Do you remember?
Today, I am reflecting on August 7, 2011. On that date, the Paola Ward had a new Bishop called. Bishop Jeremiah Allen. I was humbled to be called as one of his counselors, along with Wes Fields.
I should have known something was afoot after spending time at scout camp chatting it up with then Brother Allen, Executive Secretary. In all fairness, I am not sure he knew at the time what was coming.
That morning was brutally hot in the chapel, as the AC was out, and it was one of the hottest days that I can remember. All the doors were open, fans were running. I remember that, as I had ditched the long coat, and conducted the music in my vest. It was announced that there would be no meetings after the Sacrament Meeting.
The Bishopric was released, and the new one called. Each bore testimony. Towards the end of the meeting, The AC kicked on, and meetings were held, and the day went on.
I still have memories of that first month, as the Bishop was out of town for job training, and I had the pleasure of presiding and conducting Sacrament Meetings, never having had the responsibility previously.
Wes Fields moved with his family, and Mike Gotfredson was called in to the Bishopric.
Bodie Minster went on a High Adventure with the Bishop (it seems a reoccurring theme) and the youth, and within a week, I was released from the Bishopric, and Bodie was called in as 2nd Counselor. I can't begin to describe how I felt, and the feelings still cut too personally to voice them. No worries, within a week I was called as the High Priest Group leader for the ward. ( a far harder job, in my opinion)
Mike Gotfredson was released, and Albert Miller, who had initially served as the Bishop's Executive Secretary, was called in to the Bishopric.
Why does any of that matter?
Next week, a new Bishopric will be called in Paola. The Lord moves in His time, and calls His servants. In my ward in Twin, we talked today about the fact that "whom the Lord calls, He qualifies". That certainly is the case with Bishop Allen, (who was well qualified before the Lord called), and will be with whomever the Lord has called to replace him.
I bear witness that God speaks through those that hold priesthood keys. We may not know, or understand a calling, but it is our responsibility to sustain someone called, and that by sustaining them, we will truly receive a witness of their call.
I truly love Bishop Allen. He sustained me, and had confidence in me that I didn't have. I pray that I had served the Lord by serving with him in an acceptable manner. He has become a friend, and will always be. Definitely deserving a vote of thanks. Thank you Bishop.
I should have known something was afoot after spending time at scout camp chatting it up with then Brother Allen, Executive Secretary. In all fairness, I am not sure he knew at the time what was coming.
That morning was brutally hot in the chapel, as the AC was out, and it was one of the hottest days that I can remember. All the doors were open, fans were running. I remember that, as I had ditched the long coat, and conducted the music in my vest. It was announced that there would be no meetings after the Sacrament Meeting.
The Bishopric was released, and the new one called. Each bore testimony. Towards the end of the meeting, The AC kicked on, and meetings were held, and the day went on.
I still have memories of that first month, as the Bishop was out of town for job training, and I had the pleasure of presiding and conducting Sacrament Meetings, never having had the responsibility previously.
Wes Fields moved with his family, and Mike Gotfredson was called in to the Bishopric.
Bodie Minster went on a High Adventure with the Bishop (it seems a reoccurring theme) and the youth, and within a week, I was released from the Bishopric, and Bodie was called in as 2nd Counselor. I can't begin to describe how I felt, and the feelings still cut too personally to voice them. No worries, within a week I was called as the High Priest Group leader for the ward. ( a far harder job, in my opinion)
Mike Gotfredson was released, and Albert Miller, who had initially served as the Bishop's Executive Secretary, was called in to the Bishopric.
Why does any of that matter?
Next week, a new Bishopric will be called in Paola. The Lord moves in His time, and calls His servants. In my ward in Twin, we talked today about the fact that "whom the Lord calls, He qualifies". That certainly is the case with Bishop Allen, (who was well qualified before the Lord called), and will be with whomever the Lord has called to replace him.
I bear witness that God speaks through those that hold priesthood keys. We may not know, or understand a calling, but it is our responsibility to sustain someone called, and that by sustaining them, we will truly receive a witness of their call.
I truly love Bishop Allen. He sustained me, and had confidence in me that I didn't have. I pray that I had served the Lord by serving with him in an acceptable manner. He has become a friend, and will always be. Definitely deserving a vote of thanks. Thank you Bishop.
You're a good man and we're a great counselor. Love you bro!
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