Our Hancock congregation is solid in signing up and having us over for dinners. Now that it's only Elder Flandro and I in the area, our scheduled meals take us from the highland forests of Pennsylvania all the way down in the 100% stereotypical West Virginian coal town named Paw Paw. From the top to the bottom of our area is probably a 2 hour drive on the freeway vertically, opening up the wild possibilities for evening festivities. Last Monday night in particular we went to a member named Bob Summers who lives on the tail of Cacapon Mountain in West Virginia at 7:30. The dark and snowy journey to his secluded home grew the suspense for what to expect. All I had seen of old man Summers was a way too aggressive handshake and a knack to play hymns on the organ with deep drama in Sacrament meeting. Outside his warehouse home was scattered with old Subaru cars, probably the first generation, deeply sleeping in blankets of snow. As soon as we stepped foot in the driveway his door creaked open to reveal Brother Summers' funny smile as he said, "Ah. You brought a Subaru. Wise choice, my sons." And, with a wave of his hand, bid us inside.
Stuff. Stuff and lots of stuff. everywhere. Just about anything you could imagine someone could own was piled to create a winding labyrinth of...well, stuff. When we sat down and ate his homemade pizza, he began to tell us his life story. He was the head of the computer techs that transferred all of the Church's written files into digital files back in the day, and, in the process of doing so, became great friends with the Apostles and Prophet that were in the same building in Salt Lake he worked in. Brother Summers attended the Apostle's scripture study nights, often had conversations about Gospel Doctrine with the Prophet, and acquired an enormous knowledge of all scripture. He opened up and taught us some really deep concepts ranging from how to fix Subaru cars to specifics on what happens after we die, and on to how scriptures are translated, etc. I learned a full load of widely ranged knowledge that night. Brother Summers displayed a full life given to a pursuit of knowledge that has helped him come closer to God, his family, and his friends.
One question I've pondered this week is how much do we really know? The relationship between knowledge and belief is very interesting and one I personally think people often misinterpret. In the Church we have a common saying called a Testimony, meaning in this context what you have come to know is true in spiritual things. A common expression used takes examples like, "I know this church is true", and "I know Joseph Smith is a prophet." But what does that mean to know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is God's literal kingdom on the earth?
An Apostle in the 70's has a quote I love,"I know people who have written books on religion, yet have as much spirituality as a cedar post. To know religion is to experience religion. To know God is to experience God." Faith is a strong belief that motivates someone to act. Personally I have a strong belief that I can live with my Father in Heaven once again after I die, however I don't know that I will. I have not experienced that. However, I can boldly testify from experience that I know God is my Father, that He speaks to me, that Jesus Christ saves me from my sins and guilt, and that the Holy Ghost testifies through absolute emotion and experiences the truth of all things. I believe Joseph Smith was a prophet of God with all of my heart, and I truly know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I believe that families sealed in the temple can be together forever, even after death, and I know that the most joy I've had in my life has come from my family. Faith leads us to knowledge. It is perfectly fine to not know the truth of something, yet wholly believe it 100%. Just read the story of the Brother of Jared in the Book of Mormon. Faith and knowledge go hand in hand to direct us to enjoy the fullness of the life of love our Father sent us here to experience. In the end, the scriptures are very clear to teach us that by faith all miracles, experiences, and life shaping connections are formed. Embrace your faith and I promise that knowledge will accompany you as a witness after the trial of your faith.
Maybe Brother Summers had a larger effect on me than I thought...hehehe
xoxo
Elder Burgess
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