also shared a bit from Philip DeLaMare who was a Frenchman who lived on the isle of Jersey which is also in our mission area. John Taylor was serving a mission in England and had been sent to France preach and to have the Book of Mormon translated into French. He enlisted the help of Philip DeLaMare who had recently joined the church. Philip was a very successful blacksmith and bridge builder and was married with two children. John Taylor asked for his help in the translating as well as financial assistance. Philip agreed and also went with Elder Taylor to do an extensive study of the sugar industry to learn to manufacture sugar. They had been requested by the leaders of the church to bring this industry to Utah. They had enormous hardships and difficulties bringing everything across the sea and over land to Utah. Philip also had to lead a company of pioneers across the plains at the same time. Later, after settling in Zion, Philip was asked to preside over the mission in the channel Islands where he served for nearly three years. He was always faithful and gave his all for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Scott spoke about some Whys in our lives. Many of our children as well as students from the YSA wards would ask why they weren't getting answers to their prayers. He gave 6 reasons to consider.
Precepts of Prayer
1. God will not infringe upon anyone's agency - even the wicked
2. What you ask may not be in line with God's goals for you.
3. You already know the answer to that question OR he has already given an answer to that question in the scriptures and words of the prophets
4. God will not make most decisions for you - that would inhibit your growth
5. Do you lack faith because you feel God does not hear and answer if you are not worthy?
6. Perhaps you are receiving an answer - answers come in God's time and in God's way
Scott explained each of these more detailed. He also shared the story of Richard Roland Kirtland who ws a hero in the civil war as he gave relief to suffering men on both sides of the conflict.
Emily and Rachel played a beautiful Piano/Flute duet of Love at Home. We were able to enjoy friends and family at a brunch at our home following the service. We feel so very blessed to have such love and support!
