He Spoke I Went

Today was an awesome day. I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Johannesburg South Africa Temple with a group of young men from all over the world who are currently serving full-time missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the South Africa Pretoria Mission. Each of them has set aside two years of their lives, living behind family, friends and comfortable surroundings to serve God by sharing a message of eternal significance.

I asked several missionaries what message they hope to convey to those they meet. Here are some of their responses:

• An increased faith in Jesus Christ

• Repentance is an underutilized gift

• The need to follow Jesus into the waters of baptism

• Jesus Christ lives

• Jesus loves us deeply and personally

• Through Him, we can find peace during the trials and uncertainties of life

• Eternal families

• Daily repentance is daily happiness

• To be forgiven, one must forgive

Attending the temple together was an inspiring and sacred experience—one that reminded us of our divine purpose while focusing our hearts and minds on the Savior and the holy work of gathering Israel.

President Russell M. Nelson taught:“Anytime you do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—take a step toward making covenants with God and receiving their essential baptismal and temple ordinances, you are helping to gather Israel.”

These amazing elders can be described as covenant-makers, covenant-keepers and covenant-gatherers. And that work begins—again and again—in the House of the Lord.

Elder David A. Bednar testified:

“The temple is the point of intersection between heaven and earth. … It is the house of the Lord. It is a place where sacred covenants are made and eternal ordinances are performed.”

What a joy it was to be in the temple today with these stripling warriors in the Lord’s cause—united in purpose, in faith, and in Christ.

Different nations. Different languages. But one mission. One faith. One Savior.

I testify that the gathering of Israel is real and families can be forever. Heavenly Father is hastening His work. And the temple is at the heart of it all.