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This devotional address entitled The Blessings of Adversity was given on February 21st of

1978 by James E. Faust, then a member of the first quorum of the 70 of the Church of Jesus

Christ of Latter-day Saints.

It's always a special thrill and blessing to come upon this campus. of the 70 of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

It's always a special thrill and blessing to come upon this campus.

My message today is simple, but one which you may not wish to hear.

I have chosen to speak concerning the blessings of adversity.

The theme was best expressed by the Lord when he said, Be patient in afflictions, for

thou shalt have many, but endure them, for lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.

During the past two years, and indeed for about five years of my life, I have lived in countries where most of the people are far

below the poverty level of the United States. During the last period of time, as President

Oakes indicated, we made our home in Sao Paulo, Brazil. During most of that time, our neighbor to the north was constructing

a new home. The carpenters, the tile-setters, the plumbers, and the cabinet makers

on that house received far below what we know is the minimum wage.

In fact, some lived in a shack on the site.

There was cold running water available at the end of a hose,

but no warm or hot water.

Their work day was from 6 a.m. till about 5.30 p.m.

This meant that about 5 o'clock in the morning they would begin to prepare their meals

and get ready for work.

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