Fast Sunday

Sunday has quickly become my favorite day of the week here in the MTC. It is because it is the day we spend with the missionaries. Before we left everyone was acting like Sunday was going to be hard and horrible. They were all wrong. We look forward to this day!

Thursday night, I had just fallen asleep, and Jon came in and told me Tod had just called. He wanted us to know that my brother Brent had been diagnosed with prostrate cancer. My heart sank and I just couldn't believe it! Now four out of my parents six children have had cancer. What does that mean? Jon and I visited for awhile and then he fell asleep and I lay awake for a few hours with my mind wandering to places it shouldn't, worrying and wondering if everything was going to be OK. Friday, as we visited with Brent and Michelle, the peace started to come, and we felt pretty sure that he would live. Now it is dealing with all of the stuff you have to do to get rid of the cancer, and the unknown side effects. I can understand those feelings and questions.

As we spent thirty minutes with the missionaries on Saturday talking about some things, Jon mentioned that today was Fast Sunday. He talked to them about this probably being the first time that they may have fasted for almost 24 hours. He encouraged them to start their fast with a prayer and to have a purpose for their fast. He shared with them the news that we had received about my brother, and that we would be fasting for him, his wife, and their family. At the conclusion of the meeting, Elder Charles and Elder Devenport came up to me and asked my brother's name, so they could pray for him in their fast. They had their planners out and took his name. It was the sweetest act of love and sincere support ever. These 18 year old boys, taking their calling so seriously and being willing to join their fasting and prayers with ours.

Today, as we had our leadership council meeting and our fast and testimony meeting, the missionaries were all praying for Sister Bunker's brother. Many came up and talked to me at the end of yesterday's family home evening, to tell me they had fasted and prayed for my brother. I hope Brent and Michelle have felt the power of their prayers, and that peace and comfort and decisions that need to be made will be easier and more certain because of this group of missionaries in the England MTC. These Elders and Sisters are truly amazing! There is nothing like being with these full time missionaries.

I have never been a very good faster, but these past two months here in the MTC, listening to the missionaries bear testimony, has made my heart almost burst with love and joy for them! It hasn't been hard to fast as I have felt Heavenly Father's love for His missionaries. I am grateful that I can be here at this time. I am learning to love fast Sunday and as my experience has been in the past, loving my missionaries comes quickly and powerfully. My heart just keeps getting bigger.