Reflections on Service

In reading the local paper (Online edition) I noticed an article about the sentencing of a woman for a home invasion robbery. She had broken into several homes looking for drugs. It is sad to think that a 37 year old mother of four would find herself in such desperate circumstances. She pled guilty to the charges and since this is her first offense the judge did not send her to prison rather he assigned her to the local county jail where she can get help for her addiction. I was attracted to this article by the woman's name. It seemed like a name I recognized from the branch list. Sure enough. It is a member we know little about having not yet been to her home for a visit.

It occurred to me that this good sister needs some help, love and support. These are the people the Savior was referencing when he said, "they that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick." We are the workers on whom the Lord depends for that care..."and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort... Mosiah 18: 9-10. So, are we willing?

Sister Johnson and I brought up this woman's predicament to the branch council. To their credit they have begun the process to see her and to discover how we may be of service to her and her family. The young missionaries were already set to visit an investigator at the jail so they will try and see her this week. Look around you. Be sensitive to others needs. Be a blessing to all. Become as the Savior is.

We have had a new missionary come to us this week, Elder Aubrey from American Fork, Utah. He is the fifth of a family with ten children. He will serve with Elder Smith who will be his trainer. Elder Church who was transferred to Chilton, WI as a senior companion, was an excellent elder. He overcame a less than totally engaged first companion to set an example for a strong work ethic and rule keeping. We will miss him.

Last week was pasty making week. This is a great but painful experience for us each month. We do a lot of lifting, pushing, reaching, standing, etc. but we are very much appreciated for the help we give the Senior Center. If I remember, next month I will shoot and post a video of each step of the process.

It has been another good week,

Elder and Sister Johnson