“No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another. “ 

The First Presidency has assigned Elder D. Todd Christofferson and Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to represent The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the U.S. presidential inauguration January 20, 2017 in Washington, D.C. Their presence continues a tradition, going back more than a century, of Mormon leadership supporting and celebrating the process that makes possible the peaceful transfer of power.

THE LIVING CHRIST

As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.

He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament,the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. "All things were made by him, and without him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill.He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.

He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary's cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vacarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live on the earth.

We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history; neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the World. 

He rose from the grave to "become the firstfruits of them that slept" (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His "other sheep" (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised "dispensation of the fulness of times" (Ephesians 1:10). 

Of the Living Christ,the Prophet Joseph wrote: "His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:

"I am the first and the last, I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father" (D&C 110:3-4). 

Of Him the Prophet also declared: "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of hin, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! "For we say him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father - "That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God." (D&C 72:22-24).

We declare in words of solemnity that His Priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth - "built upon the foundation of ... apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner store" (Ephesians 2:20).

We testify that He will someday return to earth. "And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together" (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts. 

We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles - that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great Kine Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son. 

"I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me....

"When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me,calling me by name and said,pointing to the other ----- (Joseph) THIS IS MY BELOVED SON, HEAR HIM!!!!

Joseph Smith - History 1: 16-17

"THE WAY YOU FEEL IN THE TEMPLE IS A PATTERN 

FOR HOW YOU WANT TO FEEL IN YOUR LIFE"

                                        

                                   -Elder Neil L. Andersen

MY KAREN AND KARENNI FRIENDS

Aw Taw, Morie Naw and kids

Too translating in Sunday School class for Ya Hoo

Sa Boe and Me - with traditional 

hat and dress

El Lah Paw and me

El Lah Paw's mom, her and Sa Boe

Plue Meh and Me  (Karenni)

Elders at Htoo's home

Htoo and me

an afternoon visit to 

downtown Omaha

*Bob Kerry Bridge

*Heartland Park

*Pioneer Courage Park

with the Hermana Sisters

Young and Pitts

Sister Young, me and Sister Pitts

found these four fine Elders in downtown Omaha

Elders George, Kirby, Buxton, Boyer

then with me Sister Pitts and Young

PIONEER COURAGE PARK

DOWNTOWN OMAHA