The Savior’s Healing Power upon the Isles of the Sea
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- How did a sister from Okinawa find hope amidst the horrors of war?
- What were the challenges faced by Japanese members in attending the temple in Hawaii?
- How did the gospel help heal the wounds of war and unite people from different backgrounds?
- What is the significance of temple covenants in our lives?
- How does the Savior's healing power manifest in our lives?
Topics
Experiencing God's Love Amidst War
Elder Esplin shares the story of a sister from Okinawa who, amidst the horrors of war, had a profound spiritual experience that gave her a tangible sense of God's love. This experience gave her the strength to endure and sparked her quest to know more about God.
However, as she prepared to do so, a profoundly spiritual experience unfolded that gave her a tangible sense of the reality of God and His love for her, which gave her the strength to carry on.
- What was the sister's spiritual experience during the war?
- How did this experience change her life?
- Have you ever felt God's love in times of adversity?
- How can you seek to feel God's love in your own life?
Finding the Gospel and Facing Criticism
After the war, the sister from Okinawa started searching for answers about God and was eventually taught by missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Despite facing criticism and hardships, she held on to her faith in Jesus Christ.
Imagine her joy when two sister missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came to her house one day and taught her that people can learn about Jesus Christ in the spirit world.
Undeterred by profound tragedy and harsh criticism, she held on to her faith in Jesus Christ, determined to press forward, trusting that God knew her and that brighter days were ahead.
- What teachings of the Church resonated with the sister from Okinawa?
- How did she respond to criticism and hardships?
- How do you respond to criticism for your beliefs?
- What can you do to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ?
Overcoming Barriers to Attend the Temple
Elder Esplin describes the challenges faced by Japanese members in attending the temple in Hawaii, including financial constraints and language barriers. Through innovative solutions and sacrifices, these members were able to receive the blessings of the temple.
Then several innovative solutions emerged. The cost could be reduced by half if members in Japan chartered an entire plane to fly to Hawaii in the offseason.
When the endowed Japanese members living in Hawaii first heard the translation, they wept.
- What were the challenges faced by Japanese members in attending the temple?
- How were these challenges overcome?
- What sacrifices are you willing to make to attend the temple?
- How can you help others overcome barriers to attend the temple?
Healing and Uniting through the Gospel
Elder Esplin emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel in healing wounds of war and uniting people from different backgrounds. He shares how Japanese members were welcomed with love by Hawaiian members and how the gospel brought peace and unity.
Upon the Japanese Saints’ arrival, the Hawaiian members welcomed them with countless strands of flower leis while exchanging hugs and kisses on the cheeks, a custom foreign to Japanese culture.
Through temple blessings, the Savior heals individuals, families, and nations—even those that once stood as bitter enemies.
- How did the gospel help heal the wounds of war?
- How did the gospel unite people from different backgrounds?
- How has the gospel brought healing in your life?
- How can you help promote unity and peace through the gospel?
The Power and Blessings of Temple Covenants
Elder Esplin testifies of the power and blessings of temple covenants. He emphasizes how temple covenants bind individuals and families to the Savior and each other, and how they provide heavenly power to withstand trials and temptations.
Temple covenants are gifts from our Heavenly Father to the faithful followers of His Son, Jesus Christ. Through the temple, our Heavenly Father binds individuals and families to the Savior and to each other.
President Russell M. Nelson declared last year: "Each person who makes covenants in baptismal fonts and in temples—and keeps them—has increased access to the power of Jesus Christ."
- What are the blessings associated with temple covenants?
- How do temple covenants bind us to the Savior and each other?
- How have temple covenants blessed your life?
- What can you do to better understand and live your temple covenants?
