Christ in America

     When we arrived here and visited our El Salvadorian Temple for the first time last year, we were amazed at the picture that greeted us. Behind the recommend desk of our little temple was the most amazing life size painting of the Savior with two little Indian girls. We could not decipher the name of the artist and had never seen the painting before. A few months later, Apostle Russell Nelsen and his wife came to visit our temple and she fell in love with the painting. She said that she would find out all about it upon her return to Salt Lake City. Sure enough, she emailed Sister Petersen soon after her return with the name of the artist, Jeffrey Hein, and the name of the painting, Christ in America. She was told that the painting was commissioned by the church solely for the El Salvador Temple and would not be in print anywhere else. We were so disappointed that we could not share this painting with our friends and could not have a copy for our homes. Then, our October 2012 Ensign and the Liahona (church magazines) arrived and we opened the cover to find our painting there; Jesus Christ with a little Nephite girl on one side and a little Lamanite girl on the other. The only thing that you can't really tell in the picture are that the eyes of our Savior follow you no matter where you stand in the room. Of course our painting is life size. Isn't it beautiful. All of us missionaries are excited that we will be able to someday have a copy of this beautiful painting hanging in our homes. (We have a hunch that Sister Nelsen had something to do with this) Also in the Liahona we found an article featuring a young man that we know here in El Salvador. We think it may be in the Era because it is in the "Jovenes" section to the Liahona. The article is called "Strengthened by the Word". You will have to check out the article and the photo. If you don't have access to them, I will try to attach a copy of the photo.

     Sister Kitley had her surgery on her knee on Tuesday and is recovering without any problems. We have missed her in the Temple and look forward to her return this week. We had a great week of not getting up to an alarm and enjoyed our time in the Temple each afternoon and evening. We have had some real good thunder and lightning storms and rain almost daily as our rainy season is coming to an end. This will be the last month of the rains.

     As we watched Conference this weekend, they showed photos of the beautiful fall colors. Wow, that we do miss. Fall is our favorite time of year to go 4-wheeling in the mountains. Hope all of you are able to enjoy a beautiful fall before the cold sets in. We are thankful for your love and friendship, your prayers in our behalf. We send our love to all. Lon and Nancy, Grandpa and Grandma, Dad and Mom

Weak Things Become Strong

Months before the entrance exam for high school, I did not feel prepared. I was sure that it would be impossible to do well. So I turned to my Heavenly Father in prayer. While I was praying, these words came to my mind: “If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them” (Ether 12:27).

I realized that when I pray to Heavenly Father for strength to face challenges and tests, He blesses me and helps me overcome my weaknesses. Presenting my concern to the Lord was the best decision I could make. He is the best teacher, and I know He helped me.

 

Irvin O. age 16, El Salvador