tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50359006659920867.post4135611559704157059..comments2010-03-04T14:08:53.636-08:00Comments on Tender Mercies of the Lord: Pioneer HeritageCarolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14336897934963856543noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50359006659920867.post-86044830287223006012008-08-01T08:31:00.000-07:002008-08-01T08:31:00.000-07:00I have been trying to get Scott to expand his spar...I have been trying to get Scott to expand his sparse notes to a full version of the talk but, alas, to no avail. So I'll paraphrase the important bits for you. <BR/><BR/>He began with this scripture from the book of Ephesians: "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God." He talked about how he does not have any ancestors that joined the restored church in its early years or cross the plains to Utah, seeking refuge with the saints. He did not have the literal heritage that some church members can boast of. He compared this to the Greek saints who were converted by Paul just after the death of Christ. Many of the Jewish Christians felt that because they were had already been God's chosen people, they were the superior Christians. They thought that their Israelite heritage and subsequent baptism was more valid than those who had merely been adopted into the house of Israel. Some of them felt that in order to become a Christian, the Greeks should first become Jews by being circumcised! Paul tried to end this prideful thinking by teaching that all members of Christ's church were fellowcitizens, adopted into the household of God. When we join Christ's church, our biological heritage becomes second to the great legacy of faith we inherit from all the Christians who went before us. My husband talked about how that is part of what it means to be of the household of God. We are brothers and sisters and we can rejoice in all the stories of all the Christians who are a part of that family.<BR/><BR/>To illustrate his point, my husband talked about the Hmong people. He has recently been working with the Hmong members in California as the scriptures are being translated into their language. The Hmong people were a persecuted ethnic group in Southeast Asia that fought alongside the American troops during the Vietnam War. When the United States pulled out of the conflict, these people were left behind, surrounded by people who hated them. America made them the best deal we could, considering the politics at the time. We promised the Hmong people that if they could cross the country of Laos, which was filled with people who hated and wanted to kill them, and cross the border into Thailand, we would pick them up and take them to the United States of America, where several states were prepared to naturalize them. Many of the Hmong people made the journey through Laos; few of them made it across into Thailand. Those brave people were then brought to America, where they have been joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in droves. Their story of courage and sacrifice became a part of my heritage when they became our fellowcitizens, and of the household of God.<BR/><BR/>Scott felt very keenly the strength that the Hmong people add to our congregation and he shared with our ward how very excited the Hmong saints were to celebrate Pioneer Day. Although they have no biological ties to the 19th century church members who built up our church's headquarters in Utah, they recognized their spiritual connection to them and were so grateful for their sacrifices. <BR/><BR/>That's the gist of it. I hope that this helps.Carolynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14336897934963856543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50359006659920867.post-4550511977395930482008-07-25T21:38:00.000-07:002008-07-25T21:38:00.000-07:00Does Scott have a copy of his talk about being ado...Does Scott have a copy of his talk about being adopted into Christ's family and being spiritual brothers and sister's and the story he told. I am learning more and more about your church and I love it. It makes sence. I'd love to read his talk if I can. Your's was good too. I like the way you guys teach each other. My email is debbmoody@cox.net. (I found your blog on google by the way) just looking up any info I can find.Courtneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18016405440178116364noreply@blogger.com