Feeding the Spiritually Weak

(This article was inspired by a talk given by Boyd K. Packer )

Jesus Christ told Peter, and told us to, "Feed my Sheep."   What does that mean?   Here is a story to give an idea:

There was a large family reunion and they planned to hold a large picnic.  They reserve a beautiful picnic ground in the country, and they have it all to themselves. When the the day came, the weather is perfect. They head out to their rightfully reserved spot, and get everything ready; the tables are in one long row. they had tablecloths and china. The tables are laden with every kind of delicious food: watermelon, corn on the cob, fried chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, cakes, pies, lemonade, soda—you get the picture?

Everyone is seated, and one of them was asked to bless the food. Everybody secretly hoped it would be a short prayer.  Then, just at that moment there is an interruption. A noisy old car jerks into the picnic grounds and sputters to a stop close to them. Everyone was upset. Didn’t the driver see the “reserved” signs? 

A worried-looking man emerges from the car and lifts the hood; a spray of steam comes out.  One of the family members, a mechanic, says, “That car isn't going anywhere unless it is fixed.” 
Several children spill from the car. They are ragged, dirty and noisy. The mother climbs out of the car and takes a box to an area nearby, sets the box down, lays a faded checkered blanket on the ground, and then starts laying out the food.  It is lunch time, and their children are hungry. She puts a few leftovers on some plates and then she nervously moves them about, trying to make it look like a meal for her hungry children, but there is not enough.  It is obvious that this family was in poor and humble circumstances.  

Everyone at the tables were waiting.  They were thinking, "Why did they arrive just at that moment? Such an inconvenient time. Why must we interrupt what we are doing to bother with outsiders? Why couldn't they have stopped somewhere else? They are not clean, nor decent looking! They are not like us. They just don’t fit in. What should we do?"

This is just a story, but now for the test.  If this really happened, what would you do?

Here are three choices:

-First, you could insist the parents keep their children quiet while you and the others have the blessing over the food. Thereafter you ignore them. After all, you took your time and energy planning the feast and reserving the place.

-The next choice. You do have an extra table, and you do have too much of some things. You could take a little of this and a little of that and lure the little children to the extra table. Then you could enjoy the  feast you and your family prepared without interruption. After all, you earned and payed for what you have. 

The final choice is that you go out to to the poor family and invite them to come and join your family.  They could all fit in after re-arranging some of the food and adding the extra table.  Everyone can somewhere to share the feast. Afterward, the mechanic can fix their car and give them something for their journey.

Which choice would you pick.  I do hope you picked number three.  Could there be any more pure enjoyment than seeing the faces of the poor family light up with joy after asking them to join you?  Could there be a more joyful feeling in your heart after feeding the hungry family and fixing their car?  

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints ask that Everyone, young and old, should try and help others, both physically and spiritually, whether it is a good deed, or some words of kindness/encouragement.   When Christ said to feed his sheep, his meaning is to spiritually feed his sheep.    

There are many many people out there who don't know anything about the gospel, and many are spiritually hungry, or even starving.   Even when someone is spiritually starving, they may reject the word, and reject Jesus's messengers (Missionaries).  Many missionaries and even non-LDS people wonder why many won't receive the gospel when first introduced to them.  Do you remember how reluctant you were to try any new food? Only after your mother urges you will you take a little, tiny portion on the tip of a spoon to taste it to see if you like it first.  Even then, like children and vegetables, some people receive the word, but are reluctant or don't want to follow some of the teachings.  Over time and through the spirit however, they can accept and follow the teachings and doctrine, and receive blessings for it.  Kinda like a child who ate their veggies can have dessert afterwards.

Do what Jesus asked, and that is to feed his sheep.

If you have questions, or if your interested and want to know more about the Church, visit the Church's website by clicking this link.  Or you could request a missionary visit at this link.

