A Mormon President?

The LDS Difference
by Laurie F. Maffly-Kipp

Shortly before the Southern Baptist Convention met in Salt Lake City in 1998, the SBC missions board distributed over 45,000 evangelistic kits titled "The Mormon Puzzle: Understanding and Witnessing to Latter-day Saints." The kit included a video that depicted a typical Mormon family enjoying the weekly LDS ritual of "family home evening." The video commentator noted that the Mormon family "could be the family across the street—wonderful, law-abiding people who adore their children, instilling values we all love and cherish." But, the commentator continued, this family would be "lost for eternity" without theological direction. The message was that though Mormons may look clean and righteous on the outside, on the inside they are in the grip of dark forces; their actions mask the heresy within.

I recall those SBC materials when I read some media reports about Mitt Romney's campaign for president. Photogenic, successful and dynamic, flanked by a large, close-knit family, Romney appears to be a viable candidate. But deep-seated suspicions remain about his affiliation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Journalists trace his political stances to his theological beliefs and his fund-raising to his church connections. A Romney presidency is not simply a vehicle for one man's political aspirations; it is the opportunity to have "a Mormon in the White House." The LDS Church, anxious to represent itself positively, has capitalized on the media attention to try to dispel old myths and to garner positive attention.

Mormonism has puzzled outside observers since Joseph Smith founded the faith in the 19th century. It has been called a cult, a Christian heresy and an American form of Islam. Conservative evangelicals such as Franklin Graham and Richard Land recently quizzed Romney to determine whether his beliefs square with their own. No less anxious are the queries posed by mainstream journalists in the Wall Street Journal and Time about practices such as polygamy and the wearing of temple undergarments.

In the September 2005 Atlantic Monthly, for example, Sridhar Pappu reported that he had asked Romney if he wore temple garments—and admitted he was uncomfortable asking the question. The issue of a candidate's religion "should have died with the election of Jack Kennedy." But Pappu did ask the question, along with another strange question that seemed to encode more than Pappu was willing to admit: "How Mormon are you?" Pappu never explained why undergarments might be pertinent to Romney's candidacy—nor what constitutes being exceedingly Mormon. Mormonism remains mysterious to many Americans, according to Kenneth Woodward's recent op-ed piece in the New York Times, which leads to the notion that, like John F. Kennedy, Romney should reassure us about his faith by unequivocally declaring that his primary loyalty is to the Constitution rather than to the LDS Church hierarchy.

But even if Romney were to explain his religious beliefs at length, I doubt that most people would feel more at ease. It is hard to imagine that anything Romney says on the subject would be taken at face value by the many Americans already predisposed to be suspicious of the LDS Church.

What does Mormonism suggest about the character of a potential president? This question is challenging principally because, as is the case with any religious tradition, there is not necessarily a direct correlation between Mormon beliefs or doctrines as enunciated by church leaders and individual practices. Just as one can't tell very much about the behaviors of individual Catholics just by listening to the pronouncements of the pope or even reading passages of scripture, we cannot easily predict the behaviors of Mormons by examining particular teachings. Variety among Mormons is as common as in many other Christian traditions.

The LDS Church itself is only one of dozens of diverse Mormon groups that claim the Book of Mormon as authoritative. Although all share a common core of teachings, the groups range from some that could pass as Unitarian to the polygamist sect led by fundamentalist Warren Jeffs. The LDS Church, by far the largest Mormon communion, falls somewhere between these extremes. That said, it is possible to generalize about the Mormon gestalt for addressing three politically relevant issues: religious authority, moral values and church-state relations.

Religious Authority: Latter-day Saints adhere to the teachings of a variety of scriptures: the Bible; the Book of Mormon, revealed to Joseph Smith and translated by him and understood to be the New World analogy to the Bible); the Doctrine and Covenants (a compilation of revelations given to church leaders, mostly to Smith himself); and the Pearl of Great Price (a volume containing various Smith writings and his translations of numerous ancient texts that God revealed to him). These works function much as the Bible does for other Christians: as resources for faith, discipline and devotion that provide guidelines for living.

Mormons, however, do not believe that the canon is closed. The church's president and prophet can receive a direct revelation that, in theory, could be added to the Doctrine and Covenants. In fact, some faithful Mormons interpret all the teachings of top church leaders—in addresses given at General Conference and in published articles—as a form of authoritative scripture. For many Christians and many Americans, this possibility is troubling. What if the prophet has a revelation that contradicts U.S. law? How would individual Mormons—or an LDS elected public official—respond?

Damon Linker, writing in the New Republic, suggests that the possibility of new revelation makes for an inherently unstable religious identity. Classifying Mormons alongside latter-day Anabaptists, early Quaker zealots and other religious radicals, Linker invokes specters of wild-eyed followers who suddenly cast aside reason to heed the new revelation. Even though the church prophet has used this power to add new revelation only twice in more than a hundred years, the potential for sudden changes of course is seen as deeply suspect.

Yes, the prophet can receive revelation. But this power is couched within a set of concentric circles of revelation and authority: the prophet receives revelation for the church, bishops receive revelation pertaining to their wards (local churches), and fathers and mothers receive revelation relating to their families. Most important, Mormons—like Protestants—attach great importance to the agency of the individual believer, who is expected to pray and receive guidance for herself. This set of interconnected responsibilities makes for clear lines of authority, to be sure—few agencies are as efficient as a local Mormon ward in action—but it also means that leaders cannot, in theory, overstep the bounds of the authority bestowed on them by virtue of their office.

In practice, then, LDS religious authority is diffused and regulated in quite orderly ways; indeed, one might say that this flow is both more controlled than in many Protestant churches and more democratically distributed than in Roman Catholicism. Mormons are taught from a very young age that their purpose in life is to exercise their own spiritual agency and to maintain a right relationship with God. The church hierarchy, of course, has a major role in facilitating that growth, but not the only role. Higher education is valued for both men and women, regardless of one's career path. Healthy living and moral values are extolled not simply as exercises in discipline, but as keys to individual progress. Considerable emphasis, in other words, is placed on the individual cultivation of personal agency, a fact that may help explain the resounding business success of someone like Mitt Romney.

Nor do LDS Church members in good standing bow to church officials at every point; the authority of many church teachings is, in fact, somewhat ambiguous. There are a number of incontrovertible teachings, of course (such as: Joseph Smith was a prophet; sex before marriage is forbidden), but these are surprisingly few in number. Many other decisions are left to the dictates of individual conscience. One need only ask 10 church members about whether Mormons are allowed to drink caffeinated soft drinks to encounter a wide range of interpretations.

