Followers of Christ

Well, we didn't get an e-mail from Elder Schomburg today, so I've decided to share a talk from General Conference.  I think Andrew would approve.  In the meantime, pray for his safety, health, and comfort.  I'm sure we'll hear from him next week.

http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/followers-of-christ?lang=eng

Followers of Christ

Walter F. González
Of the Presidency of the Seventy

Last October my wife and I accompanied Elder and Sister Neil L. Andersen for the groundbreaking of a new temple in Córdoba, Argentina. As is customary, a press conference followed the ceremony. A journalist, not a member of our church, commented that she had observed how well the men treated their wives. Then she unexpectedly asked, “Is that real or fiction?” I am sure that she saw and felt something different among our members. She might have perceived the desire of our members to follow Christ. Members all over the world have such a desire. At the same time, millions who are not members of the Church also have a desire to follow Him.

Recently my wife and I were impressed by the people we saw in Ghana and Nigeria. Most were not members of our church. We were happy to see their desire to follow Christ expressed in many of their conversations in their houses, on their cars, on their walls, and on their billboards. We had never seen so many Christian churches next to one another.

As Latter-day Saints, ours is the duty to invite millions such as these to come and see what our church can add to the good things that they already have. Any person from any continent, climate, or culture can know for himself or herself that the Prophet Joseph Smith saw the Father and the Son in a vision. He or she can know that heavenly messengers restored the priesthood and that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. In the words of the Lord to Enoch, “Righteousness [has been sent] down out of heaven; and truth [has been sent] forth out of the earth to [testify of the] Only Begotten [of the Father].” ¹

The Savior has promised, “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” ² Followers of Christ pattern their lives after the Savior to walk in the light. Two characteristics can help us recognize to what extent we follow Him. First, followers of Christ are loving people. Second, followers of Christ make and keep covenants.

The first characteristic, being loving, is probably one thing the journalist in Córdoba noticed among our Church members. We follow Christ because we love Him. When we follow the Redeemer out of love, we are following His own example. Through love the Savior was obedient to the will of the Father under any circumstance. Our Savior was obedient even when it meant great physical and emotional pain, even when it meant being whipped and mocked, even when it meant that His enemies would torture Him while His friends abandoned Him. The atoning sacrifice, which is unique to the mission of the Savior, is the greatest expression of love ever. “The chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” ³

As Christ followed the Father under any circumstance, we should follow His Son. If we do so, it matters not what kind of persecution, suffering, grief, or “thorn in the flesh” ⁴ we face. We are not alone. Christ will assist us. His tender mercies will make us mighty under any circumstance. ⁵

Following Christ may mean forsaking many dear things, as Ruth the Moabite did. As a new convert, out of love for God and Naomi, she left everything behind to live her religion. ⁶

It may also mean withstanding adversity and temptation. In his youth Joseph was sold into slavery. He was taken away from everything he loved. Later he was tempted to be unchaste. He resisted the temptation and said, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” ⁷ His love for God was more powerful than any adversity or temptation.

Today we have modern Ruths and Josephs all over the world. When Brother Jimmy Olvera from Guayaquil, Ecuador, received his mission call, his family was struggling greatly. The day he was leaving, he was told that if he walked out the door, he would lose his family. With a broken heart he walked out that door. While he was on his mission, his mother asked him to stay longer in the field because they were receiving so many blessings. Today Brother Olvera serves as a stake patriarch.

Truly loving Christ provides the required strength to follow Him. The Lord Himself showed this when He asked Peter three times, “Lovest thou me?” After Peter reaffirmed his love for Him out loud, the Lord told Peter about upcoming difficulties. Then the admonition came: “Follow me.” The Savior’s question to Peter can also be asked of us: “Lovest thou me?” followed by the call to action: “Follow me.” ⁸

Love is a powerful influence in our hearts in our effort to be obedient. Love for our Savior inspires us to keep His commandments. Love for a mother, father, or spouse can also inspire our obedience to gospel principles. The way we treat others reflects to what extent we follow our Savior in loving one another. ⁹ We show our love for Him when we stop to assist others, when we are “perfectly honest and upright in all things,” ¹⁰ and when we make and keep covenants.

The second characteristic that followers of Christ have is making and keeping covenants, as He did. Moroni pointed out that “the shedding of the blood of Christ … is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.” ¹¹

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that even before the organization of this earth, covenants were made in heaven. ¹² Ancient prophets and patriarchs made covenants.  The Savior Himself gave the example. He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness by one with the proper authority. Through His baptism, the Savior witnessed unto the Father that He would be obedient in keeping all the Father’s commandments. ¹³ As in days of old, we also follow Christ and make covenants through priesthood ordinances.

