Go Get'em Missionaries!

The following is an e-mail I received from Mom on her mission in Hawaii:

Aloha Family,

Today was truly one of the best days of our mission. President Petersen wanted us to go to a Zone Conference which included 2 zones. There were only 2 sisters among a room full of Elders. It is hard to believe the Spirit can be so strong in a room full of young adults. The testimonies were tremendous and I really felt they were sincere when they testified of our Savior's atonement. Our President gave us all a book about the atonement a couple months ago and so many had read it and gained a greater appreciation of what the atonement has done for each of us.

President Petersen asked me to bare my testimony first. After listening to all the young missionaries, I wished I had gone last. I felt like I wanted to tell them all that what they are doing with their lives right now; their righteous influences will be felt throughout the eternities. I thought of all my children serving missions and realized that the righteous service you gave on your missions also will be felt throughout eternity. It is like a pebble thrown in the water that creates a ripple effect, except that ripple goes on for eternity. Thanks again to you all for choosing to go serve in the Lord's work.

One of the most touching testimonies was an Elder who told of his mothers death 1 week before he left for his mission and 2 weeks after his sister returned from her mission. They were both there when their mother took her last breath. They knelt in prayer at that very moment and prayed for strength to overcome their grief, loss, void they were feeling and be able to move forward. While praying, they felt Mother was also now a missionary on the other side. I think the best thing you could do a week after your mothers death is go on a misison. Bringing our Savior's Gospel to others has to be right up there next to the gift He gave us.

We love you all and thank you again for this great experience. We know Heavenly Father keeps His promises and we were promised that you all would prosper for paying for this mission. We pray that you are also prospering Spiritually.

I told President today that we realized why Elder Scott sent us to the Unemployment Center and we feel Richard is where he is needed and where he is supposed to be at this time. He said, "and you are where you are needed and supposed to be now".

Another reminder to me to strenghten my faith in Heavenly Father and His wisdom and to know His servants are truly inspired.

We love you all and pray every night that you will guide and direct our grandchildren with great love and tenderness like our Savior would have you do. We have never heard a conference that was so aimed at families, parenting and teaching children as this past conference. There is a great need for righteous parenting. We love to hear about grandchildren doing their best and even crossing the finish line first and receiving a monetary reward. We are also cheering for them to cross the finish line to Heavenly Fathers presence. We don't want a single empty chair on the other side. Eternity is a long time to live without a loved one. It is more important now than ever to truly love and support one another. Today, President's last words to us was to forgive. The murderer is better off than the one who can't forgive that murderer. He told us of a personal experience when he was in bondage until he could forgive and forgiveness needs to come quickly.

Love, support and FORGIVE!!! How many times?

Love,
Mom