Even more instructive may be the example set by Mitt Romney's father, George Romney. In 1964 the elder Romney came under fire from the right wing of the Republican Party for his progressive views on race. He also bumped up against LDS Church officials: LDS apostle Delbert Stapley warned Romney that a civil rights bill he favored was "vicious legislation" that contradicted God's "curse upon the negro." Romney did not back down from his support of equal rights, despite obvious political and ecclesiastical pressure. The stance he took did not compromise his standing as a faithful Mormon. In keeping with Mormon commitment to individual discernment, Stapley included in his letter to Romney the acknowledgment that "I cannot deny you the right of your position if it represents your true belief and feelings."

Such demonstrations of respect for the primacy of individual conscience and concomitant ambiguity over the absolute authority of church teachings are not unusual. It is not at all inevitable that Mitt Romney would feel the need to adhere to a particular religious line on political issues. His own changes in position on matters such as stem cell research and abortion in cases of rape or incest certainly fall within a range of belief that is tolerated, if not actively solicited, within the Mormon world.

Moral Values: Evangelical Christians are worried about whether Romney will toe the line on "family values." Although Mormons today share many of the conservative right's political goals regarding women's roles, gay rights and abortion, they reach their stance by somewhat different means.

Take, for instance, the meaning of the family. LDS teaching on this point is entirely different from Protestant understandings of sin, salvation and human purpose. For Mormons, human beings were created by God as "spirit children" before the beginning of this mortal life. Spirits were not sinful but were, in a sense, undeveloped spiritually, and needed a means of maturation that would allow them to live in family with their Heavenly Father. Spirits are given bodies as a way of growing morally and moving toward salvation. In this respect, all human beings are brothers and sisters, literal children of God. Through this mortal passage, and through the lessons and challenges that only bodily activity can impart (raising children, performing sacramental functions in the temple), humans work their way toward salvation. Family takes on a new meaning when it is viewed as eternal in nature. People's main task is to learn, develop and improve, and to help family members to do so as well.

This may all sound a bit abstract, but it can have profound implications for one's orientation to family life. Rather than seeing children as sinners in need of chastisement and redemption, Mormon tend to see discipline as a strategy for teaching self-control. Mormons are, in this respect, heirs to a very liberal theological tradition. The language that the LDS Church uses to discuss child-rearing focuses less on preventing sin and avoiding temptation and more on personal cultivation: instructional topics such as "reasoning with children," "building confidence" and "sharing sorrows" speak to a belief that human beings are not inherently predisposed to sin. Parents are instructed to "communicate compassion" to children and to build up their self-confidence and sense of autonomy. The Mormon approach to family values has imbibed contemporary psychological models of human development to a much greater extent than has conservative evangelicalism.

Family is critical to many Mormons also because the ultimate goal of progress is to keep the family unit intact, both here and in the hereafter. As much as individual agency is valued, so too is collective responsibility—within the immediate family and within the church as a whole.

For Mormons, salvation is a joint effort. It involves a measure of individual initiative, to be sure, as well as the taking of particular church sacraments (baptism and other temple ceremonies, such as the "sealing" of two people in marriage), but it is also a family endeavor, dependent on members helping one another and contributing to the common good. The highest goal of a faithful church member is to be sealed to one's family for eternity.

The political issues now associated with "family values"—abortion, women's roles and gay marriage—are significant for many Mormons, but for distinctive reasons. Abortion is wrong because it goes against the goal of enabling fellow spirits to enter the mortal world (although the equally important value of individual discernment complicates this; Mormon teaching on birth control, for instance, leaves a great deal of latitude for the couple's choice). Gay marriage is not allowed because it counters the LDS belief that marriage is a sacred and eternal bond that is possible only between men and women. Whereas Protestants traditionally have interpreted marriage as a necessary way to quell the temptations of the flesh or as a natural union that will be dissolved in the afterlife, Mormons view marriage as an eternal estate.

Similarly, gender roles are not only earthly conveniences but are sacred offices with theological import. Officially, women are advised to stay at home with their children. But many Mormon women hold down jobs and advocate what might be termed feminist positions. The rhetoric of LDS women tends to focus less on the man as the head of the household and more on the partnership of men and women within marriage (Mitt Romney's references to his wife, Ann, as his "life partner" are in keeping with LDS practices). A significant number of liberal Mormons fall within what Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Harvard historian and faithful LDS Church member, has called the "unsponsored sector" of Mormondom.

In recent years the LDS Church has emphasized its political commonalities with conservative Protestant and Catholic groups. Because of the distinctive direction from which Mormons approach many of these social questions, however, it is not certain that the political partnership with conservative evangelicals will last, or that it will extend beyond a few common touchstones. The Mormon emphasis on individual discernment always disrupts the attempt to reduce teachings to bumper-sticker slogans.

Romney, like the LDS Church itself, has emphasized a commitment to pro-life and family-values positions more vociferously in recent years. But it is possible that Mitt the candidate, like his father, could take a principled stance that would be at variance with official church teachings, or that the church itself would veer away from active endorsement of the family values cherished by the Protestant right. After all, it happened once before: When the practice of plural marriage was made public in the 1850s, Mormons interpreted it as an extension of Victorian family values so as to include more members, not as a refutation of those values.

Will evangelical Christians trust a Mormon to uphold the political values that the Christian right so cherishes? Despite Romney's attempts at détente, suspicion still runs very high, as the few evangelicals who have tried to engage in dialogue with LDS members have discovered. When Richard Mouw, the president of Fuller Seminary, made visible efforts to find common ground with Mormons several years ago, many staunch evangelicals were outraged by what they saw as his willingness to talk to the devil. Obviously, evangelicals are not all of one mind about dialogue with Mormons. But it is certain that many will remain suspicious of Romney's motives, despite any temporary allegiance of interests.

Church and State: Mormons exhibit a unique blend of American patriotism, rugged sectarian insularity, and a wariness toward secular authority borne of having experienced government persecution. Because of their theological emphasis on personal responsibility and the ethic of progress many Mormons—Mitt Romney among them— fit easily into a capitalist economic system and greatly value the freedoms afforded by the separation of church and state. But the collective memory of religious persecution and the very real fact of continuing suspicion and animosity toward the LDS Church color that patriotism in significant ways.

