The Manhattan LDS Temple

Another wonderful week in New York, but this week was “interrupted” by two temple trips. The Temple is one of the most sacred places on the earth along with the home. They are not like chapels that we attend on Sunday.

“Throughout history, the Lord has commanded His people to build temples. Today the Church is heeding the Lord’s call to build temples all over the world, making temple blessings more available for a great number of our Heavenly Father’s children.”

In the last week I was able to attend the Manhattan New York Temple twice. Once because I hit 18 months on the mission and once to accompany a man who was recently Baptized to attend for the first time. Both experiences were extremely cherished.

After finding the elusive parking garage we were able to go into the temple. All noises of the city ceased and a feeling of deep peace came over me. A short time later Vicente was Baptized in Proxy (or in place of) his deceased grandfather. 1 Corinthians 15:29. I could really tell that Vicente had a faith growing experience while in the house of the Lord. No one can enter the kingdom of God with out receiving the ordinances of the Gospel this is why the temple is so important it is there that we receive all of the covenants (or two way promises) of the Lord.

But in the end the work of Salvation left us exaused and a deep sleep fell upon all in the car.

Learn more about baptim in proxy of the dead.

http://www.lds.org/new-era/2009/03/why-do-we-baptize-for-the-dead?lang=eng

What it is like to be a shovel in the hands of a missionary doing service?

It is awesome that is what it is. This is a little video I made the other day while shoveling snow outside our house. We started there and than moved on to some of the people that are teaching and a few members when we ran out of people that we knew to help so (after a little convincing from Elder Galke)  we pulled up the car and just started shoveling, the first man we talked to said he wanted the exercise. We went next door and shoveled a Driveway no one was home. I am happy to think that they came home after a long day and found a clean driveway waiting for them. We moved down the street two doors and started shoveling some more.

Part way through a Lady came out in pajamas and said "You don't have to do that I do not have any money to pay you."

We said "That's fine we are your neighbors and we just want to do something nice for you."

"Really"

"Yup"

"Am I being punked."

"Nope just some good ole fashion serves.

Later on she came out and we talked a little. We were able to tell her that we are missionaries and that I am from Arizona and Elder Galke was from Panama. We told her that part of our mission was to go out and serve other people. She told us that we could come back the next day and she would have money but we haven't gone back yet. ;)