There are Angels Among Us

Elders Satelel and Fenger - Awesom young men!

Sister McBride's Answer to Prayer

Talofa Lava Family and Friends,
     Today is Easter Sunday, and a perfect day to reflect on all the blessings the atonement brings daily to our lives.
     This week our hearts were broken when little David Charlie Taimalelagi, 17 mos. old, drown in a neighbor's pool.  His family is in our ward, and David was one of the few children I know here.  As a way to protect the church, missionaries are not allowed to hold children, but he was one I loved at a distance as I watched him run around in church.  I know that he is not gone forever, and that a future time his family will be reunited.  For now he is an angel among us.
    Wednesday I went to the Victim Support Center with some Relief Society Sisters.  There were about 50 children there being cared for by volunteers.  We took music, an art activity and a treasure hunt for Easter candy.  Again it was hard to fight back tears as I looked at those beautiful children - angels among us!  One of the volunteers has worked at the center for 15 yrs.  She had been a teacher, and when the hired teacher did not show up she stepped in. As far as  I am concerned she has earned her angel wings.  The children were all well behaved and enjoyed the activities.  I hope to be able to go back often, as it is that kind of service when I feel closest to the Savior.

Pray for our missionaries

     Sister McBride, a Senior missionary, prayed that she might find someone to share the gospel with.  The very next day she met Caroline.  Sister McBride has been an angel as she has supported this young woman through some very tough times.  Yesterday it was a joy to be able to attend her baptism.
     This week I have also had the opportunity to hear testimonies of some of our young missionaries.  It is amazing how many of them are new converts themselves, and have come on missions without the support of their families.  They work hard every day under the hot Samoan sun, bearing powerful testimonies of the atonement of Jesus Christ and the restoration of His church.  I am sure that they often have angels watching over them.  Elder Fenger last week was in a bike accident.  He could have been seriously hurt as he went over his bike into a brick wall head first.  What has he been most concerned with?  Getting back to the work.
        Elder Spencer, the volunteer Dentist here, shared a mnemonic device to remember the scripture that best describes what the atonement has done for us.  Like the 7-11 Stores back home that are open 24 hrs a day, 365 days a year and carry everything you need, this scripture is found in Alma 7:11-13, and explains that the atonement is always available to those who want to take advantage of its great blessings.  One of the greatest blessings is that Jesus Christ conquered the grave, and because of him we will all live again with our Heavenly Father.  If you want to know more about Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation, where you were before you came to the earth, and where you go after you die go to mormon.org.

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

 13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
I wish all of you a wonderful Easter.  God Bless!  Love, Patty