A Latter-day Miracle

An opportunity came our way in March to travel to Germany. Several members of the Slovakia district were planning a trip to Freiberg LDS Temple to visit and do work there. We had a young woman in our branch along with her sister that were invited along as new converts. We went along to help them experience the joy of attending the temple.

Traveling to the Freiberg Temple was a 13-hour journey. After a 10-hour train ride to Prague in Czech Republic, we then took a 3-hour vehicle ride to Freiberg.  This small temple was the first LDS temple built during the communist state when the Cold War was prevalent.

At the time, the communist leaders allowed Latter-day Saints travel into Switzerland to attend the temple. They noticed they always returned home. This attracted the attention of government leaders and during a visit with the prophet the communist leaders encourage the Church to build a temple in East Germany, and then East Germans would not need to travel out of East Germany to Switzerland. Quite a miraculous event for a communist government who shunned religion.

The Freiberg Temple is located in a residential neighborhood with a German bakery just down the street. We couldn't resist stopping in to see all the pastries and bread on display.

We walked a few blocks further to the Freiberg Castle partially surrounded by tall thick walls and a mote full of water. Freiberg is a small town with cobblestone roads and tiny shops of every kind.

Inside the temples, we learn about the creation of the world and make covenants to obey God's eternal plan for each of us. We can also do ordinances for those who died and never received, for example baptism.

It is an opportunity to step away from the busy world and find peace and serenity.

The Freiberg Temple is situated on a plot of land with a LDS meetinghouse, Institute building, and overnight accommodations for travelers. The church has provided this convenient lodging with large kitchen and dining room. A nicely lighted foot tunnel allows entry from the rooms to the temple. 

During our visit we met missionaries from Berlin, Germany and their Mission President. Several missionaries have been involved in learning other languages than just German, for example, Chinese and Arabic. They have had investigators from various countries and desire to communicate with them. These fine young men were all serving 2-year missions from their home in Australia, Canada, and the United States. 

Our past prophet Thomas S. Monson said this about temples, "As you and I go to the holy houses of God, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome every temptation."