02/23/10

Hello,

This past week we were able to hear from one of the twelve...Elder David A. Bednar. It was wonderful, for lack of a better word in my vocabulary.

President Cutler sent us a text the night before telling all of us to be to the chapel by 8:30 A.M. The meeting was at our chapel (here in Windcrest) and when we arrived most of the missionaries, some of which had to travel for hours were there before us. We sat for about thirty minutes pondering, reading scriptures, etc. and an Elder was nice enough to share his talents and play the piano for us to invite the Spirit. There was a quiet dignity in the room even before the General Authorities arrived and the spirit of everyone present, ready to learn and improve was almost overwhelming at first.

When Elder Bednar and two of the area seventy walked in we all stood for them and opened the meeting with a song and prayer. Unfortunately I can't remember their names. I want to say Elder Richardson and Elder Gonzalez but I'm not sure.

Elder Bednar began by asking us all if we were ready to work. He made us all really comfortable from the beginning and assured us that he was going to treat us as agents who act and not as objects who are acted upon. A few weeks ago we were given two talks by Elder Bednar and we were told that the Apostle (who at the time was unknown to us) wanted us to read and study the two talks so that we would be more prepared.

If I can think of one thing that stood out to me the entire three hours it would be love. About half way through the meeting Elder Bednar asked us to raise our hands if any of us had a question that wasn't addressed there and we received an answer to the question we had. About 70% of us had our arms raised and Elder Bednar provided insight and explained how individual the Holy Ghost can be and how individual Heavenly Father's love is.

I personally had questions in my mind some of which didn't come until the meeting had already started but the Holy Ghost was able to answer my questions and provide knowledge as well as comfort for me.

Our mission president also spoke a little and a lot of time was spent allowing us to ask questions. It was an unforgettable experience and the Spirit was amazingly strong.

I don't have much more to say except I know the Lord loves us. Heavenly Fathers' plan is perfect and He hasn't since the moment the earth was created, left us alone here. This experience was once in a lifetime for me but we all have the opportunity to hear from these faithful leaders of the church often. We're so blessed.

Even in a world with so many bad things Heavenly Father has provided and allowed so much good to be here also. Jesus Christ is our Savior. The gospel has been restored. The priesthood power is once again on the earth. We have a living prophet who receives guidance from God for and in behalf of all of us. We can receive the constant comforting companionship of the Holy Ghost who will lead us safely home to our Father in Heaven.

Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers. Not in ways we may always expect or understand but He and our Savior know us better than anyone else and they are always there.

Love you guys,

Sister Green