by Bishop Spencer Larson
One of my greatest concerns, when church meetings were put on hold last March, was that members of the Ashland Ward would lose contact with each other and that spiritual progression for some would slow down. I’m happy to say that while the coronavirus season has been difficult for many, including at least two from our ward who were diagnosed with COVID-19, our ward’s resilience has led to stronger testimonies and relationships with Our Savior and Heavenly Father.
We began meeting again at our building for sacrament services in July. At first, the differences from normal were very much a distraction—everyone in masks, everyone distanced, time spent sanitizing, new sacrament procedure, etc. But over time, we acclimatized to the new meeting procedure, and the abbreviated meetings have emphasized the sacrament as the focal point of Sunday worship. I have seen a renewed feeling of gratitude in ward members and myself to be able to partake of the sacrament as holders of the priesthood have reverently administered it. That peaceful time to focus on the Savior and remember our covenants can no longer be taken for granted.
We have also been blessed as new members have joined our ward. This past month, two individuals have accepted the gospel and chosen to enter the waters of baptism. Sister Heather Kiser-Franks investigated the church for several years before making the decision in September to be baptized. Her faith and thoughtfulness will be a blessing to many in our ward as she shares the light she has attained with others. And Zach Shroeter, who is currently a senior in high school, was eager to listen to the missionaries. As the missionaries and others taught him, he quickly gained a testimony of Christ and the truthfulness of the gospel, and he accepted the invitation to be baptized. We will enjoy having Zach in the ward for the remainder of this school year before he enters the military next summer.
I have a testimony that the Lord’s work moves forward. Even when once-in-a-lifetime challenges are placed before us, if we trust in Heavenly Father, He will direct us on a path that makes us stronger and more resilient. I know that we have been blessed in Ashland Ward, and I pray that we all can be safe both physically and spiritually as well.
Akron Ohio Stake News 