Hello family!
So it's been an interesting
week. I've been a little under the weather, so I haven't been out to teach
much. But even taking it easy, it's hard to miss that summer has come! My fan
is now my best friend, and it once again travels with me in the house--to my
bedroom for the night and to the desk for study time.
Sunday we had stake
conference. It was a satellite broadcast from Salt Lake. I think it was for all
of Central America. Some 62 stakes and a number of districts. Elder Martino,
who is a member of the Seventy and was president of Central America spoke about
the importance of (1) personal and family prayer, (2) personal and family
scripture study, (3) family home evening, and (4) getting a good education.
They are all basic principles, but important. And trust me, education is a
fundamental here. It makes all the difference. And the people who are in the
best position to help their families and serve in the church finished at least
a basic education and then went a little further. Hna Oscarson (young women
presidency) also spoke as well as Elder Richard G. Scott and Elder Dallin H.
Oaks. Listening to the talks made me unexpectedly grateful for the living
prophets class I took before my mission. Knowing a little about the personal
history of these people helped me appreciated even more the experiences they
shared. And it's a plus that Elder Scott served as a missionary and mission
president in South America, because he gave his talk in Spanish. When Elder
Oaks and Hna Oscarson started speaking, I was so disappointed when they started
the voiceover to translate.
But guess what else? It's
almost time for General Conference. Listening to two apostles speak made me
eager to listen to all of them and President Monson, the prophet.
Many, many times each week,
we share the scripture in Ephesians 2:20
And
are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ
himself being the chief corner stone;
And it's true! God has always
called prophets, and when Christ came he ordained 12 apostles. And we had the
blessing to have that same organization and authority today. Sometimes I want
it to be General Conference every weekend so that I can tell people. ''Look!
That's a prophet of God who is speaking!''
We don't share this scripture
nearly as often, but I also love Matt 16:19
And
I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou
shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose
on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
What more can I say? Those
keys enable us to make sacred covenants and make possible the promise of
eternal families. That if nothing else, should be something to catch people's
attention. Maybe they don't want a free DVD. Maybe it's just a little too much
sacrifice to commit to come to church with us, but we aren't asking it for us.
We want them to be able to be happy. We want them to one day enter the waters
of baptism, not just to be a member of the church, but as a stepping stone to
be able to enter the temple and better understand God's plan for them. First
and foremost so that they can enjoy the promise of being sealed to their
family--forever.
That's all we ask, that
people will listen and then ask God. And if we didn't believe and hope with all
our hearts that this is true, we would be pegged to our fans or even better,
looking for air conditioning!
So, whoever you might be
reading this letter, if you haven't read the Book of Mormon, read it! And if
you've never watched General Conference, watch it! And if you don't know what
General Conference is, ask the missionaries! They can help you! :)
Well family, I hope you have
a wonderful week. Thank you for all of your prayers. You are in my prayers as
well. And we might not be gathering for family scripture study or family home
evening, but we are studying and learning and teaching the same things.
Have a wonderful week!
I love you!
Hermana Emily
Davis