The early history of the church is kept alive in multiple venues, including within the pages of scriptural texts that outline the persecution Mormons encountered in Ohio, Missouri, Illinois and Utah. Just as Protestants in the colonial period reinvigorated memories of martyred Reformers, the Mormons, despite collective success, frame their collective identity as that of outsiders. And with good reason. The Mormons are the only religious community in this religiously free nation that has been the subject of an extermination order. In 1838 Governor Lilburn Boggs of Missouri called for Mormons to be exterminated or expelled from the state. (The order was officially rescinded, and apologies offered, in 1975.)

The potential conflict between the church and the U.S. government surfaced in the years-long trial in the U.S. Senate over the seating of Reed Smoot of Utah in 1903. Smoot, a Utah businessman and an apostle in the LDS Church, was accused by prominent Protestant politicians of belonging to a "lawless" organization. (The church had officially renounced polygamy as a practice in 1890, although polygamous relationships lingered into the next decade.) Smoot himself had only one wife and was, from all accounts, an upstanding citizen, but his connections to the LDS Church raised suspicions about his abilities and his loyalties. After four years, more than 100 witnesses, and thousands of transcript pages, Smoot was seated in the Senate, where he served for 30 years (see The Politics of Religious Identity: The Seating of Senator Reed Smoot, Mormon Apostle, by Kathleen Flake).

If Mormon loyalty to the U.S. government has had a rocky and ambivalent past, Mormon commitment to the American continent has not. American geography holds a special place in Mormon sacred history. According to the Book of Mormon, it is both the place where Christ appeared after he witnessed to the apostles in Palestine and the site where he will return to build his kingdom in the last days. Further, the early history of Joseph Smith's martyrdom and the exile to Utah under Brigham Young have rendered sites such as Cumorah (New York), Nauvoo (Illinois) and Kirtland (Ohio) part of a sacred geography.

Yet the Mormons' commemoration of American sites does not link American government to a providential plan in the way that, say, Pat Robertson sees the American nation as the New Israel. For Mormons, the American government does not necessarily represent the New Israel; but the land itself is the future home of Zion.

This distinction is significant for what it suggests about the desire that a Mormon president may or may not have to employ the federal government as a sacred vehicle. Such a move, given the church's ambivalent relationship to a pluralistic, secular government—the nation is good and necessary, even worth fighting for, but it should never be confused with Zion or with the religious community—seems highly unlikely. And having a Mormon president certainly seems less dangerous than the perils represented by a born-again president who equates his decisions with God's will. Because of their own history of persecution Mormons, by and large, are far more committed to the protection of individual rights and wary of governmental intervention than are conservative evangelicals.

A diffused religious authority, an emphasis on personal agency and responsibility, and a dedicated but wary relationship to the government represent crucial elements of the Mormon gestalt. As I have suggested, however, Mormons are a varied lot, and it would be far too simplistic to think that one could cull specific political implications from a particular doctrine or religious practice. One need only recall the vast territory separating Harry Reid and Orrin Hatch to glimpse the divergent ways that political life can be interpreted and expressed among coreligionists.

Mitt Romney's political identity is even less clear. He is known now mostly for his ability to change his mind. While it is tempting to attribute his shift to the right to the machinations of the LDS Church, and while the church itself has aligned itself more closely and vocally with traditional conservative values in the past few decades, it is difficult to see a clear line of influence from religious precept to political doctrine.

What seems most apparent from his tenure as the governor of Massachusetts and as head of Bain Capital, the investment firm he founded in Boston, is that Romney would bring a controlled and precise management style to the White House, a style patterned closely after the hierarchical patterns of life within the LDS Church. As a Mormon bishop and president of a church stake (a stake is analogous to a diocese), Romney has learned about leadership within a bureaucracy.

Recent months have seen the emergence of "Evangelicals for Mitt" as well as grudging shows of respect from figures such as James Dobson and Rush Limbaugh. Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, who has firmly declared that Mormonism is antithetical to the Christian faith, has expressed conditional support for Romney. "There are circumstances in which I might well vote for Mitt Romney as president," he said on National Public Radio. "In the right political context, there could be a lot of evangelicals voting for a Mormon candidate." These are hardly sentiments of wholehearted support, but they suggest the viability of Romney's candidacy and the possibility of a new era for Mormons in America.

In 1845, Mormons left the U.S. for the western territories so that they could practice their religion freely. America followed them, annexed the territories and once again persecuted them on religious grounds. Now, in the early 21st century, Mormons are part of the American mainstream as educators, bankers, businesspeople and politicians. Have we moved beyond the questions forced on Senator Reed Smoot? Or do we still interpret Mormon insularity and secrecy, so understandable given LDS history, as a mark of disloyalty, disrespect or ill intent? Mitt Romney's candidacy is testing these boundaries once again.

Laurie F. Maffly-Kipp teaches American religious history at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

Service

Our theme for this visiting teaching convention was taken from the words of King Benjamin to his people. “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”

I think this is one of the most favorite scriptures of any members of this church. When one thinks of quoting a verse about service, this scripture always comes up first. If there is a most memorized scripture from the Book of Mormon, this one is for sure the most memorized one.

How come almost everyone in the church knows this verse not only by memory but also by heart. What is so special about this verse? Is it because its easy to memorize? Or is it because of the meaning behind this verse that makes it so special?

I think one reason why, is that this scripture tells us about service to God, our Heavenly Father. Sometimes in our lives, after receiving so many rich and wonderful blessings from God, people would ask themselves, how could I show my gratitude to my dear Father in Heaven in return of all of these wonderful blessings He has given me.

Then, we realize from this verse that when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are also already in the service of our God. This afternoon, in this convention, we have learned so much about service, of how and why we serve. We learned from Sister Jackson how to be an effective Visiting Teacher. Sister Abby taught us how to serve with love. And we knew from Sister Copper that when we serve others many more rich and wonderful blessings will come.

We have heard and learned so many beautiful stories and experiences of sisters serving as Visiting Teachers of the church. Sisters who visit and are being visited both benefits these blessings.

When the Prophet Joseph Smith founded the Relief Society it had two main purposes. First, is to provide help for the poor and the needy, and secondly, to save souls. Throughout the world, sisters in the Relief Society works with the priesthood holders to carry out the mission of the church.

Sisters, the very best way that you can contribute to the mission of the church is to accept an assignment as a visiting teacher. As you visit and serve your assigned sisters, take time to teach the gospel and to be a close friend to them. Help them to understand that this church is the only true church of God upon the face of this earth by showing your faithful love and service.

