Charla Foganera del Presidente de la mision

Each month we hold two 'firesides' so that missionaries can bring people interested in learning about the church and listen to new members share their conversion experiences. Their thoughts are often moving and poignant as they express sincere and humble witnesses of Jesus Christ, His gospel and the difference it is making in their lives. There is a sweet spirit at these meetings enhanced by music from the missionaries.

We are lucky enough to have some very gifted musicians and vocalists in our mission. I wish that I could share a snippet of the beautiful music & sweet testimonies we heard tonight. It is incredible! There is nothing like a group of young missionaries 'singing' their testimonies to melt your heart. Sister Harper, an accomplished cellist played a duet with Elder Gee (a talented young pianist and composer). Even without words, the music is powerful and moving. After a few weeks of coaxing, we were able to convince one of our very talented sisters to sing a solo. She's very humble and doesn't want to draw attention to herself so has sung in small groups and choirs in previous firesides, but she is so gifted and loves to share her testimony through song we felt like we were 'burying' her talent by not having her sing more. (Her name is Rebecca Lopez. She has a couple of CD's in English/Spanish available at deseret book stores online.) We've listened to her CD a few times, but to hear her in person, accompanied by the testimonies of people she has been teaching, was a sweet experience. We then had a choir of young elders sing a song entitled, Joseph's 1st Prayer.

Since it is so central to our message of the restoration of Christ's church, we always ask the missionaries to sing this song either as a choir, duet, solo, quartet...Twice a month they share it with us, but no matter how many times I hear it, I am touched by the beauty of its message. It surprises me sometimes. I've known this story for as long as I can remember. A simple message, a simple song-but so profound and life changing, this idea that God is our loving, interested and attentive Heavenly Parent; that He listens to all our sincere prayers...and answers them. The Spirit of God can use music as a powerful tool to connect with our hearts to teach, confirm, and reconfirm important truths.

At each of these gatherings, Mark and I also have the opportunity to share a few thoughts. The 1st Sunday evening of every month, the fireside is in English. The 3rd Sunday, everything is in Spanish, so tonight was a Spanish fireside. It is about the only consistent time I speak in Spanish. Standing in front of all those people, besides feeling nervous and a little unsure of my ability to communicate in a language I'm not comfortable with, is the overwhelming desire to connect with these beautiful people and share with them something that is so precious and dear to me; something that adds to and gives purpose to my every day; something that I know will also bless their lives. I'm honestly not conversant in Spanish, in my mind I struggle to find the correct phrases, and to me, it doesn't sound like it's coming out right. But I do believe in spiritual gifts, gifts spoken of in the New Testament. I know that when someone bears their testimony of Jesus Christ, sincerely, that the Holy Ghost will add to that witness, carrying it to the hearts of those who sincerely listen. How grateful I am for this knowledge and for the opportunity to be a part of this great work. We love it. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I love all my dear family and friends and hope you are well. Happy Sunday.
Firesides-I'm not sure where the name originated, but it's an informal gathering, or meeting, designed to build friendships and strengthen each other.