The Great Baptism Challenge

A Relief Society for here. A Relief Society for there.

That's the idea.

We have 270 women in our Relief Society, so we'll do temple work for 270 women. One for here, one for there. We picked a date for our first trip:
June 20th, 2015 at 11:30 a.m.

LDS Monticello Temple

I've started to lose track of how many people told me it can't be done.
Some of their comments:

Our ward temple attendance is too low.

That's too many names.

A third of our Relief Society members don't even have temple recommends. 

Six months isn't long enough to make this happen. We need at least a year.

There are too many logistics out of our control.

Who's going to babysit all those kids?

The drive to Monticello is too far. 

Too many people are gone in the summer.

We'll never find that many priesthood holders willing to come and perform ordinances.

Stuff like that.

But... here's the thing. There's something stronger than all the opposition. 

There's something bigger than the reasons "why not".

Faith. 

I have faith. 

I have faith that we can do this in spite of the things that stand in the way - because really, those things are small in the scheme of eternity... and this challenge - is eternal. 

"The temple is a point of intersection between heaven and earth. In this sacred place, holy work will be performed through selfless service and love. The temple reminds me of all that is good and beautiful in the world." —David A. Bednar

We can do this sisters. We really can - but we're going to need everyone to do it. You and me. Both of us. All of us. I know it's intimidating. I know that it takes work. We have to take time out of our lives. We have to give up some habits in exchange for a temple recommend. We have to plan ahead. We have to miss work and give up some of one of our weekend days. We have to get up early. We have to sacrifice.

Sacrifice.

Carol B. Thomas said, "Sacrifice is an amazing principle. As we willingly give our time and talents and all that we possess, it becomes one of our truest forms of worship. It can develop within u s a profound love for each other and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Through sacrifice, our hearts can be changed; we live close to the Spirit and have less of an appetite of things of the world."

Here's the good part.

Blessings.

"I know your lives are busy. I know that you have much to do. But I make you a promise that if you will go to the house of the Lord, you will be blessed; life will be better for you."

 Gordon B. Hinckley

"I promise you that, with increased attendance in the temples of our God, you shall receive increased personal revelation to bless your life as you bless those who have died." 

Ezra Taft Benson

"Just as our Redeemer gave His life as a vicarious sacrifice for all men, and in so doing became our Savior, even so we, in a small measure, when we engage in proxy work in the temple, become as saviors to those on the other side."

Gordon B. Hinckley

Doctrine and Covenants Section 18 - 15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! 16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!

Temple Baptismal Font

It's going to be worth it.

If you haven't been able to go to the temple to do baptisms for the dead yet, I would encourage you to do it. Set a goal. Now is as good a time as any. The bishop will help you.Your Relief Society sisters will help you. Most importantly, Heavenly Father will help you. 
I know He will. 

He will. 

We have six months. Let's make a difference. Let's push ourselves. Let's make our own miracle.

My earnest prayers are with you.

My love is with you.

A Relief Society for here. A Relief Society for there.

We are his hands.

We can do this.