I am speaking as Country Director of Latter-Day Saint Charities Nepal. It feels weird wearing that title. I much prefer to refer to Taunya and me together as Country Directors since we do our work in tandem, each contributing, one complementing the other, dividing and conquering our responsibilities.
But officially, I am The Country Director. And it will fall to another Richard to take over in just a few days, which suits me just fine. The scripture that captures the moment for me is
John 3:30 — He must increase, but I must decrease.
These words were spoken by John the Baptist (“I”), and he was referring to Jesus (“He”). As Jesus was increasing in popularity, so John was decreasing. He had fulfilled his role as forerunner, now it was time to exit stage left. (This is quite presumptuous of me, of course, likening this verse to such pale shadows of an Elias and the Lord Himself!)
Our next two weeks are shaping up to be very busy as we have many appointments to show the new couple the ropes. But since they’re not here yet (tomorrow!), I will mention another increasing and decreasing we did this week that doesn’t involve them.
On Friday we increased and then decreased our elevation as we hiked another (smaller) mountain at the edge of the valley. The gain was about half that of the big hike we did last month, but over a shorter distance, so it felt comparable.
We certainly increased our heart rates climbing those steep stairs! And the soreness of our muscles!
Luke 17:5 — […] Lord, increase our faith.
Overall, I think the steady increasing of my faith and the decreasing of my doubts has been happening. I feel closer to my Savior now than ever before. I know He lives. I know He knows me, feels my pain, succors me in my weakness, and draws me ever closer to Him as I let Him. Next Saturday the branch choir will have one final rehearsal of our Easter special musical number, Beautiful Savior, which we will perform in sacrament meeting the following Saturday, the 30th. I am counting on it being attended by angels to help us sing praises and give glory to our Resurrected Lord!
Doctrine and Covenants 6:36 — Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.
Such is our daily challenge — and delight!
Stay tuned…
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