MTC Joys

A former missionary companion of mine from the New York Rochester Mission (1977-1979) learned I would be here for the week.  She lives in Provo now and asked about visiting me. I was thrilled to have her come!  Sister Skidmore and I served together in Watertown NY during a hot and sticky summer. It was the kind of town where doors were slammed in our face and dogs were invited to scare us away.  On Sundays, we met in a Masonic lodge where a large portrait of George Washington wearing an interesting yet familiar ensemble stared down on us as as we worshipped.  But all was not bleak.  We had the privilege of teaching the one unusually spiritually perceptive young man who lived there.  He courageously joined the church.  He later served a mission, married in the temple, and had children serve missions. The joy of being reunited with Sister Skid made me think of the story of joy that the sons of Mosiah experienced when they reunited after a long missionary absence. Service, adversity,  and love  intertwine hearts forever. 

A second joy occurred that evening as all the missionaries met together for a devotional.  Our guest speaker was composer Janice Kapp Perry.  She taught us how the Spirit can communicate through uplifting music.  The meeting closed with a few thousand missionaries singing the EFY Medley with Sister Capp and her husband leading us.  The word "Powerful " cannot describe it.