Training Time

The weather has turned off beautiful and I believe spring may be here. We have gone from snow to 70 degree weather. The daffodils and tulips are blooming and a little green can be seen on the trees.

We have had a wonderful week of training and getting acquainted with each other and the area. Friday we met and were trained by Elder Koelliker from the Seventies and Bro. Rosenvall from the temple office in Salt Lake. We reviewed the training films and had instruction from these brethren as well as our Temple President, President Siebach. Friday we all went to the Sacred Grove where we held a testimony meeting. What a special occasion that was and Paul and I both were able to bear our testimony of the events which took place in this sacred spot. The spirit bears a powerful testimony in these places.

Friday night the Stake Activities had an activity, dinner and a movie. Really well done. After dinner we watched "The Other Side of Heaven". There were eight movies to choose from.

Saturday was a big day in the temple. The Stake RS were also having a big activity so the sessions were full and the Utica Stake brought their youth to do baptisms. We will be working in the office helping the recorder and the secretary so we shadowed them. Everything in this temple is done with appointment so it helps you to know what to expect.

Today was a special Stake Conference. Elder Tingey from the Seventies was here to make a change in the Stake Presidency. President Cook was called to be an area seventy at the last conference. I was able to sing in the choir. We sang "The Morning Breaks" and "I Know that my Redeemer Lives". Elder Tingey said it was an appropriate song because it all started here. He told us a little about President Hinckley saying the President Hinckley has said many times "I'm being kept alive by the faith of the members of the Church." These are the topics President Hinckley wants us to be aware of:

1) be optimistic--the church is in good condition 2) All our youth need to attend seminary and institute 3) we are building more and better chapels, we are building 1 1/2 chapels per day, about 500 a year 4) Humanitarian work, we help all people 5) a great generation of families coming into the church 6) The youth bring their Scriptures to church with them and use them 7) we are still being persecuted a little. I would worry if they didn't speak evil of us.

The thrust of all we have been trying to do: 1) build faith in Jesus Christ 2) We will do that by protecting and strengthening families, teach our families about faith, repentance, and the atonement. Go to the temple to keep the covenants in your homes.

We visited the Peter Whitmer Farm today after Church with another of our Temple Missionary couples, the Deckers from Idaho. We got the best tour from Sis. Sorenson. This is where the Church was organized and in 1980 President Spencer W. Kimball dedicated the chapel, visitor center, Peter Whitmer home from the very spot Joseph organized the church. This was the first time video transmission had been done.