In 1969 Jim left for his first mission in England. Because of the miracles of the Internet and social media, this last week a former companion (George Mower) connected with Jim once again. They traded missionary stories (from then and from now), and "Elder Mower" put "Elder Flanagan" in-touch with Barry Irwin, their first baptism together all those years ago. It has been very rewarding to renew both friendships and catch up on lives lived over the last almost-50 years.
Here in Laredo we spend our weekends at baptisms, confirmations, and ordinations. Most of the conversions are with young adults, and we find great joy in watching these young people grow in the gospel. I looked at our institute class on Thursday and saw an overflow of beautiful young people, most of whom have been in the church two years or less. Many of them have been baptized in the eight months we have served here. They know at least two languages each, and a few have served missions. A few students are missing from the ranks because they just left for the new semester at BYU, BYUI, or other universities. They are amazing, hard-working, faithful Latter-Day Saints. These are they who speak at sacrament meetings, bear testimony, give talks at baptisms, perform baptisms, administer to the sacrament, serve in callings, give rides to others who do not have transportation, and support each other on social media, texts, and invitations to activities. We love these kids!
Teaching a class with these young adults is inspiring. Often they are so new in the church that they have never even heard of the Doctrine & Covenants, yet they share stories and testimonies, work together in the scriptures to find the principles and doctrines, stand and teach (often in two languages), and translate for each other.
Our seminary students are no different. They lead the music, speak and bear testimony, use their priesthood to baptize and bless the sacrament, work to save money for missions, and come to 6:00 A.M. Seminary. We only have a few students in seminary who are able to come regularly, but we love them all and are so thankful we know such good people.
I know that many, many people in Laredo lead lives of desperation. Many are involved in criminal and illegal activities--But, those who fill the churches and those who listen to our Sisters and Elders make changes and strive to be good people. We are all, after all, "becoming." We are learning to be who God expects us to be. That means we have to be careful with these tender souls. Those of us who have spiritual strength must reach out to the spiritually weak and lift them up. We hope that those with courage and strength will reach out to us when we are the weak ones. We must watch the words we say and the actions we use to welcome and love each other. I hope we remember our own weaknesses so that we can be tolerant and kind. We need to reach out and lift up the arms that hang down (D&C 81:5) so that we can gather Israel and prepare the Lord's Kingdom. Patience, caring, and charity.
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