As a sister in the Relief Society, you are a member of a worldwide sisterhood, united in devotion to Jesus Christ. You join with other daughters of God as a woman of faith, virtue, vision and charity.

I know that if you serve the Lord your God in faith and love, you will find that life has a wonderful purpose and direction. I know that as you share your testimony and your talents, you will grow spiritually.

The Real Latter-Day Saint

When I was serving my mission, one P-day, my companion and I were doing our grocery shopping. A young lady, who is one of the staff in that store smiled at us and asked, are you two Mormons? My companion and I were surprised by how she knows that we are Mormons. Both of us are Filipinos and are both wearing our ordinary casual clothes and no name tags. We asked her how she knew it. She simply says, “Well, I just could feel it”.

Was there anything special she saw from us that she positively knew that we are Latter-Day Saints? For my companion and I, we could see nothing special about us except that we are Elders and missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. But on that day with our ordinary casual clothes and wearing no name tags, how could one knew who we are.

There is a saying that one could always tell a Mormon in a crowd. Do you believe in that? Is there anything so special about us that we could easily be identified among the crowd. Well, let me tell you something, in fact, there is.

Do you know what a “Jack Mormon” is? A Jack Mormon is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who does not behave like a real Latter-day Saint.

A real Latter-Day Saint is different. A real Latter-Day Saint knows who he is. He knows that he is a special child of God. And because he knows that he is a child of God he upholds himself a unique standard in his everyday life.

As Latter-day Saints we have a unique culture. We call it the "Mormon Culture". We follow the admonition of the apostle Paul when he said, “Be ye in the world, but not of the world.” We know that Heavenly Father has given us a wonderful chance in this life to choose between good and evil. And we know that when we make wrong choices suffer its consequences.

Latter-Day Saints are very talented people. They do not hide their talents. They constantly develop their talents to make use of them for good. Latter-day Saints are hard-working people.

Latter-Day Saints have a spirit of thankfulness in all of the things they say and do. They thank God each day of their lives and heartfully express their appreciation to others who helped them.

Latter-day Saints are wonderful people. They are very educated people. Latter-Day Saints honor their parents and strengthen their relationship with their brothers and sisters.

Latter-Day Saints only chooses friends with high moral standards. They treat everyone around them with love and respect. Latter-day Saints speak kindly to one another. They are very careful not to offend anyone in their words and in their actions.

Latter-Day Saints dress modestly to show their respect for God and themselves. They never lower their dress standards for any occasion.

He knows that he has a Father in Heaven. He knows that it is not only by chance that he is here on earth but that he knows that he is born on this earth for a special purpose. He knows that his life is a gift from God, his Father in Heaven.

He knows that while on this earth he will be given challenges in his life. He will come to know what is good and what is evil. Satan will try him. Satan will do all he can to persuade him and to keep him from going back to the presence of his Father in Heaven. But he knows that he, too, is a son of God and that he has the power to cast away Satan.

Latter-day Saints know that they are now living in a world full of temptations. But they know that through the power of prayer and fasting they will always have the strength to overcome the power of evil.

The Holy Priesthood of God

Good afternoon dear brothers and sisters. It is a great privilege to hold the holy priesthood of God.

This year we commemorate the 175th year of the restoration of the holy priesthood of God on the earth. One hundred and seventy five years ago, John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus Christ came down to Earth and appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to bestow upon them the holy priesthood of God which is the Aaronic Priesthood. Next, the apostles Peter, James and John appeared to the two young men, Joseph and Oliver to confer to them the higher priesthood which is called Melchizedec Priesthood.

There are times when I often wonder if we really appreciate what this holy priesthood means to us in our lives as members of this church.

Today, I would like to tell you the importance of these two Priesthoods. The Priesthood is the authority given by God to men to act in his name. The Lord taught that it was important that this authority should be restored in order for his Church to be re-established on the earth again.

I was twenty-four years old when I joined the Church. The following Sunday after my baptism I was ordained by my Bishop in the office of the Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. I feel so blessed that as young as I am, I was holding the power of God to act in his name which priesthood holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins.

After a few months, I was interviewed of my worthiness for my ordination to the higher priesthood. Then, in the Stake Conference I was sustained and ordained in the office of an Elder in the Holy Melchizedec Priesthood. I was deeply touched by the revelation given in 33rd verse of the 84th section the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, “For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining of these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying of their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies …

This is a great promise to me. I have to be faithful and magnify my calling as the Lord would have me do it. I know that I am a spirit child of God and I have the potential to be like Him. He has given me a wonderful gift while still here of the earth – and that is the power to act in His name.

As a father I should show to my family that I love God, and that I should love, kindness and respect to my wife, and my children. I know that if all the priesthood brethren would do this, what a great influence we could be to others.

As a priesthood holder I should keep the Sabbath day holy. I should keep the Word of Wisdom strictly. I should pray always, and be honest in my dealings with my fellowmen. I should study the gospel. I should know what is expected of me, and as a spirit child of God, I must keep myself morally clean.

As a priesthood of God I know that it is very important that I should help myself to set and to reach higher goals in life. I understand that Satan is here and he is real, and is highly determined to destroy me, to discourage me, to tempt me, and to lead me astray.

As a priesthood leader of this church, I am truly humbled to be given the authority to serve the spiritual needs of the members of this branch. This is a great branch, a great brotherhood and sisterhood can be seen in this church. I am greatly honored to share with you the blessings of the holy priesthood of God.

As I sit down with you each Sunday and to listen and counsel with you, I feel greatly humbled in representing the Lord in filling up your spiritual needs. I know that the Lord has many more things for me to do in this life. With the power of the priesthood I know that I can stand the test.

May the Lord help us to appreciate who we are and to live accordingly, realizing that we hold the priesthood of God in the Church of Jesus Christ, the only men in the world who hold the authority to speak in God’s name. The success and progress of this church depend on us as individuals who hold the priesthood. May we prove worthy.

Treasures In Heaven

Good afternoon, dear brothers and sisters. It is a wonderful blessing for us today to gather in this conference to touch a very special subject that we sometimes haven’t really thought much about, and yet has a greater part towards reaching our eternal goals.

The theme of today’s conference are words taken from the mouth of Helaman to his sons as found on the 8th verse of the 5th chapter of the Book of Helaman. “And now my sons, I have somewhat more to desire of you, that ye may do these things to lay up for yourselves a treasure in heaven, yes, which is eternal, and which fadeth not away; yes, that ye may have that gift of eternal life, which we have reason to suppose hath been given to our fathers.

