Another Mission First

Today we taught early-morning seminary 

(as opposed to just visiting a class).  

We filled in for a teacher who was out-of-town.

In addition, we had our first experience with online teaching.   Two students joined our class online (cheers for technology).

As we left our apartment at 5:15 a.m. to arrive on time for the 5:50 a.m. class, I thought about these things:

A dedicated seminary teacher is my hero.

Early-morning seminary teachers deserve our highest praise!

Not only do they prepare a lesson 5 days a week,

. . . they get up very early morning after morning,

. . . some drive miles to get to the ward or stake building (which is dark and cold). Some open their homes for class.

A few pick up students who need a ride in order to attend.

In parts of the year, the drive is made in the dark 

and sometimes on snowy roads. During the winter the drive requires cleaning off the car and getting it warmed up to run and sometimes even shoveling off the driveway.  

This morning our temperature was below freezing. Gratefully our roads were clear.

Once they arrive, they unlock the building, turn on lights, set up the room and prepare to cheerfully receive the students who stagger in one-by-one in an effort to be obedient.

The wages for the teachers we serve here are not monetary.

Why do they do this?

Love . . .

Love of their Students . . .

Love of the Gospel . . .

Love of Jesus Christ.

Surely such a teacher is referenced in Isaiah.

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him

that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, . . . that publishest salvation, 
that saith unto Zion, 'Thy God reigneth!'" (Isaiah 52:7)