In John 21:15-16 we read this conversation between Jesus and Simon Peter:

"Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep."

And we know that Jesus, a third time, asked Simon Peter if he loved him and again he was instructed to "Feed my sheep". As we consider attending the 2001 Navajo Reunion, each one of us must consider if Jesus is asking us, "Do you love me?"...."Feed my sheep."

There are many ways that we can assist to feed Jesus' sheep. Many of you have sent clothing to the reservation. Many have donated money for supplies needed for the reunions, for medical expenses, for the building of the future "Church of Jesus Christ, Restoration Branch" and to assist with spreading the Restoration Gospel among the Navajo people. Some have driven to the reservation during the year to offer your services in needed ways, both physically and spiritually. Many of you have kept in contact by mail with our Navajo friends.

As as another year approaches, let us contemplate methods of service among the Navajo. There will be a need for priesthood to participate in the ordinances, teachers to teach the lambs, kitchen workers, and others willing to provide crafts, KP, campfires and transportation. There is also a need for workers to witness and to share their testimonies. Each one of these tasks is equally important to the process of "Feeding His sheep".

"Feeding his sheep" also has many rewards. Each year, we acquire new memories, new and closer friendships, and a closer unity between those that have traveled to participate in the reunion. We have witnessed baptisms, baby blessings, many healings, priesthood ordinations, rainbows, and the simple smile from a small child or one of the "elders". We have witnessed the traditions of the Navajo as they have invited us to participate in their "Navajo Day". We have shared in their happiness and have shed tears during their grief. We cannot imagine what our lives would be like without the experiences we have had these past few years and without their friendships.

And so as we contemplate our expenditures of time, energy and money that we will need, let each one of us make this year a matter of earnest prayer and fasting. If we do this, I know that we will be richly blessed. We are anxious to "pasture"with each of you for a week in the Arizona sun as we are fed by God's son, Christ Jesus.