Here in Argentina, the culture is rich with history religion. Christianity and its traditions run through the blood of almost every Argentinian. Almost Prehistoric Cathedrals tower over the busy streets of ¨Centro¨standing as an Ensign to the country and to the world of their beliefs in God and Jesus Christ. It is truly amazing (in the actual meaning of the word - amazing) the architecture, detail, and sacrifice these titaneous symbols represent. My companion, Elder Vera and I, were sitting in the bench of one some weeks ago gazing upwards at the roof where the creation had been recreated in 7 individual murals representing the 7 creation periods; statues of the suffering Christ illuminated at the front and back of the halls. Biblical verse and history painted, carved, and written over every centimeter. At first glance, two white-shirt-and-tied, short haired and clean shaven Mormon boys sitting in a Catholic Building would seem awkward, even inappropriate. But there was something symbolic while sitting there. Something spiritual.
We all come from the same creator. God - our Eternal Father organized, planned, prepared, and created this world - the heavens above and the earth beneath - for us, his spiritual children. He did this out of his Eternal and Infinite love for us. Jesus The Christ lived, preached, and died to bring to pass the immortality and Eternal Life of Man. He gave freely his time, words, love, and life that we can be made perfect in him.
No matter the background, culture, religious beliefs, history, likes, dislikes, language, name, nationality, sexual orientation, or color of skin we ALL come from the SAME home. We are ALL headed to the SAME death. We are ALL headed to the SAME judgement. We are literally brothers and sisters who agreed to come to this Earth and help one another. To live above the world, to see people as Christ sees them, to be made perfect through the blood of the Savior is to loose your self in the service of love. I echo the words of one of my favorite Prophets who explained perfectly the importance of Charitable Service ¨And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.¨
My testimony is very simple but not to be taken lightly.
I know with full surety of Heart the God and Jesus Christ live. They love us infinitely and eternally.
I know because I have received it, the atonement or sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the only way to soften the hearts of the hardened and lift up the hands that hang low.
With the Help of God and Christ we can be made perfect. To this I testify.
As I sat in the sacred building of another´s beliefs I was humbled in my heart. To be given the sacred and special opportunity to share this message of love and unity is and will ever be my privilege.
You are in my prayers and I pray that I am in yours.
With Love,
Your white-shirt-and-tied, short haired and clean shaven,
Elder Devin G. Hampton
