Sunday Fireside

Sunday we had a YSA Fireside with three other YSA Wards.  We were privileged to have Elder Kikuchi speak to us.  He is an emeritus member of the Quorum of the Seventy.  What an incredible conversion story he related.  He was born and raised in Japan and his father was killed in war by the United States during WWII.  He hated Americans and was so against them when he was contacted by two American missionaries when he was 15.  He learned to forgive the country and people whom he felt had killed his father, embrace an American religion and serve faithfully in the gospel throughout his life.  His mission was actually extended by 1 1/2 years.   He served a 3 1/2 mission.  First they asked him to serve an extra 6 months and at the end of that they asked him to serve an additional 12 months.  He had a girlfriend at home waiting for him.  She told the mission president that she would wait 10 years for him.  They were married 2 weeks after he returned home.  Spjut, Jessi's boyfriend, kept nudging her during his story.
He said he felt impressed to speak for the remainder of the fireside about the Savior.  During his presentation he had Jeff come up and he used him as a very powerful example of Bishops representing the Lord.  He will always have his hand extended to us.  If someone lets go and loses that hold, it will be because they let go not because the Lord let go.  Great visual and Jeff was so incredibly handsome standing beside him.  Jessi had her phone and snapped a quick picture of the moment.  (Not sure it is appropriate to take pics at church but it is a great remembrance)

We have so many great opportunities to listen to Servants of the Lord on the Wasatch Front.  I know sometimes I take it for granted.   Hopefully I will always make a concerted effort to attend all meetings and events where I may learn something and be inspired in some way to become a much better and deeper person.