Becky Mortensen had the opportunity to sit down with Elder and Sister Robins, who are serving as temple construction missionaries for the new Fort Worth Temple in Burleson, Texas. They’ve been here since October 2023—documenting the construction, ministering to visitors and workers, and quietly creating a place where something sacred is happening every day. They’ve welcomed thousands of visitors into the small visitor center next to the construction site… but what’s happening there feels anything but small.
They’ve taken great care to decorate the space with a Christ-centered focus. The Robins said, “We want this to be a place centered on the Savior—a place where people feel something different.” And people do. They said that many walk in carrying something heavy. And time after time, those same people leave looking lighter. “We didn’t do anything special,” they said. “But they felt comforted… and they left knowing their Heavenly Father loves them.”
Their mission isn’t just about documenting the construction—though they are literally preserving a historical record of the temple being built. It’s about people. Every week, they visit with construction workers—bringing cookies, answering questions, and quietly sharing what the temple means.
Inside the visitor center, they meet people from everywhere—members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, those of other faiths, and those who are simply curious. They’ve welcomed visitors from all over the world—Germany, Australia, India, and the Congo—each one bringing their own story, their own questions, and their own quiet hopes.
One of the most touching moments they shared was about a man from the Democratic Republic of Congo. When he saw the map on the wall showing temples around the world, he became emotional as he realized that temples were now being built in both his and his wife’s hometowns. When he left his country, there were none. Now… there are. And suddenly, something eternal felt very close to home.
They also shared a tender personal experience. They were attending a temple open house with their daughter and three grandchildren. One of the babies had been fussy the entire time—crying, uncomfortable, restless. As they reached the final stop of the tour, their daughter considered stepping out before entering the celestial room. But the moment they stepped inside…The baby became completely still. Peaceful. Calm. Quiet. They walked slowly through the room, taking it all in. And as soon as they stepped back out…The baby became fussy again. Sister Robins quietly reflected: “What did that baby feel? She hadn’t long been from her Heavenly Father… maybe she recognized it.”
They spoke about how the temple isn’t just a building. “The beauty of the temple isn’t the structure… it’s what happens inside.” It’s where we make promises with God. It’s where we draw closer to Him. It’s where families are bound together—not just for this life, but for eternity.
The Robins explained it in this way: In the time of Jesus, people gathered in synagogues to learn and worship—just like we do in our churches today. But the temple was different. The temple was a place for deeper worship… for making sacred promises with God. And that’s still true today.
One thing they emphasized again and again: God’s plan includes everyone. “He doesn’t exclude anyone. He wants all of His children to come home.” And the temple is part of that plan—not just for us, but for those who came before us as well.
The simplest, most meaningful invitation they shared was this: JUST COME AND SEE. You don’t have to know everything. You don’t have to understand everything. You don’t even have to be a member. Just come. Because there is something there you can feel. Right now, before the temple is completed, there is a Visitor Center open to the public where anyone can come and learn more. But it won’t be open much longer. The Visitor Center closes April 10.
If you’ve ever been curious…
If you’ve ever had questions…
If you’ve ever just needed a little peace…
Just come see.
