Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men

When I saw this father teaching and helping his child today. I couldn't help but think about the story of Christ telling the apostles to follow him and he would make them fishers of men.  A Christian knows that throughout the ages, God’s prophets have always testified of Jesus Christ.  

This small boy about the age of 3 maybe 4 helped his father as they were coming in from fishing.  His father patiently taught him how to get the ropes for tying up the boat.

We all have the opportunity to act straightway, immediately, and decisively, just as Peter and Andrew did: “they forsook their nets, and followed him.” We too are called upon to leave our nets, to reject worldly habits, customs, and traditions.
One thing about the Chuukese is they are all about teaching their children the ways to follow Christ and survival.  It is different from home, for example as we sat today in Sacrament, more than half the congregation are small children, 12 and younger probably 60% or more on occasion.  The chapel is completely quiet and reverent.  We can honestly say we have never sat through a sacrament this quiet with children as here in Chuuk.  Now don't get us wrong, kids will be kids but these children learn many things about reverence at such a young age, it truly is amazing.  And as we talk, we think that might be why they are so well behaved most of the time anyway...


This is Brady with his mom's machete. Brady turned 2 in July last year.  He is fun to watch and quite an entertainer when we are around. He has been working cutting the grass and weeds in the yard with his mommy.  I asked the question, "Do very many children get hurt and cut themselves with that big knife"?  Her answer was sometimes but not very often, they just know to be careful.  They know it's not a toy, it is a tool for working.  “As people become self-reliant, they are better prepared to endure adversities” and are “better able to care for others in need.”  The Savior invites us to learn His gospel with three words: “Keep the commandments” nothing more, nothing less.

It is normal to see people walking around here with big machetes and when we first arrived in Chuuk, we drove around the island to see things and we were kind of afraid and nervous, not being used to the culture or the people and all.  Now we just laugh because the Chuukese people are some of the greatest, most gentle souls in the world.
We are enriched by associations with different people, which remind us of the wonderful diversity of the children of God.

For many, the call to be a Christian can seem demanding, even overwhelming. But we need not be afraid or feel inadequate. The Savior has promised that He will make us equal to His work. “Follow me,” He said, “and I will make you fishers of men".

Now these kids are a few of Sister Tiffany's angels doing crazy faces.  Anytime we go to the church they always come running.  She is always teaching them something.  It might be music, it might be a lesson, cleaning up the church. They like to be with her and she loves it.  The moms say they can't get them to listen at home or broom (sweep) at home so it's good they want to go help at the church.

As we serve others for Him, He lets us feel His love. And over time, feelings of charity are becoming part of our very nature.