For many members of the Church in Suriname, Thursday, June 16 represented the fulfillment of a long-awaited blessing when Patriarch Han Hogervorst of the Hague Netherlands Stake arrived in Ramchandraweg for a two week stay.Most have been members for many years. Many have been sealed in the Temple but have not been able to receive a Patriarchal blessing in their own language so they could understand fully the promises made to them by a spokesman from the Lord.
Preparations began months ago with a request to the First Presidency for consent for Patriarch Hogervorst to travel to Suriname where a total of 35 blessings were given between Friday, June 17 and Saturday, July 2. Those who did not have the opportunity on this first visit were promised the Patriarch would do everything possible to return later in the year.
Patriarch Hogervorst said of his time in Suriname, “It was a very special experience and a great privilege to serve in this way. It was wonderful to be able to feel so clearly how our Heavenly Father loves His children and to know He is so willing to guide us in our lives. What stood out for me was the humility of the members in Suriname and their gratitude for the gospel. I was very uplifted by their strong testimonies and am impressed with the wonderful way many of the members came into contact with the gospel. It reminded me once again, miracles do happen. There are many more who are looking forward to their Patriarchal blessing. I do not think that to come back once will be enough. The members in Suriname are so anxiously looking forward to what will bring them closer to the Lord and many are preparing to go to the temple when it opens in Manaus, Brazil in 2012.”
1 comment:
From Sister Salmon: This is wonderful! Thank you for continuing to update the mission blog.
Post a Comment