Saturday September 15

Genesis 2:2 reads, “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” God himself has shown that the eternal principle of the Sabbath is a day to rest from one’s labors and to partake of the word of God. Last Sabbath Brita Ball shared the word of God when she spoke about Zion. I particularly enjoyed that she emphasized that Zion is both created by individuals and destroyed by individuals. She gave the example of a previous BYU Jerusalem program where a close to Zion society existed. In the middle of the semester an individual within the group was caught acting inappropriately. This individual, rather than recognizing his mistake, strove to gain the support of the student body, and as a result, conflict erupted as peers took opposing sides on the issue. Zion disappeared.
Following sacrament, the Sunday school teacher encouraged each individual to be a more proactive participant in missionary work. Although members cannot proselyte here in Israel, it is my experience that people in Jerusalem can see the light that emanates from righteous Latter-day Saints. Part of this light that emanates comes from moral purity. As taught on Saturday, there is only one standard when it comes to chastity; complete fidelity.
Not only did I enjoy church services, but I also was uplifted by the activities that followed. After sacrament there was a Mix and Mingle activity to help everyone in the branch to get to know each other a little better. This event was well attended and included some excellent food: cookies, pita with humus, and some delicious salsa made by Sister Brown. I had an enjoyable time, but I wish that Sister Brown had made more salsa.
After the Mix and Mingle a large body of students decided to go to the Garden Tomb. By mistake, four of the students misunderstood the directions and thought the Garden Tomb was in the Old City. Consequently, these four wandered around through the teeming markets of the Old City for half an hour. These individuals eventually contacted the main group and made their way to the actual location. This excursion was my first opportunity to go to the Garden Tomb. Although I felt the spirit, there were many large groups of pilgrims, from India and Nigeria, whose noise detracted from the reverence of the place. During my time there I sat pondering the resurrection while many of the students read their scriptures. Eventually we sang several hymns in this beautiful setting. It was a wonderful experience, and I was touched when one of the pilgrims from India began to sing with us. I know that Christ lived and died for us. This trip has allowed the spirit to confirm that truth to me. I also hope that those who attended the Garden Tomb felt the spirit confirm this truth.