Making covenants is something that millions who are not members of our church can add to the very good things that they already have. Making covenants is an expression of love. It is a way of saying to Him, “Yes, I will follow Thee because I love Thee.”

Covenants include promises, “even of life eternal.” ¹⁴ All things will work together for our good if we remember our covenants. ¹⁵ They must be made and kept to fully receive the promises they provide. Love for the Savior and remembering our covenants will help us keep them. Partaking of the sacrament is one way to remember them. ¹⁶ Another way is to attend the temple often. I remember a young married couple in South America who wanted to separate because they could not get along. A priesthood leader counseled them to attend the temple and pay specific attention to the words and promises of the covenants made there. They did so and their marriage was saved. The power of our covenants is greater than any challenge we face or we may face.

To those members who are not active in the gospel, please come back. Feel the blessing of remembering and renewing covenants through the sacrament and temple attendance. Doing so is an expression of love and shows a willingness to be a true follower of Christ. It will qualify you to receive all the promised blessings.

To those who are not members of our church, I invite you to exercise faith, repent, and qualify to receive the covenant of baptism in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. By doing so, you will show your love to our Heavenly Father and your willingness to follow Christ.

I testify that we are happier when we follow the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As we strive to follow Him, the blessings of heaven will come unto us. I know His promises will be fulfilled as we make and keep covenants and become true followers of Christ. I testify of His great love for each one of us, and I do so in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Hide References 

1. 1.  Moses 7:62.
2. 2.  John 8:12.
3. 3.  Isaiah 53:5.
4. 4.  2 Corinthians 12:7.
5. 5. See 1 Nephi 1:20.
6. 6. See Ruth 1:16.
7. 7. See Genesis 39:7–9.
8. 8. See John 21:15–19.
9. 9. See John 13:35.
10. 10.  Alma 27:27.
11. 11.  Moroni 10:33.
12. 12. See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 42; see also Spencer W. Kimball, “Be Ye Therefore Perfect” (devotional address, Salt Lake Institute of Religion, Jan. 10, 1975): “We made vows, solemn vows, in the heavens before we came to this mortal life. … We have made covenants. We made them before we accepted our position here on the earth.”
13. 13. See 2 Nephi 31:5–7.
14. 14.  Abraham 2:11. See also John A. Widtsoe, “Temple Worship” (lecture, Assembly Hall, Salt Lake City, Oct. 12, 1920), 10: “The covenant gives life to truth; and makes possible the blessings that reward all those who use knowledge properly.”
15. 15. See Doctrine and Covenants 90:24.
16. 16. See, for example, 3 Nephi 18:7–11.

Week 11 1/2

Hello there!!

So, this week (as of the start today ;)) I am doing very well. Last week I was a bit sick. I don't know specifically why, but my stomach just decided to go haywire, and I had some bad stomach pains, "bicileta" (I'll leave you all to figure out that one), and got sick one night, but I'm all over that now. Also, one day I just hurt all over. My whole body ached, and I had no strength whatsoever, but I still went out and worked. I don't know how effective I was that day, but I tried.

We do meet in a church building. All the church buildings that I've been in in South America have been really new, and fairly nice. The church really does things right. There are still limitations in some aspects, but that's due to the region. We do the best we can with what we have.

I think I'm still getting along well with Elder Huarahuara...haha there's still a bit of a language barrier, but he's still teaching me, and we're still teaching together. Actually, I'm getting the opportunity to teach more as of late. Usually I smile and try really hard to understand and then give a little snippet of information that I have, and then Elder Huarahuara takes over again, but now I'm close to teaching full principles, which is a good feeling. I guess I'm progressing, at least a little bit. Also, I am starting to think in Spanish, so that's exciting.

So far we have been received very well. There haven't been any threatenings or even mean words said to us (that I know of), and we generally always get an opportunity to teach, even to hardcore Catholics. If people turn us away, it's always because they say, "Estoy ocupado," ["I'm busy"] even though they really aren't. But we still get new investigators, and we still get the chance to teach other people. Todos esta bien en el campo misional. [All is well in the mission field.]

 Oh, we had another baptism on Saturday, and I got to perform it again! (Note: when I say we, I generally mean my companionship and not our district; our district had two baptisms en Sabado.) I absolutely love baptisms. There isn't anything about a baptism that I don't like. I get to help someone receive a saving ordinance and the opportunity for eternal life and exhaltation. It's so exciting! My mission will definitely have been worth it even if these three people that I've baptized are the only three that I baptize. Also, I may have very exciting news involving a rockstar next week. Stay tuned!

