Dec 16: This is the Christ | Sister Margie Willis, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Today's posting comes from Sister Margie Willis. She is the sweet wife of my mission president, Lance Willis. They are originally from Mesa, Arizona but are currently serving another mission as the President of the Missionary Training Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are the parents of ten children (just like my own family). When I arrived in Ecuador, I instantly felt at home. Before I even arrived in the country, word got to Ecuador that an "elder who could play the piano" was coming. From the moment I landed in the country right up until I left, I found myself playing the piano in almost every church meeting (sacrament meeting, stake conference, mission conference, district meetings, etc). I know Sister Willis had something to do with this. ;) This loving "mission mom" understood that good music will bring people unto Christ and nourish the souls of young missionaries. I love President and Sister Willis...they are truly good people. They have sacrificed much to serve the Lord. I'm grateful for their example of service and love. To quote my own father, "there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of my mission" and I'd add, mission president and his sweet wife.

Margie says, "In July of 2001 President Willis and I were called to serve as mission presidents to the Ecuador Guayaquil South Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Overwhelmed but excited to begin this adventure we arrived in Provo, Utah to attend the New Mission Presidents Seminar before taking off for Ecuador. Although there were many memorable moments during that seminar...none filled my heart and soul and have been as lasting as hearing this song, 'This is the Christ', be sung by a select few members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It was our closing meeting before leaving the MTC for the Salt Lake City airport, and then saying goodbye to our homeland for three years. As I recall there were maybe 20 members of the choir that had come to perform this beautiful testimony of Christ, and this was one of the first times this song was sung. The words were written as a poem by President James E. Faust around 1995 (I believe). Lyrics to the song by James E. Faust and Jan Pinborough; Music by Michael Finlinson Moody."

"As I sat listening to this song for the first time a feeling of reverence and appreciation for the sacrifice of our Savior came over me like never before. At that moment I knew Lance and I were called to this special mission for a reason and I had no more fears about leaving my family (some in crisis mode) behind. I knew without a doubt we were called to testify of Jesus Christ to the people of Ecuador and to all those wonderful missionaries that came to serve with us."

She continues, "This song has stayed in my head and in my heart from that day way back in 2001. In 2003 I made a Christmas music CD for the missionaries to enjoy at Christmas time and included this song as the final tune on the CD telling the missionaries of that memorable experience in the Provo MTC. In 2004 our ward choir sang this song at our homecoming…and as you can imagine I could hardly speak after hearing those words once again. Now, as we serve with missionaries once again in Buenos Aires, we have sung this song not only in English but in Spanish and Portuguese also…President Willis and I have come to the conclusion that there are no happier people in the entire world than MISSIONARIES!"

Margie concludes saying, "The testimony of those who saw Christ after his resurrection is given in 3 Nephi 11:3-17 and Luke 22:42, 44 as is noted by this song. They were able to feel the wounds in his hands and side and could testify because they were there. We were not there but we are invited to come unto Christ as we read the words and feel of His love personally. Then, as Saints of old, we too can testify that He is the Christ. Because of Him, our souls can be healed, and we can all have a happy ending...And I love a HAPPY ENDING! May this song bring the Savior Jesus Christ into your homes this Christmas season is our prayer...Life is Good!"

This is the Christ

Lyrics by James E Faust & Jan Pinborough

Music by Michael F Moody

Performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

They heard His voice, a voice so mild.

It pierced them through and made their souls to quake.

They saw Him come, a man in white,

The Savior, who had suffered for their sake.

They felt the wounds in hands and side,

And each could testify:

CHORUS

This is the Christ.

This is the Christ, the holy Son of God,

Our Savior, Lord, Redeemer of mankind.

This is the Christ, the Healer of our souls,

Who ransomed us with love divine.

I read His words, the words He prayed

While bearing sorrow in Gethsemane.

I feel His love, the price He paid.

How many drops of blood were spilled for me?

With Saints of old in joyful cry

I too can testify:

Chorus