We have dedicated Branch Presidents in this District and I testify
to this fact. Except for two presidents, they all were received in baptism less
than 8 years ago. Four presidents have served for over 6 years, one for 4 years
and the longest has faithfully served for over 9 years. Four are farmers who
depend upon their labors in the fields to sustain themselves and their families;
one is a school teacher who teaches at a high school. All five are sealed and
are sustained by faithful wives. All have children but one couple who have been
married for over 11 years with no blessing of children yet. All wives were
converts to the Church and introduced to the gospel by their husbands. They are
elect ladies, every one, and shoulder the rigors of being a support to their
husband and Branch President. The demands upon these men for spiritual
guidance, domestic instructions and church culture understanding are never
ending. I have never heard a discouraging word from either them or their wives
and children. All Branch Presidents are respected throughout their community
and show compassion to all that come unto Christ, member or non-member. They
dedicate all they have to the building of the kingdom and furthering the work
of the Lord.
Though they are esteemed as leaders for Father in Heaven,
they do feel persecution from outside jealous and misunderstanding community
people and some even within their own congregation due to counsel about ones
actions and words not becoming of a member. I have sat with each and heard
their pleadings for the souls of their flock. I have witnessed genuine love and
service to those that have despised the very presence of the president in their
home. I have gazed upon a scene with compassion as Branch President has held
members in his arms as they wail over loved ones who were lost to death. I see them when they are persecuted by words
from their own members for standing for the right and serving judgment in the
Lord’s Church. I testify of their giving hearts and have observed delivered
food stuffs from these men’s own meager pantries. They have worked a full day
on their own farms and then walked to work on another brother’s farm before
going home late at night without a word spoken to the sick brother who could
not tend his farm. I have participated in harvesting another man’s farm so his
family could eat a meal for the next few days and he being too sick to raise
his head from his bed. I know of their priesthood power and authority as they
have called down miracles through priesthood blessings bestowed upon their sick
members. I have felt the spirit they bring to their earnest prayers for those
missing from their Sunday meetings. I have seen one Branch President hand his only
scriptures to a young man who was leaving on mission who could not afford 2
cedis as he boarded the bus. I have realized how these men shoulder their responsibilities
– they truly wear the full armor of God.
These five men are special as are all Branch Presidents and
Bishops throughout the world. Called of God, given keys to unlock the
eternities and authority to direct, while living lives in a way to have power
from on High to bless those they love and serve. Oh how we are so blessed to feel their
charitable spirits. May we always pray for our dear Branch Presidents and
Bishops as they shoulder this heavenly mantel. They are forever “Bishops of our
souls” as Peter taught, that I know with a surety.
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