The impact of this statement that Christ suffered "the pain of all men" is given by the Lord to emphasize how much we mean to Him. The worth of human souls is heightened when we realize the intensity of His suffering.
Speaking of that suffering, Luke wrote, "And He.....kneeled down, and prayed, saying Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will but Thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and sweat as as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
Luke 22:41-44
Eighteen hundred years later, Jesus Himself, speaking of that suffering said in modern day scripture: "I command you to repent...lest...your suffering be sore--how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, how hard to bear you know not. For behold, I, God have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit ---and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink--Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men."
D&C 19:15-19
This high value which the Lord puts upon the souls of men is made known in these modern scriptures, but was also revealed to His ancient prophets.
Sisters Grigg and Smith have been teaching Matthew Charles for the past 2 weeks. He was very anxious to enter into the gate to eternal life which is "strait" and the way "narrow".
Matthew was baptized on Tuesday evening by Roger with a gorgeous sunset as the backdrop. Today, he was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Roger. Surely, the worth of his soul "is great in the sight of God"
D&C 18:10
Christ not only wanted us to know that He thought the worth of a soul is great, but He wants us to know and believe and help Him to save souls. What can we do to save a soul? We can improve ourselves, we can help a friend, we can visit the sick, we can truly love more.....in fact, we can love the people who Christ loves, which is each and every soul.
In giving ourselves up to save a soul we become more like Christ in our unselfishness.
We are impressed with individuals like Matthew who are already, as a new member of the church, selflessly thinking of serving a full-time mission. We are so thankful for the Sisters who selflessly contributed their time to teach Matthew of the restored gospel---- and Roger who honors his priesthood and uses it to bless others such as Matthew.
Tuesday morning, we had District meeting at our apartment in Lance Aux Epines
After the meeting, we had lunch and said goodbye to our fellow missionaries who left the island of Grenada on Wednesday.
Elder Wilson was transferred to St. Vincent and Elder Witten to Trinidad
Sister Grigg was transferred to the lovely island of St. Marteen
Sister Grigg went around and said her goodbyes to "the boys"
Then we rushed her off to the airport
We weren't able to get our new missionaries into Grenada for a couple of days, so Sister Smith Sr. got to be companions with Sister Smith Jr. for 2 1/2 days. What fun!!!
We trekked all over these hillsides in the mud and rain. Now, that was an adventure!!!!
We went to Matthew's home and taught him more about the gospel. He told us that he had often seen the Sisters walking up and down the road and wondered when they would stop and talk with him. They had a chance to meet when the Sisters took a walk up his very muddy hill and got caught in a strange predicament and needed help getting down. Matthew happened to see them and was more than willing to help. Later, they set up an appointment to teach him, and the rest is history. He will be a great member of the church!
Roger just happened to come by Matthew's house with a couple of iguana's which he just caught. The guys talked us into holding them.......
Not so sure that I was too excited about touching Mr. Iguana, let alone holding him.....but, what the heck!
I came away unscathed!!!!!
Friday, we said our goodbyes to Michael, who FINALLY got his visa to the Dominican Republic so that he could begin his mission there.
Friday, we also received our new missionaries!!!! Yea! Sister Lamb is a brand new missionary, straight from the MTC. She will be Sister Smith's baby! What a great duo!
We also received 2 new Gouyave missionaries who get to "blank" the area.
Elder Bingham was transferred from St. Vincent and Elder Naylor is straight from the MTC and will be trained by Elder Bingham. It will be exciting to have this new group!!!
Elders Naylor and Bingham enjoying their SWEET apartment.
The doors to the church downstairs from the apartment in Gouyave
At church in St. Georges on Sunday for Branch Conference
Elders Leany, Bingham. Pierson and Naylor
There is much illness in our mission due to mosquitos in this rainy season. Chikungunya fever!!! It's yucky!!!! Encourage your missionaries to wear repellant!!!! The Lord's work is halted when they get bit by an infected mosquito! Never underestimate the worth of an hour of missionary work. Remember, the worth of a soul is great in the sight of God!
Beautiful stories and photos! Thank you for sharing and inspiring us!������
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