In a recent General Conference talk, Elder Ulisses Soares spoke of two large rivers that unite to become the mighty, majestic Amazon River:
“My home country of Brazil is very rich in natural resources. One of them is the famous Amazon River, one of the largest and longest rivers in the world. It is formed by two separate rivers, the Solimões and Negro. Interestingly, they flow together for a number of miles before the waters blend, due to the rivers having very different origins, speeds, temperatures, and chemical compositions. After several miles, the waters finally blend together, becoming a river different than its individual parts. Only after these parts merge, the Amazon River becomes so powerful that when it reaches the Atlantic Ocean, it pushes back the seawater so that fresh water can still be found for many miles out into the ocean.
He reflects on the confluence of these two great rivers, teaching the listener that inasmuch as the rivers are of two such completely different compositions, miles pass before the two completely unite to become the powerful Amazon River. waters can even be seen from satellites high above the earth’s atmosphere. He compares this “uniting” process to how peoples of different cultures, religions, and ideologies can unite within the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“The Lord has inspired His prophets to teach us how we can support and love each other so we can become united in faith and purpose in following Jesus Christ. Paul, the New Testament Apostle, taught that those who “have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ … : for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.””