Brothers and Sisters, had you ever wished that you could find or inherit a treasure? Many people often think that money or possessions will make them more happier in life. Naturally, a lot of people wanted to have something big for themselves, something that could make them rich so to enable them to have complete strength and security for anything that will allow them to carry on and fulfill their wishes in life. And, even some of us here are constantly looking to find these treasures in the outside world.

But have we realized that obviously, treasures we could find in this world could not fully give us that which we really hoped and dreamed of. Many people have to live their whole lifetime just to find out that inspite of all the treasures and riches of the world that they have in their hands yet in the end have not fully found real life's happiness. They remained hollow and empty, unhappy and unsatisfied with their lives, and continually lives with fear. Natatakot ako, baka bukas bigla na lang bumagsak ang buhay ko. I still need to stay here abroad for many more years until I have saved a lot of money, so when I get back to my home country I'll just have to lay down in a bed of roses.

I remember last Friday when I was on my way walking to the temple, I passed by this street of many big mansions surrounded with high concrete wall fences. Aside from being high, these concrete fences have sharp iron spikes striking out in its top designed to fully protect the inhabitants of the house. For me, these walled mansions look like catacombs. I know that most people living in these mansions must be very important and very rich and influencial people. But in my heart I felt so sorry to see them confined in these high concrete walls. Could it be because of their fear of something that is haunting in their minds that something could unfortunately happen. But let me tell you something, do you know that Heavenly Father has given us something more valuable than earthly treasures. Treasures that we could take with us even after this life? Let me remind you of what our Savior, Jesus Christ, promised us, that “In my Father’s house there are many mansions, I come to prepare a place for you”.

So what are these treasures that one could bring to Heaven. The Lord explained, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break• through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures• in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matt 6:19-21) Here the Lord gives a clear explanation of what a real treasure is.

The Lord once spoke to the Isralites, “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.” We are a covenant people of God. We made our first covenant with Him during our baptism, to take upon ourselves His name, to always remember Him, to keep His commandments, and to endure to the end. Then, we made another covenant with our Lord in the temple during our endowment. To be endowed means to be given a gift, an eternal gift of exaltation, to be crowned someday as a prince and a king, a princess and a queen in the eternal throne of God. The beautiful promise of exaltation is the greatest treasure we can lay up in heaven.

For me, as a husband and a father to my own family, I consider the love I have for my family as my dearest treasure. I cannot picture myself or just dream about myself being in heaven without my family with me. I want to have my wife and my sons with me in the eternities. I will never give up for anything else the eternal welfare of my family.

The miracle of the only real treasure is that it constantly produces blessings and the overcoming of fears. I do not fear if every material things in my life will be taken away from me as long as I am sure that I will have my wife and my sons with me in the eternities. I am so grateful to know that families can be together forever. For you who have your own families, make your family as your priority in life. Do not make anything in this world be an obstacle for the eternal welfare of your family. Mothers, your children needs you more than the money you are sending them. Your husbands needs you more than anything else in this world. I know that this is true because I am a husband, too. It is noble of you to leave your homes in order to give a brighter future for your children. But this is not supposed to be the case. Please do not deny your husbands their sacred responsibilities to financially support you as his wife and to his children. It is by sad experience that many of our Sisters are suffering from the consequences of your wrong choices. I know that your intention is noble but please take a look, turn your back and see what is happening with your family.

Let us ask ourselves, am I doing these things for the eternal welfare of my family? Could my absence from home help build up an eternal bond with my children? Is my wife and I keeping our marriage covenant. Am I sure that my children are not straying away from their paths towards eternity. Ask ourselves these questions because if we really love our family, then shall our hearts be with them also.

The Lord in a revelation to the prophet Joseph Smith said, “I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms”. Knowledge and wisdom that comes from learning and truly keeping and following the teachings of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ comes next as an important treasure we can lay up for our heavenly home.

The church has written numerous books about the teachings and life of our Lord Jesus Christ. The lessons in our Sunday classes are designed by our church leaders to help us fully understand the true meaning of the gospel and teaches us how to apply it in our lives in order to help us deal with our everyday challenges in life. I have a strong testimony of the teachings of the church. I know that what I am now, I owe most of it from the wisdom and knowledge I have learned from the church. I love to read the writings of the prophets. They talk to us in our days. It is truly a guide and a Liahona in our lives, teaching us the right directions towards our way back to our Heavenly Father’s kingdom. These knowledge and wisdom are truly treasures we can lay up for our heavenly mansion. I would like to encourage you not to miss any of your Sunday classes. Let’s listen and apply its principles in our lives.

Now, at this point, I would like to address this next principle of treasure to our single sisters and brothers. I say sisters first because this is where my dearest and most concern is. For you single sisters, if you were to choose between comfort of life and eternity which one would you choose. By sad experience there are many of you who after receiving your most sacred and holiest covenant with the Lord in the temple has chosen to turn away for worldly comforts. I know that sometimes, because of the difficulty of life, you would rather prefer to marry someone who can provide you with all the comfort and necessities of life. Let me tell you, and I want to be frank with you that marrying a non-member husband does not lay up treasure in heaven. A non-member husband will not be there with you in heaven. You broke your covenant with God and you have thrown away the crown of the riches of eternity.

To be a queen or a king in heaven will require a test of faith. Living the highest standard of morality is expected by God from each one of those who will be receiving the crown of exaltation. There is no easy way to reach exaltation. Only through long suffering, patience, love and devotion to the promises we made with our Savior can we achieve our highest goal.

We are a covenant people of God. We cannot serve two masters at the same time. We have to choose to serve God or mammon. Sometimes in our lives we will be tested of our faith. Heavenly Father will see if we will choose between money and comforts of life or eternity. We cannot bring worldly riches to heaven.

It is indeed necessary that we as members decide day by day whether we want to allow our fears to direct our actions or to live with a constant prayer in our heart to be able to examine all feelings and emotions that come to us. We must trust the power of Heavenly Father in our lives.

Our church is guided by revelations from heaven. The Spirit will teach us the right way to our Heavenly Father’s kingdom. I know that the greatest wealth and treasures in life is our knowledge of a true and living God. That He knows each one of us and answers our prayers. That we have a Savior and a dear brother who saved us from our sins. That Jesus Christ is our Lord and our redeemer. That Heavenly Father has a plan for us, that he wanted us to be like Him. That He wants us to have with us our family in heaven. That he want us to be partakers of the rich eternal blessings of eternity.

