March 16, 2020

Wow, we are living in interesting times aren't we! I never imagined that while on my mission I wouldn't be able to invite people to church! ha! When my mission president called me with the update of church members no longer meeting in the meeting houses I was nervous. I was thinking wow, if the coronavirus is big enough to close meetings worldwide then I wonder how dangerous it really is. I started to worry for my family, I began to be confused as to what can I do now as a missionary. I started to worry about the possibility of American borders closing down and  being stuck! Reasonably I was worried, anxious, and a little discouraged. It's not easy to go out to proselyte and have people yell "Coronavirus" at you because your a foreigner. It's not easy to teach people the message of the restored gospel and when they ask, "When do you worship", you have to say, "Well, right now we are currently closed, but we will get back to you", haha. It's not easy to think man if I even make it home on time due to the possible of closed borders, I might have the suckiest homecoming ever! I mean who knows if by May, people will be able to bring big groups to the airport. I won't be able to give a homecoming talk anymore, and it sounds like everything in America is closing down! Its crazy!

However... I felt comforted and at ease when I thought about our prophet. He truly receives revelation which will keep us safe and on the right path. Think about the recent changes. Don't they just make so much sense. The new emphasis on ministering. Don't we need ministering now more than ever! How about the home centered learning? Well now church is your home, and we should all be prepared to make the most of it. I was blessed with the chance to partake of the sacrament in one of the districts in my current zone. We all met in an elders apartment, including the sisters, We blessed and administered the sacrament, then went outside and studied Come Follow Me. I tell you, the spirit was so strong, And in that small apartment I had reconfirmed to me, this is the Lord's church, and he is in charge.

Nothing can stop this work from progressing, and even if you take out full time missionaries, you can't take the burning passion in members hearts to take over the work to share the gospel. You can't stop young members from getting married bringing the gospel into their homes, and families. You can't stop the revelation which our prophet receives, to bless us, no matter what our current situation may be. You can't stop a faithful member from offering a humble prayer of guidance, whenever they don't know which path to take. No matter what happens, the work will commence, until the great Johavah shall say, the work is done.

All my worries, fears, discouragement were put to rest when I got on my knees and said a prayer. I simply asked, Will everything be okay? The words of Isaiah came to my mind which say,  "Fear thou not, for I am with thee". Peace immediately swept over me and I felt calm. I don't know if I will have to stay in Ghana past my original going home date, I don't know if I will be called home early, and I don't know if I will be able to go home on time. But what I do know is that whatever happens, someone who is greater than all is in charge, and He will make sure all things work out for my benefit.

So my dear friends, even though these are difficult times, fear not! If we put our trust in God, we can't go wrong.

I love you all

Elder Pace