He Spoke I Went

A couple of weeks ago, I accepted the assignment to attend a small congregation of the Church referred to as a branch. For the past two Sundays, I have traveled about 100 kilometers from my flat to worship with a small but mighty branch of the Church in eMalahleni (Witbank). Though few in number, the saints there radiate a deep love for the Savior and a genuine devotion to serving and loving one another. The Spirit in that chapel felt far greater than its size.

I was especially inspired watching seven faithful priesthood holders gather together, earnestly discussing how to mentor and prepare the next generation of church leaders. Their focus wasn’t on personal recognition—it was on the spiritual growth of the youth and the future strength of the Lord’s kingdom in this part of His vineyard.

It brought to mind the Lord’s promise in Alma 37:6: “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.”

These brethren are quietly living that principle, ministering in small and simple ways that will yield eternal blessings, as described in Doctrine and Covenants 64:33: “Be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.”

In God’s eyes, the size of a congregation never limits the reach of His work. Often it is in small, humble settings that the greatest seeds of faith are planted—seeds that will bless many generations to come.

As I drove home, I thought about the Savior’s teaching in Matthew 13:31–32 about the mustard seed: “…which a man took, and sowed in his field… the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree…”

The saints in eMalahleni are planting and nurturing mustard seeds of faith. In the months ahead, I look forward to watching this congregation—and many like it—continue to grow and bless all who come to hear the good news of the restored gospel and find refuge within its branches. I also look forward to learning from their examples of Christlike love and service.

I can stand as a witness that the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is rolling forth all across the South Africa Pretoria Mission—just as described in Doctrine and Covenants 65:2: “The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth, until it has filled the whole earth.”

Praying you will have a blessed week and feel the Saviors love for you and your family.