We are All on the Same Team

Kam na bane ni mauri moa!

There's a phrase in the Kiribati language that is used quite often here (as opposed to other places...). It goes like this: "E bon te b'ai teuana." It roughly translates to "it was somethin' else" or "it was quite something." Ha, I don't even know how to say it in English. Anyways, this week was bon te b'ai teuana. Allow me to explain.

We spent the majority of our week planning logistics and things. I've gotten so good at Excel this week. Life skills, am I right? Anyway, the zone conference went pretty well. President Larkin told us the day before the conference that he wanted us to give a training about "effective language learning," so we spent some time getting that ready. We had it at Moroni High School. It was pretty fun and there were some really instructive lessons that missionaries gave. It was a fun day!

The next day was crazy. We woke up early and went to the airport to welcome the new intake of missionaries that just got in from the MTC! I love the new intake days. It's so fun to see them all come off of the plane and look around in amazement. We picked up...(drumroll...)...twelve new missionaries! There were 10 Elders and 2 Sisters. We loaded them all up (we fit so many bags in the back of the truck), picked up their lunch (lasagna), and went to the orientation. The best part is telling them who their trainer is and where they are going. Some of them freak out and jump up from their seat and some of them just look at us with wide eyes. It takes some getting used to.

Once the zone conference was overwith and the new intake was settled in, we FINALLY had some time to visit our families. Right now we are pretty overwhelmed with how many people we get to teach. I am constantly amazed with how many people are ready and willing to hear the gospel here in Kiribati. There are always more people if you just keep looking!

During my study time this week I came across a passage that really hit me. I was reading a section from the Book of Mormon along with a institute class student manual. E kangai:

"The service we render to others can be used to measure the depth of our personal conversion. Conversion means consecrating your life to the caring for and serving of others who need your help and sharing of your gifts and blessings. Every unselfish act of kindness and service increases your spirituality. God will use you to bless others. The person who does only things that concern himself alone will never reach the goal of perfection. Service is what the gospel is all about."

And from the scriptures themselves:

"Behold I tell you these things that you may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God (Mosiah 2:17)".

I know that this is one of the most read verses in the book. It's been quoted by so many general authorities and in so many sacrament meetings. I've probably heard it 65 times shared it as an early morning seminary devotional. But for some reason when I read it a few days ago with that quote, I understood just a little better what it means to be a true follower of Christ. It means that we have a clear understanding that we are all on the same team; we are all children of God. He has trusted us to love and serve the people he has placed around us. Just as a parent is grateful when someone takes a moment to watch over and take care of his or her child, likewise is our Father in heaven grateful for the services which we render to his children. It was a good reminder to me that as we love and serve the people around us in whatever capacity we can we bring ourselves closer to seeing others as God sees them. This greater eternal perspective will help keep us on the right path throughout our lives.

I have felt the peace and happiness that comes form service to others. Not from being seen or recognized for a good deed, but from knowing that that is what the gospel is all about. That is what being a follower of Christ is all about.

Tekeraoi te wiiki ae imwaaira,

Elder Barker