In the world of biology and oncology where I have lived much of my professional life, the most striking breakthroughs have been in understanding the signaling pathways that are mostly linked at the juncture of the cell with its environment. The intractions between receptors and ligands, blocking and imitating molecules (drugs, autoantibodies or whatever) have been the focus of tremendous research, and for many modern billion-dollar drugs, are the reason for their success and value. Coming to understand and demonstrate these molecules along cell surfaces using specific molecular markers like monoclonal antibodies has similarly been an exciting area of diagnostic advance.
In tornado forecasting and monitoring, such an essential skill in midwestern meterology, it is the activity along the interface between warm and cold air, humid and less humid air, or in macro terms, along the edge of a shelf cloud, that the eyes are attuned to look for tell tale marks of a hook associated with the development of a tornado. The same is true for earthquake monitoring-- the interface of the techtonic plates, even moving at less than glacial pace, is where the excitement is going to be, and where the wise watcher will be.
The military generals of the past while worrying about their supply lines (or not in the case of those invading Russia in winter) still kept most of their attention focused forward on the interface between their forces and those in opposition. They searched for areas of opportunity, for where advances could be made, and listened to learn where reinforcements were needed to maintain gains. They sought also to strengthen and encourage those bearing the brunt of opposition. And often even the sight of them was enough to hearten their forces to greater effort and endurance.
It's not hard to draw inferrence from these biologic, physical and military interfaces to understand the purposes and part of the impact of the visit of Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland on the Latter Day Saints who gathered at #2 Trung Yen 9 on Monday night. Yes he came to build relationships with officials and leaders and to explore ways that the church and the gospel of Jesus Christ, as lived by the citizens of this land and the members of this church, could be a blessing to this country. But when it came down to it, he was here to sit provrbially around the campfires of these handcart pioneers who were blazing a trail of faith and observance that would be the freeways of faith for future saints, for throngs of future saints. He was here to strengthen the feeble knees, shore up the hopes of those who felt alone and isolated on the front lines of an epic battle and to rally this small force with the encouragement and vision of the sort that Elisha sought as he prayed to open the eyes of his young companion when the city of Dotham was beseiged. (2 Kings 6:17) I think for these young pioneers on the frontier, feeling surrounded on every side by conflicting voices and demands, by enticements and distractions, their eyes were opened to see the mountain of this church of which they are part "filled with horses and chariots of fire."
Elder Holland's message to them was also perfect. He emphasized two things-- first that they need to do things right from the beginning. There is no separate way, a "Vietnamese" way, that is acceptable to the Lord. They need to study the handbooks and the scriptures and do things the Lord's way, from the beginning. And secondly, they need to stick with this church and not even think about leaving. Yes, the ride may get rough at times, but the alternative is drowning in a wake of flotsam and jetsom of the world. "Betting" on the church is a sure thing, he said. This beach-head of a church is not going away, and the work of building up God's Kingdom here is worth every sacrifice to be part of. "So don't you dare leave it."
For those of us who are the guard-rails on this highway we're trying to build up, this translates into a number of priorities-- making sure handbooks and materials are available, translated and read often becomes a challenge. Keeping people connected to leaders and more especially to the wisdom of how to weather the changes in life circumstances that challenge that ability to hang on becomes important. That is one advantage of age-- we have perspective.
I should mention one tender mercy that brings tears to my eyes as I looked at this picture. One of the noble brothers who attends our English classes and who comes to church and other activities at times as well was really looking forward to Elder Holland's visit. He came early and he told me he really only wanted a picture with Elder Holland. Altough he shook hands with everyone he could as he came in and sat down, including this brother, there was not photo of that. After the meeting had ended, Elder Holland's escort ushered him pretty quickly back out of the building and into the van without any stops. But then someone asked if there could be just one picture, and the escort relented, "Just one." Look at who is standing next to Elder Holland and you will see witness of prayers being answered for just one.
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