OH!! I got pouch!! I received letters from the end of March (roughly March 20-30), so that was exciting. Also, I'd like to point out that someone is a goof, but that person is much more awesome because of it. Goofs are the best.

Jeffrey, this part is directed specifically to you (but madre, I'd like if this goes in my blog as well). I am so darn proud of you. Your choice to no longer whatch R-rated movies and to not play Call of Duty anymore is a very mature decision to make. It's all the more impressive because of your reason; you wanted to follow the counsel of the prophet. That is quite incredible. Also, I am so proud of you for standing up for your decision, even when your priesthood quorum gave you a hard time about it. That's a true sign that you are a disciple of Christ, and you are an excellent example for both your priesthood quorum and also for your family. Keep on keeping on bro. I love you man.

I'm very glad to hear that everything is going well at home. You all are such good examples for your friends and co-workers. I'm so very proud of everything that you're doing. Good job with the costumes Elizabeth! I will be anxiously awaiting pictures of them (:D). Yay for Cub Scouts for Robby! Robby, you'll have such a good time with Scouts. I didn't get to do Scouts as much, but I think it'll be a good thing for you to do, especially if you stick with it. Yay Dad! Work is always good. Oh, also, Padre, there are many cars and many motorcycles here. Most of the cars are different from in the States, and all of the bikes are wimpier. There's a truck here that I like called the Chevy L5. They're used by the local police force. Also, there are a bunch of Renaults, though they're only seen as taxis. Most taxis are Hyundais, Renaults, or Kias. I did see a BMW X5 yesterday, but that's the nicest car I've seen here in Ecuador.

Well, I should probably go now. I shall continue to let you know if I'm in need of things (oh, I'll probably be buying an umbrella soon; I'm tired of getting drenched basically every day, and my raincoat is too hot to wear here) and when I receive mail. I'll be sending a mail package this Thursday, so be looking for mail in the next few weeks. Also, when you receive mail from me, could you let me know? Thank you. Okay, I shall go. I love you all! Keep on keeping on, and stay strong in your testimonies. Also, to others not of our faith who read my blog, if you ever want to know anything about our religion, please write me! I want you to know and I'll get mail too, so it works for everyone! Woo! Okay, I love you! Bye!

Elder Schomburg

P.S. They don't sell Reces (oh no...I think I've forgotten how to spell that!!) down here, which makes me a tad sad. Also, peanut butter is not sold here in La Concordia, which is also sad, so I can't make do-it-yourself Reces. But all is well still! Okay, bye!!

I will consider this motherly instinct as I have already sent him peanut butter... I know my boy!  Hopefully it will actually arrive at its destination and he can make his own Reeses. :)

Well hello there all y'all!

Things are going pretty well here. Today for P-day we went to a farm out in the middle of nowhere. We played fútbol there for awhile, and I somewhow scored the winning goal. I also managed to rip the knee of a pair of jeans, but these things happen. It was fun all the same.

So, on Saturday I baptized my first two people! That was such a wonderful experience. We didn't actually have enough water to completely fill the faunt, so I had to kneel in the water and the two people had to sit down, but by golly they received baptism! It was so amazing. Their names are Alexis (an hermano of 11 years) and Alejandra (un hermana of 17 years). We've been teaching them for awhile now, so it was amazing to finally baptize them. I was going to try to include pictures, but the computer didn't want to accept my camera. Oh well.

Oh, that reminds me, I sent a package on Friday with some letters, and I've decided I'll only be sending a letter package every 2 weeks. Also, madre, if you could email me my account balances/let me know how much I have for sending letters each week, that would be good. Oh, and pouch still hasn't come yet. I guess things have been slow at the office, and this week they should be caught up. Hopefully.

Okay, question answering time!

There isn't actually a temple in Quito, it's in Guayaquil, which isn't in my mission at all, so I probably won't know what it looks like for a very long time.
Oh, church! Well, our branch had about 60 or more people come this Sunday. That was something. It's not nearly as organized as it is in the States, and I was having an off day already, so Church kinda made me a tad frustrated. It was very nice to get the sacrament though.
I have not yet been chased by any rabid dogs. All the dogs stay away from people for the most part. I can't really describe where I'm serving. It's not rich at all. Houses are cement buildings with tin roofs, there's a lot of dirt roads, and the city part is small and noisy as all get out.
The juice here is fantastic. They all have different looks, but they all taste really good. And they really just look like juice.
I don't have a lot more time, sorry! I walk, every day seems really hard, but at the end it seems rewarding (except when I get a pang of homesickness, and then I have to pray and just keep going). If I needed anything it might be vitamins and more food (I seem to always be hungry). Hmm....I'm living in an apartment that's on the 4th floor (no elevator) and is on main street right by where the buses stop. But I fall asleep quick every night.

