Here is my talk:
Hi, my name is Lindsay Sanders and I have been called to serve in the Japan Fukuoka Mission, where I will be speaking Japanese. For those who don't know already, I do not speak Japanese... yet. I am so excited for this experience. I have always wanted to serve a mission because I love this gospel! I have peace and joy in my life. I know what my purpose is. I know that my Father in Heaven loves me, and has a work for me to do! Christ, our Savior, suffered the Atonement so that I can return to God's presence. I hope that I can help others to love the Gospel, too!
The scriptures teach us that we, as Saints, should be "of one heart and one mind" (Moses 7:18)... but how is that possible when we consider all of the things that divide us? It can be as simple as what school you go to, or where you choose to shop... or things of a much greater magnitude. President Henry B. Eyering gave a talk entitled "Our Hearts Knit As One", referencing the scripture in Mosiah, stating that the members of the Church would have their "hearts knit together in unity and in love towards another". This scripture is speaking of the prophet Alma, who was one of King Noah's wicked priests. After hearing the words of Abinadi, he escaped the king's servants and continued to share the Gospel in several cities throughout the land with whoever would listen. There were many who believed his words and were baptized in the Waters of Mormon. Even though they came from different cities, and from various walks of life, the scriptures say "there was no contention among them".
How can we avoid contention with those who are different from us? President Eyering reminds us that we will "come from every nation and many different backgrounds into the Kingdom of God". 1 Nephi 22:25 says "And he gathereth his children from the four quarters of the earth, and he numbereth his sheep and they know him, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd". Prophets through the ages have called for unity as Saints, and President Eyering says "we are doing better". Whether it is in our own homes, as a Quorum or class or group, or even as a brand new ward. "The miracle of unity is grnted to us was we pray and work for it in the Lord's way. Elder D. Todd Christofferson said "We will become of one heart and one mind as we individually place the Savior at the center of our lives... Let us seek to build up Zion through unity, godliness, and charity". The picture of Zion comes into full view as we lay aside the conflicts of the world and focus on what is good.
When we find ourselves in troubled water, a skilled peacemaker can calm what could otherwise be a raging sea. A peacemaker is also a restorer of unity. You could be one of those peacemakers. Seek for common ground and what you DO agree on. Heavenly Father, in His wisdom made us all unique. We can still build unity with people who are vastly different from us. The children of God have more in common than we do differences. Likewise, we grow stronger together than we would on our own. Differences can be an opportunity, or contribution, instead of a source of irritation. As the Lord gathers more and more people who are not like is, it will become more obvious that the Atonement brings the same changes in all of us. We become disciples who are meek, loving, easy to be entreated, and at the same time fearless and faithful in all things.
The unity we feel now will only increase! Start small and seek to serve. Reach out to someone new. Fearlessly share your testimony! D&C 6:3-6 is one of my favorite scriptures. It reads "Behold, the field is white and ready to harvest; whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle... Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God. Therefore, if you will ask of me, you shall receive, if you will knock it shall be opened unto you... Seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion".
I'll leave you with my testimony:
I know that Heavenly Father loves us. He hears us and answers our prayers. Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of sould! His Atoning sacrifice makes it possible to live with God again. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet called of God to restore the Gospel to the earth! He truly was inspired to translate the Golden Plates so that the Book of Mormon could come forth! I am so thankful that we are able to read the words that were written for our day! I have found peace and comfort from reading the Book of Mormon. I have prayed to know that it is true! Thomas S. Monson and those that serve with him are called of God to lead the Church today.
I am thankful for this opportunity to speak to you! The next 18 months will be a wonderful adventure, and I promise to come home tired from all the work I've done!
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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