Power of the priesthood

Tis November already! Weather is cooling down, and Sunday was especially cold here in the city. We were required to be inside our apartments by 6 pm on Halloween to avoid the crazies, and we played games and ate food together. It was a fun night. We went to Central Park last week, which is its own piece of serenity in the middle of the world's third largest city. It can't quite compare to the Manhattan Temple, but it is mostly quiet and cool nonetheless. The trees are changing color all over the city, which is remarkable to see.

Things are still going in the branch. Our recent convert now has the Aaronic priesthood and a temple recommend, and is coming to branch baptisms at the temple on Friday! We have two more investigators with baptismal dates -- the woman I will mention below, and the Jehovah's Witness mentioned in the a letter from two weeks ago. Other than that, our investigator pool is kind of shot, so we are trying to find new people.

There are several experiences I am going to share this week that have really strengthened my testimony of priesthood power. For those of you who aren't as familiar with the term "priesthood," I will now explain it. The Priesthood is the literal power of God given to worthy men for the benefit of others. By its authority, functions of the church are managed, and ordinances such as baptism and the Sacrament are performed. It can also be used to give blessings of healing and comfort for all who desire it, according to their faith. In all, the priesthood is used solely to help other people and to run the church and perform the ordinances thereof.

I had the privilege to participate in giving several priesthood blessings this week and seeing miracles happen. The first was on Sunday, when we gave a blessing to one of our investigators, who has had stomach problems for a long time. Then, on Monday morning, she called one of the members who helped us teach her, and said that for the first time in a long time, she woke up with no pain whatsoever. She apparently described it as having stars in her stomach, and a feeling of relief and joy. Yesterday, we gave another healing blessing to a member's daughter, who has also had stomach problems that the doctors are slow in finding for the last week. They texted us this morning that she was feeling a lot better. We also gave a blessing to Elder Holloway last night to help the pain in his neck subside, and he is doing much better today.

I have a firm belief in the reality of miracles and of the power of the priesthood. I know that God will aid us as long as we have faith, and through His power given to worthy priesthood holders we can be comforted and healed. I hope to see more miracles like this as I continue to serve the people of New York. I am privileged to be serving Him at this time and that I can help ours come closer to Christ.

Elder Ryan Turner
New York New York North Mission
American Sign Language