Nationwide Devotional with Apostle Inspires Many

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Members and friends gathered in the Tokyo Temple annex on September 13^th for a special devotional with Elder Cook and Sister Mary Cook, Elder S. Mark Palmer and Sister Jacqueline Palmer, along with Bishop Gérald Caussé and Sister Valérie Caussé. Overflow rooms were full, and the devotional was broadcast for members throughout Japan. The Asia North Area Presidency was also in attendance, with Elder J. Kimo Esplin conducting.

Following a beautiful musical number, “Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd,” performed by the Kanagawa Stake Choir, Sister Caussé gave a brief message. She shared a story about her father, who was baptized when she was a little girl. He served faithfully in the Church because he loved his family. Just before he died, Sister Caussé’s father bore his testimony of Jesus Christ. She said that was the greatest gift her father could give.

Bishop Caussé, who was participating in a meeting with the saints in Japan for his first time, said the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are the greatest blessing of his life. “Without the gospel,” he explained, “Bishop Caussé is not Bishop Caussé!”

Referring to Mosiah 18:21, Sister Palmer spoke about having “hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.” She shared a story of a time when she was attending church in the Congo (Africa) and was kindly fellowshipped by the sisters there. Sister Palmer encouraged, “We must look for ways to make room in our hearts for others; they can feel the love of Jesus Christ through us.”

Elder Palmer compared a testimony of Jesus Christ to the precious treasure of a bonsai tree, carefully grown, pruned, and passed down through generations as a family heirloom. Likewise, he explained, “A testimony often begins small and requires careful feeding and care ... passed down as a precious gift for successive generations to make their own.” Elder Palmer said, “Parents, youth, and young adults who prioritize seminary, institute, FSY, youth and young adult conferences, are providing the spiritual soil and nourishment for young testimonies to develop.”

After observing the congregation singing together, both in Japanese and in English, Sister Cook remarked, “We speak different languages, but we all believe in Jesus Christ.” She then exclaimed, “I feel one with you! I love that we are all welcome and needed in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We belong because we are disciples of Jesus Christ.”

Prior to the devotional, Elder Quentin L. Cook was able to meet with pioneer members of the Church in Japan. These were converts from as early as 1950 who have remained faithful and who have helped to strengthen and nurture the growth of the Church through their dedicated service. Elder Cook indicated that the decision to visit with these early members came in part as a celebration of President Russel M. Nelson’s 100^th birthday, and also in commemoration of his visit to Japan 20 years ago, along with President Boyd K. Packer and others to introduce the (then) new Preach My Gospel missionary study guide.

It was during that visit that President Packer reflected on the experiences he had in Japan after WWII. He considered Japan his “spiritual home.” It was here in Japan that he made some decisions which gave him a vision for his life. He decided that he wanted to teach the gospel, rather than seeking to make a lot of money. This set the course for his future.

Related to this way of thinking, Elder Cook quoted President David O. McKay, who said, “No other success can compensate for failure in the home.” President McKay’s concern was that members would put their desire to achieve financial success and prestige ahead of righteousness and their families. Elder Cook suggested that this is even more of a concern with the rising generation, indicating how important it is to find a balance between success and dedication to the gospel and to family.

Elder Cook concluded his remarks with his testimony of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. He shared his sure witness that Jesus Christ lives, saying, “I’ve come to love Him with all my heart.” He then closed by leaving an apostolic blessing on all the members of the Church throughout Japan and on the beautiful country of Japan, saying, “I invoke a blessing on you that while there will not be peace in the world, that you will have individual peace in your hearts – the reward of righteousness is peace in this life, and eternal life in the world to come.” He blessed the members that they would have a desire to reach out to others in love, and to invite them to have the gospel, that all might be able to enjoy the blessings of making covenants in the temple.