Temples Are a Beacon

"This is a great video about the sacrifices that people make to go to the Temple. I thought it appropriate to share with you as my mom recently posted about the Temple Assistant Fund and the blessings of the temple. The voice is of our prophet, Thomas S. Monson.

My family and I traveled to the Washington D.C. Temple on Saturday about 3 hours from our home in Philadelphia. Some travel 5 minutes to the temple while others sacrifice much and go a great distance to get to the temple. It is never thought of by us as a sacrifice but a great blessing to enter the House of the Lord." - Melia

Giving Mercy to the Poor

"This morning, I was reading the story of Daniel and how he was interpreting King Nebuchadnezzar's dreams. It is interesting when Daniel tells the king what is going to happen to him and then said,

"Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility." (Daniel 4:27)

Of all things he is asking the king to do, he said to show mercy to the poor. The Old Testament study guide says:

"Daniel counseled the king to reform his life, to repent of his sins, and to show greater mercy to the poor. The implication of Daniel’s statement is that if Nebuchadnezzar would do as he was counseled, he might receive divine favor and avert the threatened punishment, thus maintaining his prosperity of life. Mercy to the poor was mentioned as a prerequisite to obtaining forgiveness of sin. It is one of the most sincere evidences of repentance and submission to the Lord’s will."

I thought it would be appropriate to share this scripture on my parent's blog because of the great need there is around the world and especially where my parents are serving their mission. That it is required to be merciful to the poor in order to receive a forgiveness of sins is powerful and gives us much to think about and ponder. May we prayerfully consider Daniel's plea and ask the Lord's guidance on how we can show mercy to our brothers in sisters here in America and throughout the world." - Melia

Tilly's Trek

"Most mornings we walk laps on the top parking level of the local mall. The air is fresh and the view spectacular. A chilling wind pressed against our day-break walk. When we rounded the bend and walked with the wind we quickened our pace. However, what goes around comes around and every other lap found us struggling against the cold wind.

Unbeknown to us, Tilly, a thin African woman shared her meager morsels with her two children and headed out on her long journey to our Employment Resource Center. She pressed against the same bone-chilling wind with a miniscule growth of hair insufficient to warm her head. Her pressed hair jetted out nearly to her shoulders when she first attended our Career Workshop but she shaved it off in favor of what she felt was a more professional image and more compatible with her job search.

As we continued our exercise walk against the wind, I paused at a metal railing with chipped paint and pigeon poop. I found a clear spot and clutched the makeshift barre and tentatively did some ballet exercises. It felt great to stretch some muscles whose memory “yarn” had long since lost its memory. My audience was the surrounding apartment buildings with people, no doubt peering in disbelief at the waddling wannabe ballerina. The large parking lot provided the largest practice room I had ever occupied. The sky was the curtain. There was no applause!

Tilly kept her pace without stopping. For three hours she walked “full-steam” ahead with an empty “fuel tank.” With no money for “transport,” she walked mile after mile, as most black people do here.

Chuck and I returned home from our early morning work-out, had a warm bowl of oatmeal with plump raisins and prepared for the day. Tilly kept walking.

We gathered our work supplies and unlocked the bars that secure our flat. For some reason, I turned back and grasped a gray, crocheted cap. I tucked it into our computer case and rushed to summon the lift. Tilly kept walking.

We drove to the Area Offices in our new blue car with the steering wheel on the wrong side. We were rested and renewed for another day of the Lord’s work. Who could we help today? We entered our pleasant work environment and reviewed our schedules. Mine took me out the front door and down to the gray brick road. I walked right into Tilly. She looked pale (well, as pale as a black person can look) discouraged and exhausted after her three hour walk. Her thin jacket was wrapped around her thinner body and seemed to do little to warm her. We walked inside and listened sympathetically to her story of profound poverty. Poor in Africa seems very different than poor in America. Her husband’s eye had looked elsewhere and his body followed. Tilly remained behind and fell under the title of “Single Mother.” As a refugee, she hails from a country where many work conditions are described as “pathetic, abusive and inhumane.” The natives perceive it as a beautiful country but without much opportunity for employment, outside of mining. Many forward thinking natives with desires to provide more for their posterity migrate to South Africa with visions of grandeur. Disappointment sets in when they discover that the depressed economy here understandably offers any available jobs mostly to South African citizens. So capable, well educated Tilly walks and searches for work to feed her children. She has no money to purchase a spiral notebook and pencil for her daughter to have for school. It is late summer here and time to go back to school after their longest holiday time of the year.

