Fulfilling the Dream to Serve

I've faced many challenges in overcoming disabilities, the most troublesome of which are a hearing loss and a speech difficulty. I was always terrified to be part of a group because I could not hear or speak well. Because of my hearing loss, I could understand only parts of group conversations, and I often felt confused when I tried to piece the parts together. But the Lord has helped me, and my family and many friends from my young single adult ward have been tremendous advocates.

Participating in classes and activities in the young single adult program has pushed me out of my comfort zone. As I have been included and encouraged, I have gradually become more comfortable interacting with others. Preparing talks for sacrament meeting has helped me with my speech problem and built my confidence. Over time, my communication skills have improved dramatically.

In December 2005 one of my life dreams came true when I was called as a Church-service missionary for the deaf in the Connecticut Hartford Mission. One of my assignments was to sign for sacrament meetings. This was a challenge because I had to listen so intently. When I interpreted a sacrament meeting for the first time, I was shocked that I could do it. I learned that the gifts of the Spirit are real.

The gospel is designed to help us become stronger people no matter what our circumstances are. I know the Lord loves all of His children and blesses us as we have faith in Jesus Christ and work hard to achieve our dreams.

Kristine Haswell, Connecticut, USA

The Disability Resources section of the LDS.org Web site offers helpful information—such as leader and teacher resources, family resources, material references, and frequently asked questions—about many different kinds of disabilities. The section can be found at disabilities.lds.org.

To learn more about helping ward members with disabilities, visit disabilities.lds.org.

Kelly Ward members have done much to reinforce Kelly's feelings of self-worth as she serves in her callings. She, in turn, offers Christlike acts of service to the best of her ability.

Photograph by Jerry Garns

aIan When I found the gospel of Jesus Christ, I was thrilled to learn that Joseph Smith taught that all minds are 'susceptible of enlargement.' It reflected what I had always felt for our son Ian, and we found a renewed hope and determination to help him grow.

Photograph of Ian provided by his family

Joshua From the time Joshua was very young, our ward members have loved and cared for him.

Photograph of Joshua by John Rees

Kristine In stretching myself in the Lord's service, my communication skills and confidence have improved dramatically. I have learned that the gifts of the Spirit are real.

Photograph of Kristine Haswell by Chris Lindsay; inset photograph provided by Kristine Haswell

Notes

1. History of the Church, 6:311.

2. Church policy provides that priesthood leaders and parents should prayerfully consider the individual's wishes and degree of understanding before priesthood ordinances are performed for a person with a mental disability.

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