The Faith Of A Misionary

One of the Elders in our mission is from the city of Tacloban. This is the city that was directly hit by the typhoon Yolanda. He has not heard from his family and he does not know if they made it to a shelter in time, or if they are somewhere safe with other family members. All communication in and out of Tacloban is still down. Last night I asked my husband if he had heard anything from this Elder, such as a request to contact his family, or to try and reach his Bishop or anyone who may have information about his relatives. I feared that he may be sick with worry. My husband told me he had not heard from the elder and I thought that perhaps this young man was not aware of the devastation that the typhoon had brought upon his hometown.  

 

Today as my husband was reading the emails he receives from the missionaries every Monday, he found the one from this elder and shared its contents with me - with permission from Elder Zacarias, I want to share his short powerful email with you . . .

 

"A wonderful week has passed. For all the trials in my life here I always have room enough to laugh and do the best thing that I can be in this work. Many members gave their sympathy on me and my family. I have no news about my family but I know they are pretty safe and if ever there is a worst thing that could happen to them, I know that we will meet again. I am thankful that I never felt any sorrow or worries about their situations. I love my family."

 

Such strength. So much faith. So humble.

Imagine being able to continue to carry on without knowing if your family was alive and well. Imagine having the kind of
faith to say, ". . . if the worst thing could happen to them, I know that we will meet again."

D&C 1:19 says, "The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones . . ." There are many in the world who think that our little band of 18 - 25 year old missionaries serving in Cavite are the weak ones of the world, but I disagree. It is their faith that brings them peace, and through peace they find great strength, and with strength they will have the power to "break down the mighty and strong ones." 

UPDATE: President Tye received a phone call to inform Elder Zacarias that his family has been found and they are alive and well.