After settling in at the office, I invited Tilly to our desk. She was still shivering from her cold morning’s tiring trek. From our briefcase, I pulled a handful of gray yarn that Melia had lovingly fashioned into a warm cap and I offered it to Tilly. She shrieked with joy and put it right on her head. Her down-trodden, weary expression magically turned upside down and her gratitude was profound. I showed her Melia’s photo that was displayed at our desk and she sighed and exclaimed, “She’s beautiful!” Then Sister Savage produced a bag with spiral notebooks for Tilly’s daughter and the Savages also provided some food for the family. That reminded me that I had a bag of school supplies that Heather had sent. I offered them to Tilly and she stared at them in amazement. Chuck opened his wallet and slipped a couple hundred rands into my hand that was a gift from Bryan. I added it to some books, toys and treats I keep stashed in the cupboard by my desk and found a colorful drawstring bag from Sister Nielsen to house the little hoard from many hands. Tilly really needs a computer but that was beyond our ability to give so we provided what we could.

Thank goodness Tilly was raised in a culture that walks and carries things on their heads. She left with a “head-full,” hands full and heart full of love. Most importantly, she left with hope . . . and a smile. Next to being a mother, I think that this may be the only job I know of that has long hours, no salary and costs lots of money and energy just for the privilege of working . . . and yet we feel overpaid. “Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven.”

Tilly’s dream is to be a lawyer. “Someday I will speak in Parliament,” she reminds me as she balances her gifts of love and heads home to feed her children. God bless Tilly’s Trek through life." - Sister Basso

"When I skyped my mom after this happened, I was so very happy and tears came to my eyes to see the hat I made be given to Tilly. I knew someone would receive it when I put it in the mail and it had a long journey to Africa, but to hear the story and the inspiration that my mom felt about it just touched my heart. It also makes me want to get my hands busy and make more hats so that anytime there is a need, Sister Basso will have a source to go to give. So here's my plea, would you help me make hats to warm the heads of your brothers and sisters in South Africa? Sacrifice your time crocheting them and put your love into the creation of them? Can you warm just one more head as we try and spread the love of the Savior when he said, "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me?" (Matthew 5:40) I know just as my parents are being blessed as they serve in Africa so can you and I share in a portion of their journey to bring a smile, hope and strength to those in need. Please contact me at mrioslazo@yahoo.com to see how you can help! Thanks Mom and Dad for letting me share in the 'joy' of your mission!" - Melia

Temple Patron Fund

“Latter-day Saint temples are considered houses of God, a place of holiness and peace separate from the preoccupations of the world. They provide a place where Church members make formal promises and commitments to God. They are also the place where the highest sacraments of the faith occur — the marriage of couples and the “sealing” of families for eternity.

As the population of the Church continues to expand in the world, there are more and more dedicated saints who live in remote and impoverished locales and lack the means to attend a temple even once in their lifetimes. Therefore, the Church has established the General Temple Patron Assistance Fund to provide financial assistance to those who otherwise could not afford the travel expenses associated with attending a temple and participating in the sacred blessings available only in the House of the Lord.
Although the temples now in operation and those under construction will serve an ever-growing Church membership, many of these sacred edifices are still beyond the reach for thousands of faithful Latter-day Saints. Too many still lack the financial resources to attend the temple, even once in their lifetimes. The Temple Patron Assistance Fund is designed to help these individuals and families receive their eternal ordinances and blessings.

Having the means to attend the temple—if only once in a lifetime—brings hope and joy to countless saints. Living prohibitive distances from the nearest temple need not prevent worthy members and families from receiving the eternal blessings of salvation that can be received only in the temple.” - LDS Philanthropies

Please . . . Donate to the Temple Patron Fund

The House of the Lord - Part 2

"We were recently guests in the House of the Lord to witness the sealing of an amazing family from Kenya. Speaking no English and shrouded in poverty, they arrived with joyous anticipation of being eternally united with their patriarch. The father of this family of six bright and beautiful children was viciously attacked and bled to death because of the absence of medical care in their village. It was heartrending to see their extreme need and absence of even a change of clothing. Some of their tiny black feet wore adult-sized plastic slippers that had been borrowed for the occasion. Shirt seams had parted company and US logos on T-shirts indicated retrieval from a donation bag from LDS Humanitarian Aid. Even girls’ heads were shaved in the absence of shampoo. The only English words that escaped some of their mouths were, “Thank you.” They spoke one of the hundreds of tribal languages that translation was not available for. My heart yearned to give them some small token of love and friendship. I went into the Distribution Center and purchased some children’s “Friend” magazines for the 19 children that were occupying the Patron Housing Area that week. One man from their small branch was found in the cantina (eating area) that could read English and helped share the “Friend” stories with the eager children. I yearned to give more but had nothing else to give but hugs.

