Because I live, ye shall live also

Connor Benjamin Thredgold, 19, of Springville, Utah, and Yu Peng Xiong, 24, of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, were found dead Saturday in an apartment they shared in Taiwan.

My prayers go out to all those who knew and loved these Elders. I didn't know Elder Thredgold but he was from my home stake in Springville, Utah and my heart goes out to his family and friends.

Why did God allow such a thing to happen? Why didn't he protect these young boys who were so willing to serve Him?

2 Nephi 11:17 I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.

"Because Adam and Eve did fall, we have temptation, trials, and death as our universal inheritance. However, our loving Heavenly Father gave us the gift of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, as our Savior. The great gift and blessing of the Atonement of Jesus Christ brings a universal inheritance: the promise of the Resurrection and the possibility of eternal life to all who are born." Henry B. Eyering

"This is what the gospel gives us-- not immunity from death, but victory over it!" -Richard J. Maynes

The hurt is real when someone so young is taken away from a family but Elder Russell M. Nelson promised, "From an eternal perspective, death is only premature for those who are 

not prepared to meet God."

I know that Elder Thredgold and his companion have not been excused from their missionary labors but they continue to labor for the cause on the other side. Each of us have heard countless stories of ways God has protected his missionaries and saved their lives. I know without a doubt that God is watching over me and my friends here in the Montana Billings Mission. We have seen many miracles and been watched over by the Good Shepherd. God's timing is perfect and if He chooses to bring one of his children home to Him it is for a wise purpose. 

And should we die before our journey's through,

Happy day! All is well!

We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;

With the just we shall dwell!

But if our lives are spared again

To see the Saints their rest obtain,

Oh, how we'll make this chorus swell--

All is well! All is well!