Speaking in Sacrament Meeting and Farewell Open House

 Elder Barlow spoke in the Heritage Park Ward of the Olathe, Kansas, Sacrament Meeting on Sunday, December 18, 2022.

He gave a beautiful testimony of conversion and preparation for this mission through his desire to know and understand more about the Lord and the gospel.  He spoke of the power of the Book of Mormon and his love of the Lord.  He said he knows this mission is exactly where he needs to go to serve the Lord and the people of the Dominican Republic.  He said he will serve with all his might, mind, and strength, of which we all have no doubt that he will do.  It was truly a powerful talk that touched everyone who heard it.  

Many family members and friends were in attendance, including Elder Barlow's three aunts and cousin who flew from Utah to be there for his farewell and open house.

Elder Barlow's Grandparents, George and Laura Copeland flew from Washington to be here for this big event, also.

Elder Barlow and his family were thrilled when even the people who had been working on finishing their basement who knew very little about our church were in attendance at the Sacrament Meeting, as well.  

The night before, an open house was held at the Barlow Home with friends and family coming to wish Elder Barlow well as he leaves for two years to serve the Lord. 

 

What a beautiful time for Elder Barlow and his entire family.  We are looking forward to hearing all of his experiences as he begins his mission.  

Attending the Temple for the First Time - August 19, 2022

 Elder Barlow attended the Dallas Temple on August 19, 2022.  It was a beautiful evening for the many family members and friends who were there.

Elder Barlow's parents; Elder Barlow; Bishop Rindlisbacher and his wife, Wendy; Mike Brooks and his wife, Darin  

Mike Brooks, Elders Quorum President; Elder Barlow; Elder's father, Jeff Barlow; Bishop Kelly Rindlisbacher 

For a better understanding of why temples are so important in the lives of every individual, please click on the link below:

Why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Builds Temples

Receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood

In the Church today, worthy male members may receive the Aaronic Priesthood beginning at age 12. These young men, typically ages 12–17, receive many opportunities to participate in sacred priesthood ordinances and give service. As they worthily fulfill their duties, they act in the name of the Lord to help others receive the blessings of the gospel.

Upon reaching the age of 18, the higher priesthood, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is conferred upon faithful male members of the Church.  The Melchizedek Priesthood holder may administer in higher ordinances such as bestowing the gift of the Holy Ghost to newly baptized members, healing the sick, and naming and blessing children.

Elder Barlow's father, Jeffrey Barlow, conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordained him to the office of Elder by the laying on of hands with other Melchizedek Priesthood holders on July 24, 2022.  This line of authority dates back to Jesus Christ. 

Elder Copeland's Family

Elder Barlow's Uncle Kent and Aunt Natalie from Washington were able to be there for the ordination.

Elder Barlow was now able to be interviewed to attend the temple, which he was so happy about.

The Calling of a Missionary

When a young man or woman decides to go on a mission, he/she must first be found spiritually, physically, and mentally worthy to do so.   

  The Savior taught, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19).  Church members consider it a privilege to show their love for other people and the Lord by sharing the gospel.

Missionaries generally begin serving when they are from 18 to 21 years old. Many retired seniors, men, women, and married couples also serve missions. Missionaries serve from 18 months to 2 years.  Missions are voluntary, and missionaries are not paid for their service.  Missionaries come from around the world, and they serve wherever the Church calls them. While serving full-time, missionaries are official representatives of the Church.

 As is done with every single perspective missionary, Elder Barlow first had to fill out his paperwork stating his desire to serve with recommendations from his ecclesiastical leaders of his worthiness in order to serve a mission.  This paperwork was then sent to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The perspective missionary then waits for the special e-mail to come with the particulars of his/her "calling."  This calling and the place where the missionary will serve is done by revelation through the Lord's servants, the prophets.  A member of the Quorum of the Twelve assigns prospective missionaries to one of over 400 missions of the Church throughout the world.

When Elder Barlow received his mission call on August 16, 2022, he was absolutely thrilled.  He would be serving in the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo West Mission  for a period of 24 months, and would be preaching the gospel in Spanish.  He was told that his missionary training would begin on January 2, 2023, and he would do his training in the Mexico City Missionary Training Center.

Although many family and friends put in their guesses, no one guessed the correct mission of Dominican Republic. 

Elder Barlow's Family

Mike Brooks (Elders' Quorum President), Elder Barlow, and Bishop Kelly Rindlisbacher