Strengthened by prophetic words
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Crowded among the thousands filing into the Sunday afternoon session of the 172nd Annual General Conference were members from Canada's Tsuu Tina Nation Indian tribe.
Their collective presence at the Conference Center marked both diligence and faith. It wasn't easy for many of the Tsuu Tina members to make the trip to Salt Lake City. Wages had to be saved and time set aside to make the long drive to Utah from their reservation on the outskirts of Calgary.
But it was a worthy sacrifice, said Julie Crane of the Woodbine Ward, Calgary Alberta Foothills Stake.
"General conference inspires us in our callings — family feuds seem to diminish," she said.
The Tsuu Tina members are part of a special worship group that was formed about two years ago and is attached to the Woodbine Ward. About 25 folks of all ages from the group attended the conference. A few drove in their own vehicles. Others traveled together in a rented, mid-size bus. Their lodging was arranged by several Salt Lake-area members who had served full-time missions on or near the reservation.
"The trip is always filled with adversity," noted Julie's husband, Daniel Crane, who serves as the group's priesthood leader. Financial and personal troubles almost kept some from making the trip.
"But we just told them to come," Brother Crane said.
Calgary Alberta Foothills Stake President John N. Craig hopes the Tsuu Tina members will be fortified by the spirit of the conference.
"We want them to be strengthened by hearing the prophets and apostles," President Craig said.
Besides attending general conference, the group also viewed a screening of "Testaments: Of One Fold and One Shepherd." The film's depiction of their Lamanite ancestors "was just amazing," Brother Crane said.
The Tsuu Tina members hope to make their conference excursion an annual event.
"It's always refreshing to come here — besides, it's freezing at home," Sister Crane said, laughing.
