WORKFORCE DEVOTIONAL
Elder D. Todd Christoffersen of the Twelve Apostles, Bishop W. Christopher Waddell, and Elder Brent H. Nielson of the Quorum of the Seventy were welcomed to Phoenix Haus March 27 and 28th as part of the Annual Area Review. Employees and Missionaries throughout the Central Europe Area were privileged to hear from them in a devotional Wednesday
afternoon.
Bishop Wadell spoke of alignment of the Keys of the Priesthood. Direction, the “What” that needs to occur is the responsibility of the key holder. As missionaries, we have the responsibility of being part of the “How” things get accomplished. Bishop Wadell explained that Lehi had the Prophetic Keys, “What” needed to happen. Nephi, following the prophet’s instruction to obtain the Brass Plates, figured out the “how.” In Preach My Gospel, we learn that spiritual power is available to fulfill our calling by “Seeking the
Holy Ghost.” He illustrated the principle with a story about Sister Budge feeling over whelmed by her calling and crying out to the Lord, “I can’t do this.” Personal revelation came to her in two parts: 1. “You are right, you can’t do this;” 2. “But we can.”
Elder Nielson spoke of the Tsunami in the Philippines where 204 missionaries were missing. However, they were rescued when many individuals united in a successful search. He recounted the worldwide pandemic where 31,000 missionaries worldwide needed to be
evacuated. The Missionary Department was overwhelmed until Church employees from other departments came together. He quoted Jacob 5:16 “The Lord of the vineyard, and also the servant, went down into the vineyard to labor.” In verse seventy, “bring others” was a principle for success.
My favorite part of this chapter is in vs. 75, where Jesus, or the Lord of the Vineyard, reminds us that, “blessed art thou; for because ye have been diligent in laboring with me in my vineyard, . . . ye shall have joy with me. . .”
He is with us, always.
Elder Christofferson recounted the first time he was part of the succession of Church Presidents. He said there were two questions for the Quorum of the Twelve, as they met in the Salt Lake Temple: 1.) Should the First Presidency be reorganized? And 2.) Who should be the President? Elder Christofferson said it was with a “rush of power” he received profound revelation that “it is my will in this moment” as he sustained the President Russell M. Nelson as the new President, and the reorganization of the First Presidency. Elder Christofferson spoke about intentional holiness. He invited us to consider “Holiness to The Lord” in all things, even the most mundane work of the day. He said, “even in tribulation we can find
joy.” Elder Christofferson spoke of the importance of a reliance on the Savior, beyond our abilities, “The Lord delights to honor those who honor Him.” He added, “we should adopt His Character as our own.” Elder Christofferson dedicated the Phoenix Haus, after his remarks.
This last month, in preparation for this visit, John and I have worked hard to help prepare a booklet about the Phoenix Haus for these visitors and their preparations for today’s dedication of the building. You can access it on the link above.
Our Frankfurt Germany Mission 