A Child fresh from Heaven understands what our time on earth is worth...and why it is given.
A woman cried the day we loaded all the chairs and Hymn books into the back of a truck and locked the door to the deserted casa that had been a branch. Some had moved, some had decided not to live the blessings, some had decided the walk was too far, or the sun was too hot, or to participate was too hard? The former Branch President locked the door and started to leave. The woman asked him "Why? Why, was the branch closing?" He spoke rather sternly: "Why, Why didn't you come?"
All I could do was give her a hug. "The church will return again when hearts are ready," I said. "Heavenly Father loves you...but we must also love Him." Her walk will be long but she can go to the Fonte Aleixo branch for now. She just stood there watching as the chalkboard was put into the truck. A sad morning for us. As we were leaving, I noticed a couple of pictures drawn by Primary children and picked them up off the cement floor. 'Minha Familia'. I swallowed tears and my heart broke for the tender ones.
 |
| Since that day, a few weeks ago in Patim, I have asked myself over and over: What if a branch consisted of my heart only? Would it stay open or would it close? Am I doing my part? I am amazed at the love and patience of Heavenly Father and of our gracious leaders who try so hard and give with their whole heart, might, mind and strength. What of mine? |
Sometimes I wonder if the
Children, so fresh from Heaven, would like to ask: "WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING?"
 |
| 2nd Nephi 26:11 |
Sometimes I wonder if the 
4 comments:
Oh my Goodness that last picture is priceless! Ha! So cute!
I had no ides churches could be closed! Sad! This has given me a lot think about! Thank you for your insights and thoughts! I'm going to make sure my church stays wide open! ;)
Very sad! Hopefully she will make the walk. That last picture with the caption "What on earth are you doing?" is hysterical!!! ha! You're funny ... and wonderful. I love you!
Such a hard thing to close a church. Maybe it is just the WAKEUP call someone from that branch needed.
Great News! Three days ago we met in Salt Lake with some of our Fogo friends who are here in America coming to Conference. We asked them about all of the wonderful friends in Fogo and they (Arnaldo Gomes and Abreu) showed us photos and told us many stories. One of the photos showed about 50 people in it. Including the lady above!!! The branch restarted and is growing!!! I am so thankful!!! Sometimes, we all need to see what we are taking for granted...and start to participate and help build!!!
Post a Comment