Hurrah For Israel!

     Today I thought that I might explain why I decided to rename my blog to Hurrah For Israel! What does that even mean and where does it even come from? This statement represents the sacrifice of the early members of the church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has always taken up the admonition of our Savior Jesus Christ at the very end of the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 28 verses 18-20 which says,
   "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore , and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen".
      I have always loved this scripture and it has always given me motivation to know that my Savior is with me always! In this scripture the Lord commands his people to go forth and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Baptize them.
      During the early periods of the church, there were many missionaries that were sent overseas to preach the Gospel, which often brought much sacrifice because of the hard times. There was one missionary in particular that I have always had a special admiration for and that is Heber C. Kimball. Heber was called to go on a mission with Brigham Young and as they were both leaving their families, they were practically on their death beds. They were extremely sick but they were promised that if they were faithful then the Lord would provide for their families and would protect them all along their journey. As they were leaving on the carriage it was a sad parting between their families. As they drove off they both mustered up enough strength to stand in the carriage and proclaim, 'Hurrah For Israel, Hurrah For Israel, Hurrah For Israel'. Israel meaning the Kingdom of God. They went on to serve a faithful mission and had much success in bring others unto Christ through baptism.
       I am so grateful for the examples of Sacrifice that have been in my life. Those that have given up their comfort so that others can have a happier life through receiving the Gospel. The greatest of all sacrifices that comes to mind is that of our Savior Jesus Christ. (Alma 34:8-15) His Sacrifice is infinite and eternal and I know that it is only through him that we can truly enter into the Kingdom of God. I am now a missionary and there are those tough times but just as Heber C. Kimball proclaimed I do now, "Hurrah For Israel, Hurrah For Israel, Hurrah For Israel"!