United in Christ--A Special Moment

We have to write about this experience.  It was simple, powerful and memorable!  Several weeks ago the senior missionaries were treated to a special talk by President Ahmad and Sister Jayne Corbitt, the president of the Santo Domingo East Mission.

The Corbitt's are very spiritual, energetic, and entertaining! They told their background stories about how she lived in a "religious" community in New Jersey and he, in Philidelphia in the "projects." They told how both came to know that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is true.  President Corbitt, being from the African-American culture and a family of ten children, grew up in a home with love and strong values.  His parents, especially his mother, wanted the best for their family so they finally moved from the "projects and their negative influence" in Philly.  For a long time in his parents life, although holding to their Christian values, they followed the philosophies of Malcom X and Elijah Muhammad and were considered to be Muslims.  As a result, he (Ahmad) and about seven of his siblings have Arabic names.  He joked, after returning to Christianity and the LDS faith, that his last brother received the Bible name, "Matthew." Everyone laughed. Sister Corbitt talked of her youth in a strict religious community based upon the tribes of Israel and how it shaped her beliefs.  Their stories were fascinating, entertaining and uplifting.

President Corbitt served a youth mission to Puerto Rico. He was a very successful trial attorney, which provided his background to serve as the Church Public Relations Director in the New York City region, prior to being called as mission president.  Sister Corbitt has a background in special education but spent much of her time as a mom raising four children.  They met on a temple trip to Washington D.C. as young adults.

They told amazing stories of introducing the Church to leaders of nations and dignitaries who came to New York for meetings of the United Nations and other international events held in Manhattan.  They worked closely with the First Presidency to make these public relations events positive for opening future doors for sharing the gospel, humanitarian efforts, helping people and growing the Church.  The exclamation point for Randy was President Corbitt relating his account of the First Presidency asking him to write the essay:  Race and the Priesthood--one of the 11 gospel doctrine essays available in our Gospel Doctrine and Institute lessons.  President Corbitt started to cry when he told that in his research he had an intimate interview with Elder L.Tom Perry, the last living apostle present with President Kimball, when the priesthood revelation was given. Elder Perry said, "...the revelation is true! "  We were stunned by the Spirit in the meeting and both commented and agreed that it was a once in a lifetime meeting.   We were blessed for being in attendance.

It is amazing to us how the gospel brings so many unique children of our Father in Heaven together, united by the cause of Christ.  President and Sister Corbitt are amazing people and have incredible spirits.  Our prediction:  He will be  a generally authority in the future! Stay tuned...