On May 1, 1890, a man and woman who traveled 250 miles on trails through the sagebrush, spending almost a week to get to the St. George Temple so their marriage could be sealed for time and eternity, bringing blessings into the lives of their posterity. "I think of the gratitude I have for the blessings they brought into my life in knowing there was a place to be married," willingly making the sacrifice that it took to get to a temple.

Such sacrifice is reflected in today's world by stories of mature couples who either are anticipating missionary service or have contributed to the growth of the church by serving provide a great example for their posterity. Included was a Scot who joined the church. "He was 15 some 40 years ago when I was presiding over the mission in Scotland . . . who joined the church along with his mother. He said that as he developed a testimony of the Book of Mormon and started reading it, he couldn't put it down because he knew it was true." He has reared four children who are now active in the church and he and his wife are ready to serve in the mission field. In his letter he wrote, "this amazing church has woven a pattern of miracles in our lives."

A California couple in their 70s serving their fifth mission had a significant impact in Zimbabwe, Africa, where they were successful in reactivating many people. Because of their efforts, 28 people traveled to South Africa to receive their temple endowments and be sealed. How different all their lives would have been had the couple not decided to serve.

View Comments

"You can't find the word 'retirement' in the Bible. And don't look for it in the Bible Dictionary."

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.