I've been to Janet's ward in Arkansas before. First impression? It's small...lots of older people...not a lot of children or teens...the chorister leaves a lot to be desired when she directs music. Nevertheless, the last time we were there, the speaker and R.S. lesson were awesome.
So when we walked into church this Sunday, I already had somewhat of an introduction to the ward. We were there so Mike and I could attend Jame's ordination to be a teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood. I was dropped off so Mike could park, walked in, and immediately was heartily welcomed as I entered and sat down on a lone bench, I intended to save for Janet's family when they arrived. I looked up to the stand and noticed 3 very old bishopric members and cringed as my eyes met the center member, i.e. the bishop and noticed he could hardly walk and was struggling to arise and walk towards me with a cane. I knew he was coming to greet me, and although it warmed my heart to know it was important to him, I didn't want to be the cause of any pain on my account. Fortunately, Mike entered and the bishop could greet us both.
As the meeting commenced, I could see no speakers on the stand. The bishop hobbled to the podium and announced that his counselors were the speakers. I watched as one stood to speak, but waited to help the bishop sit down before he approached the podium. The bishop had assigned them each to tell of testimony-producing experiences. The first one was rather casual in the way he spoke, but he mentioned that the bishop had prayed and prayed and still didn't know who was supposed to speak this week, then he said he felt his counselors should speak, and he knew what they should speak about.
The 2nd speaker was the opposite. He drew me in by telling his spiritual experiences being raised in a family where his father was in leadership positions in the Church. His family entertained several general authorities in their home--one being Gordon B. Hinkley. Another, Spencer. W. Kimball, was in the circle ordaining this young man to be an elder.
He told of miracles that happened on his mission in New Zealand, one when the eddy they baptized converts in was flooded into the river and as the day approached would not be able to be used, yet they prayed for the flood to go down to allow the baptism. Then, from the early morning, when there was no way the feet of water could recede to the afternoon, the baptism took place and the water had receded in hours. He told of meeting a 21-yr. old leaving to go on his mission and reiterated his testimony of being healed of his blindness by Matthew Cowley as a 9-month old child.
He told of his attending Ricks College and marrying. Life was full of spiritual and fulfilling experiences, then when he got a divorce, he was embarrassed, hurt, and became bitter. He left the church to avoid having to face it as he interfaced with members. For twelve years he did not attend church. He would visit with his father, who never pressured him to return to activity, just shared experiences of his life that may and may not have been about his church assignments. At the end of the 12 years, he was home with his father, and at one point, he asked his father for a father's blessing. He described the look, the hug. With tears in his voice, he proclaimed that Father Abraham could not have given any more powerful of a blessing. He decided to return to the church, but first talked with his mother, who said his father had fasted a day every week for that 12 years he was not active. He calculated that his father had fasted for over 696 days on his behalf. By now, I was weeping openly. Then he described the time he walked in a meeting house and sat in the back, noticing a group of men who turned to see him. The man in the center came back to him, welcomed him, and invited him to come sit with the 'good' men. How could anyone not feel the love that man felt from Heavenly Father, through another person, at that moment?
When the speaker sat down, I thought I was through crying, but as we sung the closing hymn, "How Great Thou Art", I looked up at the bishop, not singing, but looking up with watered eyes, glowing with joy. I lost it again. What an example that man was!
Sunday school came and the lady led a discussion that was so well-taught, that I asked Janet if she was a professional teacher. Of course she was! She was/is a psychology professor at the local college.
Yes, the highlight of the day was the blessing given to James by Mike, but I left that ward, thinking, no matter where I go, I find the Church is full of spiritual giants and capable people.