This is my testimony, that I know that Heavenly Father has prepared a mansion for each one of us in heaven. I remember one day, I was walking with my wife, we saw a beautiful mansion and I whispered to her that someday I’m going to build her a big house just like that. She looked at me in my eyes and said that I don’t need to build a big house for her because we already have a mansion awaiting for us in heaven. And besides that it would be difficult for her, anyway, to clean up a big house everyday.

I love you sisters and I care for you. Sister Ganzon knows that. She can tell you how much I care for each of you. I know that you are now facing great challenges. Remember that you are always a part of our prayers. We mention your names in our prayers. I know that Heavenly Father loves each one of us and He will be there to always answer our prayers.

Marriage

Good afternoon, dear brothers and sisters. I would like to speak to you today about a subject that I know would be of great importance to each one of you. I know you will be very interested to learn about this subject so I carefully prepared this talk not only for the married but as well as for you single sisters and brothers.

My topic is about marriage. In the world today, many people do not respect marriage or family anymore. But the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, and that family is the center of the eternal plan of our Heavenly Father for us his children.

Our life’s greatest joy is our family. Strong and healthy family relationship requires effort. But that effort will bring happiness in this life and throughout eternity. Even if you do not have a happy family in the past, you can work out a happy, eternal marriage and a loving relationship with your own family.

In our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness, a man and a woman can be sealed to one another for time and all eternity. Those who are sealed in the temple have the assurance that their relationship will continue forever and not even death can separate them if they are true and faithful to their covenants.

The covenant of eternal marriage is necessary for our exaltation. The Lord revealed that in the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees, and in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood, meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage, and if he does not, he cannot obtain it. He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom, he cannot have an increase.

For you, sisters who are single, prepare yourself carefully for marriage. Remember that there is no substitute for marrying in the temple. Never settle for less. Marry the right person in the right place at the right time. Live worthy now of the kind of person you hope to marry.

Date only those who have high standards and in whose company you can maintain your high standards. Plan your date carefully that you will not be left alone with nothing to do. Stay in areas of safety where you can easily control yourself. Do not participate in conversations or activities that arouse sexual feelings.

Look for a companion of your own faith. Look for someone who you can always honor and respect, someone who will honor you in your life. Before you marry be sure you have found someone to whom you can give your entire heart, your entire love, your entire respect, and your entire loyalty.

Some members of the church will remain single even though they want to marry. If you are this person, be assured that all things will work together for good if you love God. As you remain worthy, you will someday, in this life or the next, be given all the blessings of an eternal family. If you want to marry but have not yet had that opportunity, do not give up hope. Still, do not allow yourself to become too focused on the desire to marry. Instead engage yourself in worthwhile activities. Find ways to serve in your community. Accept and magnify church callings. Keep yourself clean, both physically and spiritually. Continue and learn to develop your personal life.

If you are married, remember that the friendship and love between you and your spouse should be the most important thing in your relationship. Your spouse is the only person, other than the lord, whom you have been commanded to love with all you heart. Remember that marriage is a partnership. Both should encourage, comfort, and help each other.

Because marriage is such an important relationship in life, it needs and deserves time. Take time to talk together and listen to each other. Be thoughtful and respectful. Express tender feelings and affection often. Be determined that nothing will ever come between you and you spouse to disrupt your marriage. Make your marriage a successful one in spite of challenges that may arise. Be loyal to one another. Be faithful in your marriage covenants in thought, in words and in deeds.

Remember the lord said, “Thou shalt love thy wife (husband) with all thy heart, and shall cleave to her (him) and none else. “None else” meaning that no other person, activity or possession shall ever come over your relationship with your spouse. Stay away from anything that could lead you to be unfaithful. Pornography and flirting will destroy your character and will deeply affect your marriage.

Center your lives in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Help one another keep the covenants you have made. Attend church and the temple together. Study the scriptures together. Kneel together in prayers everyday to thank Heavenly Father for one another, and to unite in asking him of his blessings on your lives, your family, your love ones and your righteous desires.

And I know that God will then guide you with peace and joy. Your companionship will sweeten through the years, your love will strengthen. And your appreciation for one another will grow.

I thank God each day of my life for he has given me a very loving and caring wife. In times that I am weak, she gives me strength and encouragement. She is the most wonderful gift that Heavenly Father has given to me. I adore her in many ways. Each night, as we both kneel together in prayers, we thank Heavenly Father for giving us the strength that we needed in order to stand strong in this life so we may be able to fulfill whatever Heavenly Father has wanted us to do in this life. We thank God for giving us two beautiful sons. We thank God for the church and for calling us to serve him.

We do have lots of ups and downs in life, but one thing that binds us together in spite of these challenges is the covenant we both have made together in the temple. That was December 12, 1989 when we vowed before the Lord that we will both love and cherish each other for richer or in poorer, in sickness and in healthy for time and throughout all eternity.May Heavenly Father bless us with lasting peace and happiness with our families and love ones forever. May we find joy in living the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in our lives. May Heavenly Father bless our prayers.

Fatherhood

Good afternoon dear brothers and sisters. Thank you very much for greeting us a very happy father’s day today.

First of all, I would like you all, mothers, to know that fatherhood is wonderful. It’s beautiful and its great. And I would like you to know that the most wonderful gift I have received in my life from my Father in Heaven is to have this real experience of being a father to my sons and a husband to my wife.

Fatherhood is a sacred calling. It carries great challenge and responsibilities. It is my apprenticeship to godhood. It takes hard work and planning to bring up children in righteousness.

I know that as a father and a husband I need to have unity with my wife, so there will always be feelings of love and harmony in the home. I know that I have to pass through trials in this mortal life. And my trials seem to be greatest when I reached fatherhood.

Firstly, as a father I need to set a good example to my children. I know that I am accountable for them. I need to be careful in making mistakes in front of my children. When our son Eszel was born I take pride of being called as a father. For me, it is a title of respect and honor and admiration. It is the same title given to our Heavenly Father. He wanted us to call him Father.

As a father I preside over my family. This is an opportunity for me to learn how to govern my house with love and respect, and with my wife to teach my children correct principles so they will also become good fathers someday.

As a father to my children, I am also called to be a teacher to them. I need to be humble and to be what I teach. My father used to tell us not to follow what he’s doing but just follow what he teach. For me, to be a good teacher is to be a doer of what you teach. Our savior Jesus Christ showed us a perfect example of a good teacher. He does what he teaches. He was a perfect example of a good teacher.

