President Joel Beckstrand
Stake Presidency Second Counselor
Washington Stake Presidency
Dear brothers and sisters of the Washington Utah Stake, We observed Patriot Day this past Friday in honor of the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. The events of that fateful day have caused us to reflect on what it means to be fellow citizens of this free nation. I find an increase of faith and hope for the future during these formidable times in the following memories: I remember the words penned by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: “The fate of a nation was riding that night; And the spark struck out by that steed in his flight. Kindled the land into flame with its heat…. A cry of defiance, and not of fear. … And the midnight message of Paul Revere.” It was worth a lot to the new Americans of that hour to beget this nation—worth all they had, all they were, and all that they had dreamed. What is it worth today, to you and to me, to assert our free agency toward the fulfilling of the Lord’s plan? I remember what the Lord said: “Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them.” (2 Ne. 1:7) I remember a talk given by Elder D. Todd Christofferson: “We live in challenging times. Religious freedom is indeed under fire,” Elder Christofferson spoke about America’s heritage of religious liberty and encouraged the audience to “defend that heritage before it is too late.” He concluded his talk by saying: “Things may get worse before they get better. But these are our times. This is our moment to defend our fundamental freedoms. With courage, conviction, and civility—drawing upon our noble heritage as Americans—each one of us can make a profound difference.” I remember a conference address from the prophet Gordon B. Hinkley: “We have become as a great army. We are now a people of consequence. Our voice is heard when we speak up. We have demonstrated our strength in meeting adversity. Our strength is our faith in the Almighty. No cause under the heavens can stop the work of God. Adversity may raise its ugly head. The world may be troubled with wars and rumors of wars, but this cause will go forward.” I remember the words written by the Prophet Joseph: “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.” May we ever remember those moments which have forged our faith and strengthened our testimonies. May we continue to kindle that early flame and be the light that looks to the future with hope and find the peace and joy the gospel brings. No matter what happens, the Lord is mindful of you. He’s in charge, and if we trust in Him, all will be well. We love you! Joel Beckstrand Washington Utah Stake Presidency
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