This week has been a blessing.
We had Zone conference on Wednesday in Stavanger. My last one. Bittersweet.
The highlight of it all was a special fireside we had last night. We called it "Pioneers in every land" and it highlighted the church's growth in Africa. We got over 60 people there (members, less actives, investigators, etc.) and it was an incredible program. My man Mike (a member here) led the meeting and talked about his conversion, mission experience, and building the church in Malawi. Tons of awesome videos and stories were shared about the first pioneers in Africa. We grow up in the church being very proud of our ancestors and the pioneers that sacrificed so much to cross the plains and establish the church in Utah. Yet, we often forget that these pioneer stories didn't stop when the church got to Utah. All over the world people continue to sacrifice everything in order to enjoy the blessings of the Gospel in their life. Here in Norway I've met so many people that have pioneer stories, both members and non-members. I was sitting between J. and B. at the fireside, listening to these stories, and realizing how real this all is to them. Getting displaced because of war, persecution, poverty. There is so much we can't understand or comprehend, but we can invite everyone to come unto Christ and partake of His restored gospel. That is the greatest gift we have to offer as Latter-Day Saints.
The work is hastening and there is nothing more exciting.
“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”
Love,
Eldste Parkinson
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| With Brother Luke |
