We Will Overcome

Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

 Here is the truth, I miss you.

We were out on a family walk last weekend and we saw so many of you out and about. As I caught up with you over your fences or passing on the trail, it reminded me of why Moroni was adamant about gathering. After wandering alone for many, many years and having hundreds of ‘at-home’ church meetings, Moroni instructed,

“And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls. And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.” (Moroni 6:5-6)

I’m sure Moroni longed for the day that he could ‘meet together oft’ again. In pondering our situation and Moroni’s, I thought of another group of people that was kept from one another for a long period of time: Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mosiah. After serving 14-year missions, these life-long friends reunited and Mormon wrote:

“Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God. But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.” (Alma 17:2-3)

I know that these strange times will come to an end. I know that we will have the opportunity to meet together again and worship together. When that day comes, I know that everyone will have “given themselves to much fasting and prayer.” When we meet again to worship and partake of the sacrament, I imagine our reunion will be much like those sons of Mosiah.

Stay strong in the faith. Know that God loves you and that through Christ we will overcome all things.

With Love,

Bishop Sullivan

Miracles

 Have you seen miracles lately? Maybe the ever-changing, ever-evolving, and ever-frustrating circumstance we find ourselves in is keeping us distracted from the good that is happening around us.

Last week’s fast helped me look more closely at the great things going on around us. If you haven’t seen this global Facebook group about the fast, I encourage you to check it out here. The group is full of inspiring stories from around the world and from nearly every religion. It’s a great reminder of the goodness in the world and one of the many miracles of the fast.

Besides worldwide miracles, what miracles are happening in your home?

I know in the Sullivan home, between fighting over homework, or screen time, or anything else, I actually see my kids getting along better. I see them developing better relationships with each other. And family time is becoming even more sacred.

In our ward and neighborhood, I see ministering fulfilling its purpose. Neighbors and ward members supporting each other to a greater degree than ever before. Treats and notes are on doorsteps. Primary teachers and youth leaders are still fulfilling their callings in a new way. There is simply more love and unity.

These are miracles.

God is interested in the details of our lives. He loves us and wants us to become like Him. It may not be His will to eradicate this disease at this time, but it will always be His will to love us, help us, and show Himself to us through these daily miracles.

Bishop Sullivan

Good Friday Fasting Invitation

Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Wow! General Conference delivered on its promise of being unforgettable. I am so grateful for the words of our prophets and apostles. It brought a needed peace into my life. Like the hope of Christ’s resurrection, the messages brought a brighter hope that our current afflictions will be short-lived. I encourage you to return to those messages soon and often.

We now have an amazing opportunity to prepare for Easter Sunday like never before. The Church has created a library of ways we can ‘Hear Him’ as we celebrate this week. You can find the suggestions here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../easter-plan-hear...

In addition to family traditions for the weekend, President Nelson has also called on all of us to fast on Good Friday. He asked:

"I am calling for another worldwide fast. For all whose health may permit, let us fast, pray, and unite our faith once again. Let us prayerfully plead for relief from this global pandemic. I invite all, including those not of our faith, to fast and pray on Good Friday, April 10, that the present pandemic may be controlled, caregivers be protected, the economy strengthened, and life normalized.”

As I stated in a recent message about fasting, a fast includes prayer, abstaining from food, bearing of testimony, and giving a generous offering.

As you fast with the rest of the world and prepare for a joyous Easter celebration, you will be blessed with health and the Spirit of the Lord in your home.

Christ is risen. Because he rose from the grave on the third day we can always have “hope for a better world” (Ether 12:4).

Happy Easter,

Bishop Sullivan