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The Transforming Power of Temple Service
I first met Paul Coward in Sydney in 2000 when my family and I moved from Perth for work. At the time, Paul was serving as the president of the Sydney Australia North Stake (formerly the Greenwich Stake) while also working as the director for temporal affairs for the Pacific Area. Within a year, I was called to be a counsellor in the new bishopric, bringing us into closer association. Over the years, I have come to appreciate not only his leadership but his deep conviction regarding temple service.
Paul retired from employment in 2020 and now serves in the recently reopened Hamilton New Zealand Temple with his wife, Julie. As he reflects on his experiences as a bishop, stake president, mission president, Area Seventy, and director for temporal affairs, he acknowledges the profound spiritual insights he has gained. While these callings have strengthened him personally, Paul is most inspired by the sacrifices of faithful members who build the kingdom of God on earth through temple worship.
One particular experience left a lasting impression on him. While serving as an Area Seventy, Paul was hurrying into the temple when he noticed an older man slowly making his way out. His gaze lingered on the elderly patron, and at that moment, the Spirit whispered to him, “He is a holy man.” Paul had never met him before, and the man held no position of prominence. Yet he was identified by Deity as holy. Paul realized then that when we enter the Lord’s house, even a portion of His holiness distils upon us, and we take that with us when we return to our homes.
Paul’s wife, Julie, has also helped him see temple service in a deeper way. His assignment as an Area Seventy required his presences at many stake conferences, and when he would return home, Julie often asked, “How was the conference?” He would reply, “Great.”
When she asked, “How were your talks?” he would say, “I think they went well.” Julie, ever insightful, would passionately respond, “I’m sure it all went well; however, giving a great talk from the pulpit is not really the hard work.” Stunned, Paul would listen as she continued: “The real work is done when hearts are touched, and the work of the Lord is accomplished in the homes of members and within the Lord’s house.”
Paul agrees, of course. If we want to be encircled in the Savior’s arms of safety, we need to be in the temple. If we desire power to be saved unto exaltation, to overcome the world’s influences, to teach and uplift our loved ones, and to have the Lord fight our battles, we need to be in the temple.
Temple patrons—these holy brothers and sisters—and the dedicated workers who serve in the Lord’s kingdom are truly the salt of the earth. They are converted souls, steadfast and unwavering. They take their covenants seriously, living lives of obedience and sacrifice. Paul has learned from personal experience that this is the key to sustained conversion in Jesus Christ and His gospel.
True conversion is not achieved through outward displays but through consistent, quiet acts of faith. Essential doctrines, ordinances, and covenants are what ground us in the gospel. Regular temple worship refines and strengthens discipleship in ways nothing else can.
Paul expresses deep gratitude for the testimonies and consecrated service of temple workers and patrons. Their faith is a testament that the greatest spiritual growth happens not in grand gestures but in the sacred, quiet work of the temple. For it is in the temple, the house of the Lord, that true holiness is found.