1 Nephi 22:24-28 -- Last night I read chapter 22 of 1 Nephi and was so moved because this weekend, I truly saw and felt the things I read about coming to pass. On Sunday, after a two hour drive to church, I was able to witness the dedication of the first chapel in Chennai, India. In Utah we take for granted something so simple as a new church meetinghouse, but here, these 3 small branches on the Southeast coast of India have been waiting 12 years for this building. The spirit in the meeting and especially in the dedicatory prayer was almost tangible. Over the last couple of weeks, when coming to church in Chennai, I have been so impressed by the organization, strength, and knowledge of our branch. It is amazing to see how consistent the church is, even in a 3rd world country 8,821 miles from home. In the dedicatory prayer, the president talked about the chapel being the most beautiful building in Chennai, and about how it would be a beacon to all those around it; that it would be strong, and be able to withstand both physical and spiritual adversity. When I heard these words, I thought about the members. They truly are the
most beautiful people, because they emanate the light of Christ. They are strong because of their testimonies and their obedience and their faithfulness. They are able to "dwell safely" and be protected and watched over. They are a beacon and shine that light of Christ to all those they come into contact with, just like the chapel in Chennai. When we "sang" (yelled very spiritedly and very monotonously in the case of most of the congregation)
The Spirit of God together to close the meeting, I felt such a oneness with the people of India. I felt that we were truly "one fold" and that Christ personally knew and loved every single one of us. I felt such a testifying spirit of the power of missionary work and of the truth and beauty of the scriptural prophecies that are being fulfilled in the latter days. It was such an incredible experience to see the gospel being spread to the four quarters of the earth and to take part in such a meaningful dedication for these people and to feel of their excitement and joy. I know that on Sunday afternoon, God was smiling down at the people of Chennai! :)
Kelli Ann Foster
