Delightful Disciples,
I had to write this e-mail tonight. You are all my absolute heroes. You bring me so much joy. I just couldn’t help myself tonight.
When I received this calling in August, I was at a loss for words. I’ll confess that I cried quite a bit in President Schilaty’s office, and later at home. I was terrified. I knew that this calling couldn’t be shrugged, it was not a “Sunday calling”, it would take my full devotion, it would take my consecration. Admittedly, I also knew that I was going to have to sacrifice. I knew I’d have less time for family, for cleaning the house, for fun in the mountains, for spontaneous trips out of town. I was also terrified because I clearly felt the call of the Lord. I felt his invitation, I knew it was Him that called me. I knew I had wasted too much time over the past years and recognized that I had not been consecrating my life to Him. I had desires to serve and I would not neglect His call.
As I reflect on that fear now, I realize how foolish I was. You fill my life with SO MUCH JOY. There is truly nothing that brings more joy than service in the church of Jesus Christ. It has brought me an unparalleled perspective into the miracles that you work in your own lives, in our congregation, in our community, and in the Gospel. As I serve with you, I am blessed by your testimonies and your spirit. Your goodness inspires me to fulfill my promises and consecrate more and more of my life. Nothing brings me more joy than that consecration.
I guess I’m writing this for those of you that feel overwhelmed or are wondering what is missing in your life. If you’re struggling tonight or this week, know that the Lord will strengthen you. If you are seeking answers or guidance, know that the Lord has the answer to your prayers. If you’re seeking comfort, you’ll find peace in service to the Savior.
Nothing brings me greater peace than service in the Church of Jesus Christ. Nothing has brought me more confidence than paying my tithing. Nothing has brought me closer to the Lord than reading Another Testament of Jesus Christ, The Book of Mormon. Nothing has settled my soul like trusting in the words of the Prophets. Nothing has brought me more clarity than maintaining my focus on my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Sometimes, in Sunday School, I hear the following response about missionary work, “I want to share the thing that brings me so much joy” or “The Gospel brings me peace and so I want to share that peace with others”. Brothers and sisters, service and consecration has brought me more peace than I could have ever imagined. It has helped me to overcome. I want to testify that if we dedicate and consecrate our lives to the Lord, we will find peace and Joy. The Lord will qualify us and He will stand with us. We will feel His presence and know Him. I’d like to invite each of you to search your lives and find one thing that you can consecrate more fully to the Lord – one simple thing. If you need help, you can also talk to Jesse, Ryan, or myself. I promise that as you consecrate that thing, your eyes will be opened, the Lord will answer your prayers, and you’ll feel His love and guidance more abundantly in your life.
I’m so humbled and thankful that the Lord has trusted me with this calling. I truly do not deserve it and I feel so very unqualified. However, I have felt the Lord’s might, I have felt your mighty prayers. You and the Lord are clearly working to qualify me and guide me and I’m so thankful for each of you.
With so much love and adoration,
Bishop Kienzle
PS. I'm sorry for leaving out hyperlinks this week. My service was bad and having trouble loading the website :c