Spiritual Experience with President and Sister Renlund

 Last week we had the privilege of meeting with the Area President, President Renlan and his wife. He was a doctor and she a lawyer but nicer people you'll never want to meet. It was just Elder and Sister Leavitt and us with them. He had us fill out a little personal profile and talked about that for a few minutes then asked us what we did. We went around the table and then asked what problems or concerns we had. He then shared a story about Sister Renlan's father. Apparently, he was an area authority working in Asia I think and was just working so hard with no sleep and Elder Oaks came to visit. He could see that he looked haggard and worn down and reported it to Elder Packard when he returned to SL. Elder Packard told him to tell Elder ? the next time he saw him that he didn't have enough faith. And when you peel him off of the sealing because surely he will have a negative reaction to that statement, read him D & C 123:17 " Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." We all just sat silent for a few minutes and knew that had to be the office couple's motto or any missionary for that fact. Tears of gratitude were shed, the spirit was very strong, and two senior couples had been spiritually uplifted. He had thanked us earlier and told us President Omer praised our work. And he was telling us to increase our faith because the Lord is in charge, it's his work, and after we do all we can do, he will take over. There are so many things we have to do this month and with that scripture in mind, we will cheerfully do all things that lie within our power and know that the Lord will handle the rest. It's hard to convey the spirit that was felt in the meeting but it was certainly an experience we all needed and will always remember.