Independence Day and Moroni

To the Missionaries of the Great Texas Houston Mission,

As we turn our attention to the Independence Day, it is sometimes lost in the discussion of America's independence that the initial liberty being sought by our founding fathers was religious liberty. They wanted to be free to worship God and sought, even at the peril of their own lives, the opportunity to do so. We want to commend all of you for the way you are exercising your faith in remarkable ways to help our brothers and sisters in this area find a related kind of freedom; freedom from sin. I can think of no better way to celebrate this upcoming holiday that the way we celebrated it this weekend where we saw and unprecedented number (33) enter into the waters baptism to celebrate their own kind independence. It truly is a marvelous work and a wonder that God is performing here. It looks like this trend will continue into July because of your faith and diligence.

While great things are happening in the mission, the world in general, is going a much different direction. This past week the US Supreme Court made a ruling that once and for all, same sex couples will be allowed to marry in all 50 states. This will inevitably lead to the very calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets as prophesied by our living prophets in The Family: A Proclamation to the World. The good news is that in addition to these prophecies the promise to the righteous is that they shall not fear. Let us remember as we are sharing the gospel with those we teach, that we are inviting them to the safety of the covenants that will provide them the protection they will need in the years to come. 

As we consider these things, we want you share with you something that isn't often talked about. In the early days of the Church, Orson Hyde was called to be one of the original Twelve Apostles by the Prophet Joseph. He served under three presidents of the Church–the Prophet Joseph, Brigham Young, and John Taylor. He was one of the great Apostles of this dispensation of time. He gave a talk in the Salt Lake Tabernacle on July 4, 1854. That talk was a patriotic talk about America. He called Moroni the “guardian angel of America.” He said, “That same angel of God that appeared to Joseph Smith presides over the destiny of the United States of America.” Elder Hyde said that he [Moroni] was in the camp with George Washington. He [Moroni] helped George Washington when he had trouble. He said that same angel was with Christopher Columbus and gave him deep impressions and dreams and visions respecting the new world. He said that same angel was with Columbus on the stormy deep. He guided his frail vessel to the desired haven, and he calmed the troubled elements. (Glenn L. Rudd, BYU - I devotional 3/11/03)

It makes me energized to know that Moroni is still on our side as well as countless others like him. It was Elisha who said the words to his servant, referring to the multitudes of angels similarly on our side, "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." (2 Kings 6:16)

Independence and freedom will prevail. Joseph Smith stated: "“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”

It is our testimony to you, that we are on the winning team. Let hope and happiness abound. Hurrah for Israel!

We love to be on your team!

Love,

President and Sister Mortensen

We had another wonderful Mission President's "Why I Believe" Fireside tonight in Katy, Texas. We had a big turnout and heard some amazing musical numbers and testimonies. There was a powerful spirit there and we were all uplifted. We love these missionaries and new converts!
(Not pictured is Elder Mitchell who sang a solo performance of "This is the Christ". He's a professional! So great!)

These sisters sang a beautiful rendition of "Redeemer of my Soul"

Elder Iosefa and Elder Faamausili performed "He Is"
It was outstanding!