Where Much is Given, Much is Required

(Inspired by a talk given by Boyd K. Packer)

Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints isn't easy.  Converting to the Church is much harder.   You are asked to give up a lot of things, including habits and lifestyles.   Many converts that I know of had to give up a lot of habits, including smoking, drinking, gambling, drugs, watching inappropriate movies/television, listening to inappropriate music, etc.  To make a habit of something for a long time, then you have to forsake that habit(s) to join the Church is very very difficult.   Here is one person who had doubts of joining the Church because of commitment:
Two missionaries were teaching a fine family, and they had expressed a desire to be baptized, and then they suddenly cooled off. The father had learned about tithing and canceled all further meetings with the missionaries.  The branch president, hearing this persuaded the missionaries to join him in another visit to the home.  The branch president talked with the father and the following conversation occurred: 
"I understand that you have decided not to join the church," the branch president told the father.

"That is correct."

"The elders tell me that you are disturbed about tithing."

"Yes," said the father.  "They had not told us about it, and when I learned of it, I said, 'now that's too much to ask.  Our church  has never asked anything like that.' We think that it is too much for us, and we will not join."

"Did they tell you about fast offerings?"

"No, whats that?"

"In the Church we fast for two meals at the beginning of each month, and we give the value of the meals for the help of the poor."

"They did not tell us that."

"Did they mention the building fund?"

"No, what's that."

"In the Church we all contribute towards building chapels.  If you joined the Church, you would want to participate in labor and money.  In fact, we are building a new chapel here."

"They didn't mention that."

"Did they also tell you that we have no professional clergy?  All of us contribute our time, money, and energy to help the work, and we are not paid for it in money.

"They didn't tell us any of that," said the father.

"Well," said the branch president, "If you are turned away by a little thing like tithing, it is obvious you're not ready to join this church.  "Maybe you've made the right decision and you should not join."

As the branch president and elders departed, the branch president turned and said, ""have you ever wondered why people will do all of these things willingly?  I have never received a bill for tithing.  No one has ever called to collect it, but we pay it, and all of the rest, and count it a great privilege.  If you could discover why, you would be within reach of the pearl of great price, which the Lord said the merchant man was willing to sell everything he had to obtain the Pearl."  "But, it is your decision.  I only hope you will pray about it."

A few days later the father appeared at the branch president’s home. No, he did not want to reschedule the missionaries. That would not be necessary. He wanted to schedule the baptism of his family. They had been praying, fervently praying, and received an answer to their prayers.  


It is difficult to be in the Church, but the blessings are overwhelmingly greater than the sacrifices.

Mormonism: Missionary Work

Since the beginning of Christianity, there have been missionaries. They spread the gospel (In Hebrew, it means "Good word") throughout the world, in countries that will allow them to share their message and testimony.
In Mormonism, Prophets in biblical and Book of Mormon times would preach unto the people to repent. What they did, which was preach unto the people, heal the sick and afflicted, and bless those who are righteous. Well know missionaries in the bible include the Apostles of Jesus, John the Baptist, and Paul of Tarsus. They worked hard, not only just preaching the gospel, but they helped those in need. They cared about people. Paul for example, traveled from Jerusalem around the Mediterranean Sea three times, preaching to thousands of people, performing many miracles, jailed and escaped multiple times, he is a prime example of what a missionary does.
There are missionaries today as well as in biblical times. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has around 65,000 to 70,000 missionaries today, sent to all parts of the world. There are quite a few countries that will not allow missionaries to preach, mainly the middle east (Turkey, Iran, Iraq, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Syria) for both religious reasons, and safety reasons. There are a few countries in other areas that won't allow missionaries due mainly to safety reasons but sometimes as religious reasons as well.
Just this year, the First Presidency of the Church announced that the set age to go on a mission went from 19 years old to 18 years old. This was well received and many youth were excited to spread the word. Age is not the only thing that restricts someone to go on a mission, the standards set by the First Presidency mainly include being worthy of serving a mission. That includes confessing to any serious sins you have committed, including breaking the Word of Wisdom and the Law of Chastity. They set standards so that they have as many youth strong in the spirit as possible. It allows those who really have it in their hearts to spread the gospel and baptize those who want to become members of the church. There are many testimonies that I have alone heard, including my father, talking about how going on a mission was the best thing that they ever did.