Living by the Scriptures:
(Article I wrote that was published in the LDS Church News, June 21, 2003)
Tokyo at night is both a beautiful and an overwhleming sight. The countless skyscrapers, train stations and apartment buildings illuminate the Japanese horizon with a breathtaking light. One evening, while driving with President Tadashi Komatsu, we admired the view from Tokyo's Rainbow Bridge. As we did so, we talked about the millions of people that reside within the bustling metropolis, the vast majority of them without the joy of the gospel in their lives. At that moment, I simultaneously felt two very different emotions. First, I was filled with an immense desire to share the message of our Savior Jesus Christ with every single one of my Japanese brothers and sisters. Second, I began to feel a strong twinge of futility, knowing that I, one missionary, could reach only a very minute portion of them. It was an epiphany that I had experienced often, but not to this degree.
Later that night, as I reflected on the thoughts and feelings I had experienced, I read Alma 29:1-3. I took great solace in the fact that one of the Lord's greatest missionaries, Alma, went through the same range of emotions during his service among the people. He taught me that we should be filled with the righteous desire to be an instrument in sharing the gospel with Heavenly Father's children. Furthermore, he also helped me understand that although we as individuals have limitations, the Lord will aid us in our pure efforts to bless those around us. I carried this precious lesson with me throughout the remainder of my mission and still cherish it to this day.
"Oh that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!"
Alma 29:1 |
