Sunday, 25 March 2018

We are really looking forward to general conference, as so many interesting things should be happening. But mostly, we are anxious to hear messages of truth. We are astounded by President Nelson's energy to take this world tour.
     We've been befriending a young man named Bryce who has investigated the church for several years. The elders here are bringing him to events with the YSA ward. Tonight, at ward scripture study, he told me he had decided to get baptized. Of course, we are very happy about this. We met him and his grandfather (also a member) at sacrament meeting today.
     Saturday, a young man studying Korean at DLI called and asked to speak with me. Elaine and I drove over to DLI (Presidio) and met for 2 hours with him. He has been struggling with the language, and perhaps his biggest problem is his lack of vision and purpose for what he is doing. He finds it easy to escape reality of the rigors of studying. We had a great talk and he asked and received a priesthood blessing from me.
     This morning we showed up at the chapel annex at POM as usual to provide a short sacrament meeting for anyone who might show up. The last month, no one has come. It would have been easy to get discouraged and wonder if it was worth it. However, just as we were about to decide to close up, in walked a young woman Marine from Florida who came to DLI to study Arabic about 4 weeks ago. She felt impressed that she needed to come for the sacrament. It made me realize that you never know when someone will come, and each soul--even one--is precious and needs our ministration. It was a special experience, and it reminded me of many times when I was active duty Marine Corps when I felt alone on deployment or in the field on a Sabbath and needed sustaining influence of the gospel and the sacrament. I was glad that we were there for her.
     We have been reaching out to married military families. We've met some really cool families. For the most part, they are good, strong families. I've included some family photos. But they do have challenges and needs. Two wives just had their husbands leave today for 2 weeks immersion in Latvia. One wife just got out of surgery and has little children. We are staying close to her, and we made certain that the VT and HT were taking good care of her. We have helped one family prepare for a few month separation when he goes to Europe for immersion in his country language. We feel such an affinity to these families going through separation and the challenges of military life.
     Ministering for the individual is a priceless opportunity. There is nothing like it! It is the core of gospel living. We feel useful and needed. Grateful to be here.