As my thoughts scrambled to land upon an idea of something that I could give those deserving children, a cheery black man entered our office with a box from America. Excitement escalated as it was handed to us! The postage label indicated that the small box had cost over $62 to mail from Arizona. We paid an additional R15 and claimed it as our own. We quickly finished opening the damaged carton to discover that our new-found treasure chest miraculously contained 19 homemade packets of treats, toys and gifts for children. Snowman magic slates were a particular fascination for the children who had probably never seen store-bought toys. With wide-eyed wonder they watched as I drew a smiley face and then lifted the plastic page which erased the drawing. They wanted me to repeat the magic over and over again. Finally, I handed one to the closest child and an army of soiled little pleading palms reached out to retrieve one and try the “magic” with their own hands. The packets were appreciated as if they had been small pots of gold and were saved for their four-hour flight home. Thank you, Heather, for the joy your well-traveled box brought to a little band of grateful children.

"Greater than anything that we could give is what we received when we entered the holy temple. Our tears of joy could not be restrained when the little widow was vicariously sealed to her departed beloved companion. Then six sweet little black angels arrayed in spotless white were gently ushered into the sacred sealing room. Words cannot describe what the silent chambers of our hearts experienced as we witnessed a tower of little black hands join together to become a family forever. Our hearts pounded and streams of tears could not be restrained. People in faraway nations of the world – unknown to this heavenly family -- helped make this glorious experience possible. After sacrificing all she could, this young widow and her six beloved children were provided assistance through the Temple Patron Assistance Fund.

As we left the sacred part of the temple, twelve hopeful, little eyes were upon us. Having changed back into their “donation” attire, six stalwart little saints sat reverently in the waiting area. Young black faces glowed brightly and seemed to beckon us to them. Handshakes were not adequate for the moment so following warm handshakes with small hands lost in our grips, big hugs were given. Each child reached out to us anticipating their turn for our expressions of love to them. Finally, we moved toward the lift (elevator). We glanced back and blew kisses. They looked puzzled at the gestures so we waved and signaled “thumbs up.” They quickly returned those familiar signs. After our spirits were elevated we took our bodies back down the “lift” carrying a flood of tears with us to the basement parking area. We sighed deeply as we pondered the tender, heavenly scene we had been party to and exchanged silent, watery glances. This is the hope of mankind: eternal families! The temple is the miracle of mortality. Things recorded on this “magic slate” can only be erased by disobedience, or choice. Otherwise, they stand the test of time and become the great equalizer of blessings here and provide eternal possibilities hereafter." - Sister Basso

To learn more about temples, please go here.

The House of the Lord - Part 1

"Somewhere between heaven and earth, blessings descend upon majestic houses of God which are constructed and dedicated to His purposes. One such building is found on a lovely tree-lined street in Johannesburg, South Africa on what is appropriately called Jubilee Road. Here families on both sides of the veil that separates mortality from immortality can receive gifts of knowledge and make covenants with their Maker. Mortals can choose to receive and accept this sweet opportunity, or not. Without faithful, earthly counterparts or proxies, faithful departed friends and ancestors desiring saving ordinances have no such choice. Thus, temple work was restored to the earth that free agency blessings can be extended to all of Heavenly Father’s children in all dimensions of time and space who choose to accept them. The choice to decline them is allowed. The Lord’s plan is that families should have the opportunity to be together forever, not just “until death do they part.” Their love and devotion to one another can be preserved through the eons of time. The family is the unit our Creator designed for his offspring to be nurtured in and every effort should be made to bless that sacred unit and extend their joy beyond the grasp of death.

Our work location in the Area Offices is adjacent to the temple patron housing facilities above the Family History Center and lies within the shadow of the Holy Temple. Due to the proximity of our location to this respite for weary travelers from throughout the lower part of the African continent, we witness the pilgrimage of faithful temple members every week. They often come with only the clothes on their back and a small bag of travel needs. Some come on rickety, crowded transport for twenty or more hours. Others endure air flights for four or more hours. All make meaningful sacrifices to obtain the endowment of blessings from on high. They seek refuge from the cares of the world to enter into the realm of God. Their accommodations here are clean and adequate for showering, sleeping and eating and provide a welcome relief from the tiring trips that usually include providing for the needs of several children in the families. Because of violence, poverty and absence of adequate medical care, many families come noticeably absent of their patriarchs. Single mothers struggle nobly to survive and press against mountains of obstacles to provide temple blessings for their families and unite themselves vicariously to their husbands and fathers . . . and to one another. One such family gave up eating meat for a year to save their meager funds to come for temple blessings and eternal possibilities. Others sell produce from their gardens instead of satisfying their own hunger. Why would they do this? I posed this question to a beautiful tiny black woman and she simply answered, “To enter God’s House and receive His blessings.” She reminded me to study the purpose of temples in the Old Testament and learn of the spiritual value placed on Solomon’s Temple as well as the humble Arch of the Covenant. She said that by creating a portable version of the temple, the Israelites could take the spirit of the Lord with them wherever they traveled. After scrimping and saving for more than two-and-a-half years, this dear little woman came alone to the temple to receive ordinances, make covenants and be endowed with spiritual gifts. This provided the foundation for her to be able to be eternally united to her deceased husband vicariously through a worthy proxy that covenanted in behalf of her companion. She was aglow with gratitude. She buried her beloved husband in a village of a Third World country where medical intervention was not available to manage his asthma. The crowning blessings will come when she can save enough money to bring her children to be eternally united to their parents." - Sister Basso

