Each week the missionaries are required to perform some kind of service. This is not for members, although they perform lots of service for members, we encourage some kind of community service. This is a wonderful way to get them out in the neighborhoods working with non-members who get to see what wonderful young adults they are.
Two of our Elders have taken it upon themselves to visit at a rest home regularly. Elder Peterson shared one of those experiences. What kind and sensitive young men and women are serving here and all over the world.
President Albright,
Elder Slade and I volunteered at an assisted living center down the street. On Thursdays, Pastor Doug comes and gives a sermon, then asks us afterward to pray with the people individually. That day he taught specifically about baptism and how Jesus Christ was baptized. He did very well actually. After the service Elder Slade and I were just sitting there in silence with these sweet elderly people. Most of the patrons there have Alzheimer’s and their minds are a little slow, but their hearts are so pure. As Elder Slade and I were about to leave we noticed that one lady was weeping. My companion told me I should go to her and try to see if we could help. I held her hand as she told me what was wrong. Thelma felt very sad about her life. She was very lonely and felt like herrelationship with God was becoming more and more distant. She prays often. She wishes she could attend church but knows she can't because of her situation. Thelma needed us right then and there. The Lord put us in that particular situation right at the time he needed us to comfort His sweet daughter of God. I promised her that God still loved her and that, again because of her situation, didn't need to go to church to feel His love. We would come and teach her about Christ. We would bring the church to her, rather than her going to church. She loved that idea and as we talked her sadness turned to Joy. What a blessing it is for us to stand as witnesses of God and testify of our Savior's love, to comfort those that stand, or sit, in need of comfort.
Much Love,
Elder Peterson
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