President David O. McKay taught us that no other success in life can compensate for failure in the home, And that, the greatest work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home.
As a father, I am always teaching. For good or ill my family learns my ways, my beliefs, my heart, my ideas, and my concerns. My children may or may not choose to follow me, but the example I give is the greatest light I hold before my children, and I am accountable for that light.

At one time a young father acted somewhat unkindly to his wife. Three days later this same man saw his three-year-old daughter use his very words in acting unkindly to her mother. The man feel sad and came to ask himself this question, Do I love my children and family enough to repent, to change my life for their own good?

But fortunately, I am not left alone. I have a wonderful wife. She is my companion, my counselor, my partner, my helpmate, and my friend. And I thank God daily for giving her to me. When I offend her as if I have also offended myself. Everyday I tell her that I love her. And everyday I am continually courting her. Our marriage goal is to be an eternal family and pray that someday we will blessed to go as a couple missionary.

In the future, I will stand before God to give my report concerning my family. I hope to report that my home was a place of love and a bit of heaven on earth. I hope to report that we have family prayers and family home evenings and that my wife has taught our children good principles. I also want to report that I have provided sufficiently to meet the needs of my family. I also want to report that I have taught my children about God and Jesus Christ.

I know that I am a son of God. And that God has given me a family on earth, to lead them by example so as to bring them back to His kingdom someday. As a father, I also hold the holy priesthood of the Son of God. I know that my life is a part of the plan of salvation and will enable me to become like my Heavenly Father someday. Jesus Christ is my example.

How I wished and pray that all fathers in the world will know the sacredness of their calling. That they will be a perfect example to their children and so that their children will also become good fathers someday. Then when we have good fathers and good children, then the world will become a better place to live in.

Thank you mothers and wives for supporting us in our rule as fathers. We owe you the best part of our lives. And we want you to know that rich and eternal blessings will be your gifts in our Heavenly Fathers house someday.

Perfecting the Saints

It’s springtime once again and flowers are beginning to bloom. Springtime reminds me of new life, of new hope, and most especially the beautiful meaning of the atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For in a beautiful spring morning that our Lord and brother Jesus Christ rose from the dead to give us hope that there is a new life waiting ahead.

I pray that all of us will enjoy a meaningful Sabbath day today. Each time I come to stand here before you at the pulpit, I consider this the best opportunity for me to counsel each one of you pertaining to one of the greatest work and mission of this Church – and that is… Perfecting the Saints.

It has come to my concern that we have a situation that has been lingering around this branch for quite a long time and it is becoming difficult to deal with. There are two things that I want you to understand. Firstly, that bullying and backbiting is a very bad attitude. It is unethical and contrary to the proper conduct of a true latter-day saint. Talking against his or her neighbors whether in front or behind the back is backbiting. Because of backbiting many friendships were lost. Trusts were lost among us and many other problems were caused by this terrible act.

Backbiting is a sin. It is never been a good business. If your business is backbiting, stop it. If any one of you see or hear someone backbiting somebody you have the right to stop them.

The church was once again organized by our Heavenly Father in this latter-days in preparation of our Lord’s second coming. Members of His church who are called Saints are counseled through modern revelation by our Lord to refrain from evil doings. In the 54th verse of the 20th section of the book of Doctrine and Covenants the Lord warns us,
“And see that there is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking.”

How evil is backbiting? When we talk against someone behind their backs, the very first thing that we destroy in that person is his or her reputation. When we do this, we are in fact trying to kill someone else’s personality. It is like trying to stab a person behind his back physically. We are trying to kill the dignity of that person.

Backbiting hurts people’s feelings. It sends a negative message about the person being victimized. It is rudeness to speak evil against anyone behind their backs. Its uncomforting to know that these untoward activities is lingering in this church among members.

But let me tell you something. Some backbiters are not really bad people, they just don’t know what they’re doing. They don’t know that they can hurt other people’s feelings.

Brothers and sisters, this is your world. This is your church. Don’t let anybody try to mess up your world. If you hear somebody speaking evil against someone, you have all the right to stop that person. You have all the right to help this church grow spiritually and morally clean.

Evil speaking by ways of joking is bullying. There is no place for bullies in this church. This is the house of the Lord. We come to church on Sabbath to worship and listen to the words spoken by our leaders and teachers, and to practice and apply the principles we have learned in this church in our daily life.

We know that latter-day Saints are fun loving people. We love to laugh and have fun. But putting jokes or provocative comments on others are things that we should be very much aware of. There are sensitive people who cannot take jokes. There are also people who love to make jokes but doesn’t want to be joked. So let us try to be sensible to each other. Let us give love and respect to each other. I know that this is the only way that we can peacefully prepare ourselves and the very best way to help build up this church.

Now secondly, there is still a seriousness with the problem on debts. The book of Psalms says, “The wicked borrow and pay not again.” And in Proverbs it says, “The borrower is servant to the lender.”

How true is this? True to this verses, I have seen it happening with the members of this branch. I know you sisters are too kind to be true. Some of you will be willing enough to put yourself in an awkward position just to help someone in need. I admire you sisters for your noble heart.

But haven’t you ever thought that once something went wrong, and most of the time very wrong, you’re not only putting yourself, your work and the future of your family in grave situation? Don’t you ever think that even though she may be your very trusted friend something wrong may happen later?

Take an example of this sister who loaned money under her name, just to loan these money to another sister, who is a very close friend of hers, that she trusted most, who promised to pay on time. Her friend did pay twice but then, later was terminated from her work. Her friend was gone and she was left behind with an HK$18,000.00 unpaid loan. Another sister who worked in Hong Kong for more than ten years and was able to save a lot of money, loaned her dear friend all her savings worth HK$70,000.00. Her friend disappeared and she was left penniless.

These kind of problem is not new in my office. I hear this same kind of problem almost every week. Sisters, you are placing yourself in a very awkward position. Always remember that the moment you lend your money or your passport to any of your friends, you are at the same time putting your friendship away. I have every reason to say this to be true because I have witnessed the very negative effect of this. Friendships broke, not only the two of you are affected but other people as well, and perhaps the very future of your family.

Sisters, please stay out of debt. One very important principle is being taught in this church that many are neglecting. And that is the Law of Tithing. Sisters, pay your tithes first amongst any others, and the Lord will do the rest for you. If you really have faith in God, prove it by paying your tithes. And the Lord God has promised, that He will open up the windows of heaven and pour you out all the blessings you need that there shall not be enough room to receive it.