Miraclous Blessings during Civil Unrest

"I spoke with my parents about the situation in Congo. We truly are blessed to be in America. We were visiting Independence Hall in Philadelphia one day where the chain of command would pass from George Washington to John Adams who would then become the next president of the United States. Our tour guide said that at the time those in attendance were unsure how the power would switch from one man to another and if that would happen in peace or not. There was no battle, gunpowder or violence: one walked in as president and another left as president. Here's a picture of the room where this happened." Read more about Congress Hall here. - Melia

"The missionaries we call refugees are senior missionaries that were evacuated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Violence broke out during the recent elections there and many were randomly shot during the election protests. Our couples were on the last flight out to safety. Most have been staying here in our building and have some pretty scary stories to tell. A Mission President in the DRC is among those seeking refuge here in Johannesburg. He urged all the missionaries to store a supply of everything needed to survive for the weeks prior to and during elections as civil unrest was expected to escalate into violence. Obedience paid off as the young black missionaries were confined to their quarters in the DRC for three weeks. With no work to do, they were encouraged to maintain their morning routines which include scripture studies. How easy it would be in such circumstances to slack off and sleep in! Commitment paid off when shots were fired through their window and penetrated their bed in the early hours of the morning. Two young elders were very grateful to have been out of bed, ready for the day and studying their scriptures . . . and to have lived to tell about it.

One of the “refugee” senior couples we talked to said that they live in very primitive conditions with two buckets in the room that were not on their “bucket list.” One bucket was used for bathroom needs and one to fetch water in. We assume they must be diligent about not mixing up the buckets! They must decontaminate their water and disinfect all food. We are blessed to have good tap water here. We do filter it, though, and must wash all produce and eggs in bleach water." - Sister Basso

2012 in Africa: Ahead of Our Time

"It seems strange to have welcomed in a new year nine hours ahead of our time in California. We are living in a different year than all of our family and most of our friends.

It’s quiet here in town. Most of the black people returned to their native lands and townships for the holidays and other locals are travelling. Our offices are closed and our director is in California on “holiday.” The streets are quiet and the mall is like a ghost town. Warnings appear on television about safe travel when holiday travellers return to town. Over 800 people lost their lives in traffic accidents here this holiday season. We saw a new cross along the side of our daily route just a couple of miles from our flat.

Driving is very hazardous in Johannesburg and the surrounding areas. I drove for the first time here this week and it was very unnerving to say the least. Manoeuvring on the left side of the street and driving with right hand steering requires no small adjustment!

On the way to church last Sunday we almost had a “road kill” dinner lined up when some goats wandered onto the road. There were no fences along the highway to restrain the cows and goats. Only a man with a stick worked to keep the animals at bay. We’ve driven through flooded streets and muddy roads and constantly dodge jaywalkers and street vendors. Once we slowed down nearly to a stop as an entire wedding party was singing and dancing down the street. Occasionally there are even donkey carts slowing traffic to a trot. We have no complaints after becoming acquainted with our refugee missionaries from what they call “7th world” countries where there are very few paved roads in the entire country...

We are very blessed to be in such a beautiful country with green pastures and countless trees. Our vantage point on the fifth floor of our building provides a lovely view of the hillside and New Year’s fireworks. It was the first time we could view fireworks from the comfort of our sofa. It was also the first stroke of midnight welcoming a new year that was not toasted with Martinellis! We substituted “still” water. The first time a waitress asked us if we wanted “still” water I had no clue what they were talking about. The only time I had ever heard about “still” waters was in the 23rd Psalm! Here, “still” water means non-carbonated or non-jumping/moving water.

What better way to bring in a new year than to ponder the words of the “still waters” Psalm. “The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will feel no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” These comforting words are often in my mind and always in my heart." - Sister Basso