Followers of Christ - Walter F. González

  In this talk he makes reference to the great number of indications of the desire to follow Christ. In Brazil we see this every day. It was told to us this week that Ipatinga, Brazil was in the 2008 Guiness Record book for being the most religious city on earth. This is evidenced by the many churches, mostly Protestant or Catholic that are in every neighborhood. Many, even most, cars and trucks have some phrase or words acknowledging Him in their life. Our message is taught when they will allow it as an extension of the good things they already have in their hearts. Brazilians are already very loving when you get to know them. They close letters and emails with the word Abraços, meaning Hugs. That is represented here as friends often greet each other with a hug, and the women friends with the hug and kiss on the cheek. It is easy to become friends here with the willingness to be open hearted.
  What should we do then as a result of this presentation?

• First exhibit our love of Christ by our actions in following the commandments.
• Second, make, keep and renew our Covenants made at baptism, in the temple and each week in partaking of the sacrament.

  It was a reminder that following often brings sacrifice. Perhaps great sacrifice is the test of our love. We may need to sacrifice as young Jimmy Olvera did in leaving on his mission. He was told he would lose his family if he left but he went and served. His family later asserted how much they were blessed as a result of his choice. "The power of our covenants is greater than any challenge we face or we may face." So in our lives, bearing witness of the love of Christ to others opens the door to those promises and blessings that follow the covenants we make.