Do not wait until you are out of debts to pay your tithes. Pay your tithes now, and the Lord will help you find a way to keep you from the bondage of debts. Prove your faith in God and the Lord God will keep His promise to you. The Lord said, “ I the Lord am bound, if you do what I say, but if you do not what I say, ye have no promise.” Remember, and always remember this, that not unless you have proven your faith in God, He will never send you a blessing. “Faith precedes Miracle.” No faith, no blessings. We joined this church in hope for a blessing. But let me tell you something very important – that we cannot fool God. His commandments are for real. It is not a grocery store that we can just pick whatever we wanted and leave behind the rest. He strictly wants everything followed the way He wants it to be.

Saints who cannot abide the Celestial Law, cannot live in the celestial world. If we are just doing it half way, then, think about it again, and again – why did I joined this church? Is it because I wanted to live with my Heavenly Father someday? Any other reasons is up to you.

Only remember this, that in the last and final day, God shall not be mocked. He has given the law to follow. He has given us leaders to follow. He has restored his church in order for us to be sanctified and be purified in preparation for his Son’s second coming. If we are not prepared to follow all of what God wants us to follow, then, you better think about it harder my friends, because the hour is near.

We are not rich, we aren’t poor either. Heavenly Father expects the very best from us members of His church. He wants us to be a perfect example to others, to our families, to our non-member friends and to our neighbors as well. Speak kindly to each other. Show to other people that you are a true follower of God who belongs to His only true church.

Though I may not be perfect, but I am trying each day of my life to correct myself, to perfect my ways a little at a time. So when time comes for me to meet my God and my creator, at least I can say that I have done my very best.

It is up to each one of us as members of this church to carry the light of Christ in our life. If we want to have a more fruitful and meaningful life, then, follow every little things that God wants you to do, and I know the very best things in life will follow.

Serving Others In all Opportunities

The theme for our Visiting Teaching Convention can be found on the 9th and 10th verses of the 6th chapter of the Book of Galatians, “And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not, as we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially unto them who are the of the household of faith.”

A few years ago, a very strong and violent typhoon hits Hong Kong. Two hours before signal no. 8 was hoisted radios and TV’s informed the people to stay at home, be in safe places, and stay out of beaches or waterfronts. But in spite of the warnings, some water skiing enthusiasts found their way to the beaches, enjoyed the day while ignoring the violent strikes of winds and strong heavy waves. After the violent storm passed away the radio announced that a couple of water skiers disappeared in the sea and were pronounced dead, while one of their friends was able to make it with the help of a bypasser who saw him screaming for help in the waters. I will never forget the foolishness of these people.

There are some people out there, members and non-members, that are of this same experience. They are there, if we can only hear their silent signs and voices everywhere that say, “I feel that there is something, somewhere, that I need, that will give me peace, that will comfort me and let me know that my life has purpose and importance, that I belong.”

In my life I have known that the gospel of Jesus Christ was the single greatest influence to make people happier, healthier, and more successful. As I have thought about this, I think of the statement of the Savior: “By every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing.” (Moro. 7:25.)

Brothers and sisters, everyone has a need to belong. The gospel of Jesus Christ can answer this great need for every man, woman, and child upon this earth—for every family, every single person. Everyone who joins His church immediately belongs, no matter who he is or where he is. There is a brotherhood and sisterhood that goes beyond races and colors, and it ties all men together.

Seventeen years ago, I joined this Church with no friends or relatives in the branch where I am attending. But on the first Sunday I attended the church I could not believe what was happening. The members makes me feel like I belonged to a warm, compassionate beings—beings who truly loved me and brought security, warmth, and the true love of Christ into my life. I was never the same again. I now feel that I belonged to a larger family and were truly happier than I had ever been in my life.

The Apostle Paul, himself is a convert to the church. He personally learned not only of the great eternal truths which edified his whole being and changed his life, but also that he belonged to the body of Christ—the people of the kingdom of God on earth who loved and served each other with an open heart and spirit because of the love they felt. Listen to his words as he described how it was: “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” (Eph. 2:19.)

I have never been a stranger anywhere I have gone—Bagiou, Pangasinan, Ilocos, Bacolod, Manila or Hong Kong. I belonged the minute I was known that I am a member of the church of Jesus Christ. Everyone who lives upon this earth needs this feeling of acceptance, and the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and His church bring it about. Even though a member lives alone, she is never alone. She belongs; she contributes; she is never forgotten.

Recently, when Sister Ganzon had her operation, we become so weary. But something happened that made our hearts full. Many of you sisters come to pay your visits. Sister Christensen was there day after day to see to it that correct medications were given. Sister Mitchelle offered her prayers and assurance. Sister Bing skips her work just to attend our needs. Elder Mitchelle came to help me administer the priesthood blessing. Many of you sisters fasted and offered your prayers for my wife’s recovery. These are just small and simple things you’ve done for us, sisters, but a big thing for us. We are so privilege of belonging to the church of Jesus Christ, here upon the earth.

In reality, in His church we are always home—home in the things we believe, the standards we hold dear, the spirit we need, and the help, security, and belonging that are there. Latter-day Saints everywhere open their hearts, their homes, their purses, their lives, in service and love to others. This is done by the love and joy they feel from God and for each other. Indeed, this is the essence of the gospel as the Savior lived and taught it. Remember his words: “Be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.” (D&C 38:27.) “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matt. 25:40.)

Everyone who belongs to His church wants to reach out, to serve, love, aid, and care for others with kindness and genuine concern. In humble, selfless ways each of us can be a light to others who may secretly or silently be longing or even praying to find that sense of belonging.

I remember a few years ago an inactive member of the relief society who, in a moment of prayer, interview, and invitation to serve, felt the love and real concern of her leaders and wept openly for the opportunity to mend her ways and belong to the spirit and the sisterhood she felt. We belong to the organization of the church of Jesus Christ. We are really needed. We have to become more responsive to the needs of others.

Visiting Teachers, let us follow the counsel of Moroni, the prophet. He said: “And after they had been received unto baptism, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God. … [And they did] speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.” (Moro. 6:4-5.) Let us reach out to every member, that he might belong to the household of God.

And members, may we reach out with all the energy and love we have, first to help every member of our family, and then to help members—every one of them—and finally everyone everywhere, so that all might have the great privilege and honor and blessing of belonging to the kingdom of God. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.