Every year, my family and extended family travel across the US to a small town in Minnesota- Battle Lake (population 857). We’ve kept a small cabin on a lake, and it has become tradition to meet there every year and spend time together as a family. The nearest Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is about an hour drive to another small town called Wadena (population 4,352). I’ve been attending this Branch my entire life. The Branch has about 20 members and currently meets in the town recreation center for church. When our extended family attends church, we more than double the size of the Branch.
The Oyster family resides nearby and attends the Branch. During a sacrament meeting, I was reviewing the ward bulletin and noticed this:
Branch President- Robb Oyster
Branch Clerk- Joeb Oyster
Elders Quorum 1st Counselor – Jasper Oyster
Elders Quorum 2nd Counselor- Jacob Oyster
Relief Society President- Heidi Oyster
Young Women’s President- Brittani Oyster
Primary President- Nicole Oyster
The Oyster family is living a consecrated life, a life of labor. The Oyster family’s service has made an impression on me that I frequently draw upon for strength when service in the church can feel overwhelming or when I am tired.
How grateful I am that the Lord uses each of us to accomplish His work. As we accept and serve in callings….any calling, as we accept and fulfill ministering assignments, as we accept opportunities to be engaged in His work, He will increase our capacity and direct our efforts. The blessings of temple covenants- the Law of Obedience, the Law of Sacrifice, and the Law of Consecration can strengthen us as we strive to magnify our callings.
The Savior, even as a youth, set the example.
“And when he was twelve years old”, “they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions”
“And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him,….thy father and I have sought thee”
“And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2: 46-49)
The Lord is trusting each of us, young and old to do our part to build up His kingdom. To be about His business. Every calling matters. Every simple act of service makes a difference. As we consecrate our time and talents, sacrifice to support the Lord’s work, and strive to be obedient, the Savior will manifest some of His greatest miracles through our efforts.
Our Prophet, President Nelson, recently taught:
“Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory.”
I testify that this is His work, we are His servants, and that as we consecrate our lives to Him, we can experience the promised miracles in our lives and the lives of those around us.
Love,
The Stake Presidency