A Sacrifice

Now to the present for an interview I had with a handsome zone leader in the Brazil Sao Paulo Interlagos Mission. I said to the missionary, "Tell me about your family."
He then relayed the following.
He was born into a wealthy family.
His father had a responsible position in a multinational corporation.
They moved from Brazil to Venezuela.
He was one of seven children, all members of the Church.

When the missionary was fifteen years old, his father was shot and killed by a fleeing thief.
In a family council it was decided to return to Brazil and invest their savings in the purchase of a small home.
A year and a half later, the mother informed the children that she had been diagnosed with cancer.
The family used valuable savings to help pay the medical expenses--but to no avail.
Six months later the mother passed away, leaving the young family alone.

Our young missionary, Elder Bugs (pronounced Boogs), now sixteen years old, went to work, first selling clothing, then later computer supplies.
He used his hard-earned money to support the young family.
He said, "We were always blessed to have enough to eat. I would work during the day, then help the children with their studies at night. I especially miss my littler sister. I taught her to read."

Elder Bugs continued, "Then the bishop invited me to come in for an interview. He called me on a mission. I told him I would need to speak with my family first. In our family council, they reminded me that Dad had always taught us that we should be prepared to serve the Lord as full-time missionaries. I accepted the call. When I received my letter from the prophet, I withdrew all my savings. I bought a new suit, a pair of pants, white shirts and ties, and a new pair of shoes. I gave the rest of the money to the bishop (enough for about four months of support for the family). I hugged my little family and left for my mission."

I looked at that brave young man and I said, "But Elder, with you away, who is taking care of  your family?"

"Oh," he said, "my brother is sixteen. He is the same age I was when our mother died. He is taking care of the family now."

I had an opportunity recently to talk by telephone with Elder Bugs.
He has been home from his mission for six months now.
When I asked him how he was doing, he said, "I have a good job again and I am caring for the family, but oh, how I miss my mission. It was the greatest thing I have ever done. I am now helping my younger brother prepare for his mission."

Harold G. Hillam -Sacrifice in the Service -October 1995 General Conference

Until you next read these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi