Fireside with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Tonight we had some special visitors to the Cairo Egypt Branch. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and his wife, Patricia Holland & Elder Snow of the 70 and his wife held a fireside tonight at the Branch Villa. It was a unique experience to hear guidance and counsel in such an intimate setting. Elder Holland oversees our "area". We weren't sure what to call ourselves, Elder Holland clarified and said that we are the Middle East North Africa Area which includes: Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Syria and some others that I just can't remember. We haven't really belonged to anyone. In the 3 years we've been here, we've been in three different areas. We were first part of the Greece Mission, then we were part of Eastern Europe (don't ask me how that connection was made) and even being included with those was just a need-to-be-classified-somewhere sort of thing. We are our own entity. Elder Holland said that change is happening. We need to pray for it and believe in it. If there is anything for certain in this world, when there are fallible men and doubts, the church can be counted on. He said, "If I were a betting man, I would bet on this church. The church is the only truth in this country. We're not perfect, but the church is. It's an exciting time to be in the church." He opened it up for questions at the end, uh, what do I ask? Someone asked how the church guides the quorum of the 70 day by day. Elder Holland said that D&C 107 is referred to daily by the church headquarters because of it's instruction to the 70's. Someone else asked what to say when asked about the church (while in Egypt). He said, "When people ask us about the Church, we answer!" It's never been very clear as to what our parameters are for sharing the gospel while in Egypt. We just know not to proselyte or baptize. So in a more one on one basis with people, we will now answer any and all questions they have!! His parting remark I wrote down was, "The principle task of this Church is to give the Church of the Lamb to the Lamb, this is a unique mission for this dispensation." Sister Holland spoke as well, she is so sweet. She shared many things; how we should love others unconditionally as the Lord does us. She also said that there are just two things we need to battle the darkness & despair in this life; the light and love of Christ. Really,quite a wonderful woman. Elder Snow spoke about fellowshipping our family and friends, do not let them fall away or feel forgotten. He shared William W. Phelps' re-fellowshipping. Sister Snow spoke about the many times that they had been to this area. I could tell Mairyn was listening because she tapped my arm and said, "Mommy, that's not right. He's never been here before, we've never seen him!" Keen ears! or big ones!! I've pretty much exhausted the notes I took tonight. It was great and one of a kind. I have a new respect and admiration of an apostle's patience, longsuffering and endurance. He met, spoke to & shook hands with each person in attendance. I kept feeling like we were bothering him, but he never faded. The fireside started at 7 and lasted an hour and a half and we got home at 10pm. The girls finally chilled out and got to bed at a quarter past 11. We'll see if they are too grumpy for school in the morning!

I asked if we could get a picture with the girls and he said, "Here, let me get down on your level."