Friendship: A Gospel Principle

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “friendship is one of the grand fundamental principles of ‘Mormonism."

This is Mama Merina. Her and her husband Useless they have become some of our dearest friends here in Chuuk.  We have had the opportunity to witness their marriage, to teach them and help them prepare for a temple marriage for Time and all Eternity and we have watched them grow and build a loving relationship with one another.
They are raising three young boys that belong to Merina's sister. We have had the opportunity to witness these boys' bapisms and now Sister Tiffany has had the opportunity to teach them in Primary.

Funny thing about these boys - they are all boy. Busy,busy, busy always getting into things and one day Elder Allred & Elder Shakespear setup an appointment to teach them.  Elder Allred nicknamed them, "The things" ... thing one, and thing two... That was before there was three of them. When he would begin to teach gospel principles they would settle right down and listen.  He said he had a wonderful experience with them because they were so eager to learn.  He baptized them all.  Sister Tiffany says they are very well behaved in Primary and always help and listen and she loves teaching them.
If we truly want to be tools in the hands of our Heavenly Father in bringing to pass His eternal purposes, we need only to be a friend.

This is papa Useless and nephew Gladfin (who he is raising at the time). His name has nothing to do with what he represents.  He is a wonderful man who loves, and serves his family and many others.  We are very gratified that we were present to witness his advancement in the Priesthood to the office of Elder. We are happy to call this couple our friends.  I once read that if the consummate Christian attribute of charity has a first cousin, it is friendship.

“Nothing will bring greater joy and success than to live according to the teachings of the gospel. Be an example; be an influence for good. We are grateful for our friendship and know it will continue throughout the eternities.