Okay, I have to go now. I love you all! My testimony grows every day, and I hope yours does too! Keep sending letters if you are! I'm bound to get them one of these days. I love you all. Bye!

Elder Schomburg

Well howdies!

Hello familia and all!

So here I am, in the great country of Ecuador! More specifically, I'm in the town La Concordia. Maybe it's a town, no se. Anyway, it's hot here. Siempre está calore, y siempre está humido. That's okay though, because the people here are fantastic. The first day that I got here, Elder Huarahuara (my trainer/primero compañero del campo) took me out to work. The first day we actually got three people to commit to baptism! That was pretty crazy, especially since two of the people committed on the first time we'd ever met them. Let's see, the food here is actualy really good. I like it a lot more than the CCM's food. Also, most of the juice here is out-of-this-world good, probably because it's all generally really fresh. Oh yeah, Elder Huarahuara! He's a great guy. When I got here he'd been in the field for 22 months, so I'm his last companion! He's from Perú, and he's the only member in his family. As you can expect, he's really good at teaching and getting people to trust him. Also, he's a hard worker, which is very good. He speaks no English though, so there have been some interesting (read: semi-frustrating) moments when I'm trying to tell him something, but things are all good. I can already undestand Spanish better, but there are times when I just cannot understand at all. Truth be told, missions are hard. If anyone ever tells you that their mission was easy, they're either lying or they didn't actually work during their mission. It's tough out here. All the missionaries I've met have said that my Spanish is pretty good and that I'm learning quickly, but I just have to take their word for that. But it's amazing out here. On Saturday after General Conference we had baptisms, and that was pretty amazing. I got to see one of our investigators get baptized, and a bunch more. It was really amazing. Also, General Conference was pretty darn fantastic. I noticed that the three most talked about things were the temple, marriage, and tithing. At least, that's what I remember about it. So yeah, Elder Scott's talk was almost difficult for me to listen to because it brought up a bit of homesickness, but it was still amazing and powerful nonetheless.

I just remembered that the enter key on this computer works! Woo!! Okay, things you should know. If you send packages, make sure they have some kind of green sticker that says what's in it on the package, and don't make packages more than 2 or 4 kilos. The green sticker should be at the post office. Keep sending to the address that involves Calles 640 and Amazonas or whatever it is, because that goes to the mission headquarters, and then they send it out via pouch on Saturdays. So, I'll receive mail on Saturdays only, and I didn't receive any this Saturday (in case you were wonderig if I had received anything you sent). Also, I won't be able to send out a lot of mail, because it's $2 to send one letter. Elder Martin, my zone leader, said that I can send about 5 letters in one package for $5, but that's still not cheap. Entonces, I won't be sending a lot of letters due to a lack of fundage, but I'll still do what I can. Also, I'll probably send that one package to mi madre, and if she is able to I'll have her send them out from there. So, any mail I send will take a bit longer than it already has I think. Sorry guys!

Oh, so, Ecuador is beautiful. Where I am is basically jungle. Well, it's a city, but just on the outskirts of town it's pretty jungley. The drive here was through pretty mountainous roads, but it was so lush and green that it didn't really seem like we were in the mountains, except for all of the switchbacks and such. Quito itself is pretty gorgeous. It's much cooler there. It's similar to Colorado in spring/later-ish fall, though a bit more humid. Not a lot more though. And it's very hilly. Everywhere here is hilly, but that's okay. I love it here.

I'm so excited to hear about everything going on back home! You guys are doing incredible things. Also, Jeffrey, if you could graduate early and get a headstart on saving up for your mission, that would be a great idea I think. Also, if you aren't doing it (talking to whole family, and anyone else really), I think family home evening could really be very rewarding.

Well, that's about all I have for now. I'll try to email some pictures next Monday (oh yeah, P-days are lunes), and if that doesn't work I'll probably mail one of my SD cards so that photos can be put on facebook/blog/christmas cards/whatever. I love all you guys! Thank you for all of your support. I know the Church is true, and it was restored by the power of our Heavenly Father through the prophet Joseph Smith. The Book of Mormon is true, and really is the word of God. It testifies of the Bible and Christ, just as the Bible testifies of the Book of Mormon and Christ. Thomas S. Monson is truly a prophet in these latter-days, and I leave you with this testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Love,
Elder Schomburg