Aloha Kahalu'u Ward,
As I read through this week’s Come Follow Me lesson, I admit that I felt a little called out by Nephi when he said: “For behold, Isaiah spake many things which were hard for many of my people to understand…” (2 Nephi 25:1). More than a few times I’ve started reading the Book of Mormon, only to run into the brick wall of 2 Nephi. In my defense, I do this with other books that lose the plot early on. But I have to remind myself that I’m not reading the Book of Mormon for the plot (though the later chapters in Alma have some pretty good stuff—see Teancum’s Mission Impossible heroics in Alma 50). This time I pushed on, and came across a favorite scripture that I’d forgotten was in this section: 2 Nephi 25:26. “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” I remember reading this scripture as a brand new missionary just weeks after arriving in Argentina. I was trying to read the Book of Mormon in both Spanish and English, and mostly failing at both. One morning I abandoned my Spanish reading, and just read for a while in English. Reading through the Isaiah chapters then felt like a breath of fresh air because at least I could understand the words. When I read 2 Nephi 25:26 that morning, I was reminded why I was on a mission, reminded what my job was, even if I was struggling with the language. I felt a sense of peace. Throughout my life I have felt the love of Our Heavenly Father through the teachings of Jesus Christ. When I read the Sermon on The Mount, or the Parable of the Good Samaritan I feel the peace that comes from His message. He taught grace and mercy, and that morning in Argentina I felt that same feeling through the words of Nephi (and Isaiah). So now when I read 2 Nephi and feel like giving up, I just look for one thing I can grasp on to, and try to learn from that. This time it was a helpful reminder.
Bro. Marshall Combstock
Ward Clerk
Meeting Schedule & Links
Mar 10, Sunday 2 pm - Sacrament Meeting Program: CLICK HERE
Zoom Link for Sacrament Meeting available upon request. Contact Bishop Tano or Bro. Hirokawa.
Announcements
Missionary Meals: Elder Hamblin (L) & Elder Specner (R) need meals and visits! Please sign up to meet with the Elders using this MEAL CALENDAR, or call them at (808) 379-8012.
Mar 14, Thursday 6:30 pm - Youth Night @ Waikalua Chapel
Mar 17, Sunday 2 pm - Sacrament Meeting @ Waikalua Chapel
Mar 17, Sunday 4 pm - Youth Council @ Bishops Office
Mar 17, Sunday 6 pm - SED @ Bishop’s Home
Mar 21, Thursday 6:30 pm - Youth Night @ Waikalua Chapel
Mar 21, Thursday 6:30 pm - Primary Activities @ Waikalua Chapel
Mar 28, Thursday 6:30 pm - Youth Night(YM only) @ Waikalua Chapel
Mar 28, Thursday 6-8 pm - Relief Society Birthday Celebration (w/YW) @ Waikalua Chapel
Mar 30, Saturday 12:30-2:30 PM - Primary Easter Activity @ Harris Residence
Missionary Corner
In the last three days we have seen miracle after miracle after miracle in this area as we've turned to the Lord, especially after plans fall through and we don't know what to do. Probably more than any other time on my mission we've been praying over our efforts and for our friends. In doing so, we have become tools for the Lord! It is beautiful the joy and the love for others that he has blessed us with! Quite frankly it would take too long to tell you about all of them, but here are some updates:
- Hani Sarkisian got baptized last Thursday!!! He is the friend we started teaching back in October and has been quitting drinking tea. It was such a wonderful experience. We got to drive down to attend. Thank you all for your prayers for him.
- We met an Arabic speaking friend, Daniel, in Alpine, who wants to join the church! He went to church Sunday (definitely more on him later). A testament to one reason I may be in Alpine.
- Following the spirit we were led to the door of a new friend Steven, who has been searching for truth for the last two years and gratefully accepted a BoM.
Love you all,
Elder Benjamim Boone
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