Reno Nevada Temple - Liahona

The wind swirled around us as we drove toward the Reno Nevada Temple, on a hilltop west of the city.  We arrived just in time for the last session, with the help of our phone GPS instructions.  In all of our searches for temples, or hotels, no matter how confusing the streets have been, the GPS quickly adapted to our correct and incorrect turns, and charted us a course that eventually took us where we wanted to be.  (Except the time it gave us directions to Australia, when we only needed to go a few blocks!)

I cannot help but compare this technology to the "ball of curious workmanship", described by the Prophet Nephi in the Book of Mormon.

1Ne 16:10

 10 And it came to pass that as my father arose in the morning, and went forth to the tent door, to his great astonishment he beheld upon the ground a round ^aball of curious workmanship; and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two spindles; and the one ^bpointed the way whither we should go into the wilderness.

There is a significant difference between our GPS and the Liahona.  The ancient compass operated, based on the righteousness and faithfulness of those to whom it was entrusted.  So, when they neglected their relationship with the Lord, it stopped working and they would wander and get lost.  But, when they followed the instructions correctly, they were eventually led to the promised land.

Later, in the Book of Mormon, Alma (another prophet), likened the blessings of following the Liahona, to following the word of Christ.

Alma 37:45
45 And now I say, is there not a ^atype in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.

I know, if we follow the words of Christ, we will be guided back into his presence.

One of the women (Sisters) greeted us as we entered the front door.  Later I spoke with her, and was surprised to discover she and her husband served a mission in Peru and Bolivia, about 11 years ago.  Her husband is a medical doctor and was in charge of keeping 1200 missionaries healthy, who were serving in those two countries.  They traveled frequently.   It was very challenging and some of the missionaries experienced unusual and rare fevers and diseases, that we don't typically see in the United States.  I felt a kinship with her as I shared some of my experiences while growing up in Bolivia.

This is proof I'm not totally vain!
Believe it or not...this was
the best of three attempted pictures!

She and her husband are an example of so many other missionary couples who, once they retire, choose to serve missions throughout the world, at their own expense.  Some serve in the temples, or they serve humanitarian missions, where supplies are gathered and sent all over the world to those experiencing hardship from natural disasters.  Recent examples are, the earthquake in Japan, and the tornadoes in the southern US.  The supplies and relief, bless all people in the affected area.  Other missionary couples go to places to help strengthen and fellowship members of the church.  Some help train or mentor individuals, help manage farms and distribution centers, or serve on military bases.  The list and the need is almost endless.

I will always be grateful for various missionary couples who have watched over and served beside our sons, while they have been serving missions, and in the military.

A few years ago, our Stake President, challenged each member of the stake to set a future date, when they would be willing to accept a call to serve a mission.  Our date is quickly approaching, but will require a few more miracles between now and then.