Come, O Thou King of Kings

Just 2 days before opening our mission call, the Zimbabwe Harare Temple Groundbreaking was held. As we watched a recording of dignitaries and leaders turning the earth of a place our feet have yet to touch, our hearts couldn't help but rejoice.

It already feels like our temple.

And we are praying the construction progresses quickly.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to be in Zimbabwe and serve in the open house and dedication? Oh, we will pray hard!

I have a testimony of the blessings of the temple. 

In 1992 we bought our first home in American Fork, Utah. Shortly after moving in, President Gordon B. Hinckley announced in General Conference that a temple would be built just 3 miles from our house, the Mount Timpanogas Temple. 

In 1993, I had the privilege of singing in the choir for the temple groundbreaking.  It was early October, and it was unseasonably cold. One of the songs we sang was 'Come, O Thou King of Kings' and still every time I hear that hymn, I am transported back to that day. President Hinckley presided, and at the conclusion of the festivities he and his security detail were making their way through the throngs of saints. He was wearing his signature fedora and a camel-colored winter dress coat. He passed by me close enough for me to reach through the crowd in front of me and just touch his arm. 

I still remember what that felt like. As my fingers brushed the sleeve of his coat it was almost as if a current of electricity passed through me, and the spirit bore witness that he was the Lord's prophet on the earth.  I already knew that he was. This felt like an extra gift on an important day.

I have no doubt the saints in Africa on the day of the Zimbabwe Harare Temple Groundbreaking felt the same outpouring of his spirit that I felt in American Fork 27 years earlier. The Spirit of God is poured out on every soul, at every temple's groundbreaking and subsequent dedication, and as they serve and worship inside. 

In the temple we make covenants with our Heavenly Father, and are blessed by the Atonement of Jesus Christ through priesthood ordinances administered there. We are bound together, like links in a chain to those who came before us, and for those yet to be. 

'...And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.' - Malachi 4:6

Oh, I can't wait to stand on that hallowed piece of ground next summer. Come O Thou King of Kings!

Come, O thou King of Kings!

We’ve waited long for thee,

With healing in thy wings,

To set thy people free.

Come, thou desire of nations, come;

Let Israel now be gathered home.

Here is the link to the 30 minutes dedication:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9Aj0lYGMRs