Of course, I want to include some stories from my mission in my series of ME Stories. It was an amazing and hard experience but I love it and learned and grew a lot from my experience.
I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 17 July 1977, at the young age of 29. On 5 July 1979 I entered the MTC (Misionary Training Center) I went to the Bolivia Santa Cruz Mission as a Welfare Sister (Hermaña de Bienestar).
My companion and I were working with the Young Women and their leader ship, having a training meeting. We had an opening song, and I was conducting. Now you need to know, that I am not the best singer. I enjoy singing and I don't hesitate to sing, I know sometime I sound like a frog croaking but I have the spirit. And I know the power of sacred music.
We were singing the Hymn, Secret Prayer (There is an hour of peace and rest.) (Oracion Secreta). The sisters were just dragging the hymn. And I mean dragging it and it was painful to listen to. I made them stop, I told them to feel the words, read them and bring them into there hearts. This hymn teaches us about the importance of prayer and the peace it can give you. I testifies that hymns are like prayers to the Lord and He hears them.
We started singing again. Suddenly my voice changes, it wasn't my voice any more. It was sweet and angelic and strong and confident. My companion looked up at me in wonder. She had also noticed the change. The group was singing with more feeling. I don't know which angel it was that helped my voice but I am grateful for the experience.
It was a special experience for me, and even after all these years it still touches my heart. Here is the link to the words of the hymn.
144
Secret Prayer
1. There is an hour of peace and rest,
Unmarred by earthly care;
'Tis when before the Lord I go
And kneel in secret prayer.
Unmarred by earthly care;
'Tis when before the Lord I go
And kneel in secret prayer.
[Chorus]
May my heart be turned to pray,
Pray in secret day by day,
That this boon to mortals giv'n
May unite my soul with heav'n.
May my heart be turned to pray,
Pray in secret day by day,
That this boon to mortals giv'n
May unite my soul with heav'n.
2. The straight and narrow way to heav'n,
Where angels bright and fair
Are singing to God's praise, is found
Thru constant secret prayer.
Where angels bright and fair
Are singing to God's praise, is found
Thru constant secret prayer.
3. When sailing on life's stormy sea,
'Mid billows of despair,
'Tis solace to my soul to know
God hears my secret prayer.
'Mid billows of despair,
'Tis solace to my soul to know
God hears my secret prayer.
4. When thorns are strewn along my path,
And foes my feet ensnare,
My Savior to my aid will come,
If sought in secret prayer.
And foes my feet ensnare,
My Savior to my aid will come,
If sought in secret prayer.
Text and music: Hans Henry Petersen, 1835-1909
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