Hey family! I am sorry for your worry- I am doing great! We had a mission conference in Orlando with Elder Zwick of the 70 and Bro Hemingway. Consequently, p-day was moved to Tuesday just for this week- I apologize that I forgot to tell you. But e meeting was incredible- my notes are chicken scratch. It's amazing that the more responsibility you hold in the church the more chastisement you receive, but also gain revelation for the needs of ones you interact with, and feel deeper love for the lord, his ministry, and his people. I will try to to type quickly so I can give you all the best highlights from the week- there were so many!
First of all, I a, glad to hear that it's snowed in my home town! And mom, despite you looking at the weather reports of it being in the 30s-60s here, it had felt freezing. Because the air is very thick, when it freezes it goes right through you- so it was a great thing that we have been so busy is week!
In regards to the work we are apart of over here, E___ is progressing so well! We showed up to our last lesson with another member from our Ward to find that he had the bible and Book of Mormon opened. He had written down questions, and was so honest with us about his concerns, his actions, and obstacles. Reading the scriptures works!!! I see him becoming lighter- but I also see him becoming more vulnerable as he is coming off the drugs and his relationships are very unstable. He even texted us this morning to confirm that we are coming over agin tomorrow!
Also, I had decided after my first few weeks in the mission that I wouldn't write home about anyone u less we had taught them several times because so often we would have to drop them the next week for noncommittal reasons. But this week we me a man named E (different name - starts with "Ë"), who I think deserves an exception. He was a referral from a family in our Ward. We went over to their home for dinner on Sunday to eat with E____ and the members' family. The spirit was so present, we were able to understand the things Ed needed to hear and were able to have a very short powerful lesson on faith and leave quickly. We very boldly told him our expectations for him (read, come to church, schedule another appointment) and left him with much to think about. We had plans to call him several days later, but to our surprise he called us the next day and said that had has been reading the part in the Book of Mormon that we assigned him and he wants to meet with us! He asked if we had plans for this evening! We in turn asked him if he wanted to do the lesson at the members home that he was just at, but he responded that he doesn't know so he will call them and schedule it then let us know! It's a rare thing that people keep their first commitments, let alone call us, and take the initiative to plan our schedule!!!
Sis Arsenault and I have been on fire. We are such good friends! This mission conference has been amazing. To our surprise, much of it was on the destruction of pornography. But it was nonetheless very relevant, and very powerful. Elder Zwick of the 70 came to our mission, because we are again a test mission for a new program with the iPads- like I am sure you know, everyone in the us, Canada, and several other countries will be required to buy their own iPad soon. My heart sunk when I heard that. But, it is such an incredible resource- a huge blessing in Missionary work. But as I mentioned s while back, Elder Zwick spoke at the MTC when I was there- and ironically at that time I had been kind of disappointed with the message given because it was all about protecting ourselves and, our companions. But at one point in the mission conference, elder z asked everyone that had been present at his talk to stand. So all of us newbies hesitantly stand in front of her whole mission. One by one he began to single us out on what we remembers of his talk and what insight we had gained. I was last. I think I could here my heart beating through my chest. He looked at me and said- we need a strong comment. We need a final comment that can enlighten us. He the asked me a question about a specific part of his a talk in the MTc (I was relieved that it was on the only thing that I could recall clearly). I don't even remember what I said. I know I said something suitable- but man, I couldn't hear anything anyone had to say for the next 10 min. I was called out by an elect of the lord in front of r whole mission!!!!!! But it was an amazing meeting. I will have to type up and send you my notes in it next week.
My heart has been struck with gratitude and admiration for the priesthood leadership within my area. As I have considered the revelation I have received from my district leader, zone leaders, Bishop, stake pres, mission pres, I have realized that it has come because we are worthy to receive the promptings of the spirit. There have been many moments where I have not felt qualified to be apart of this work, but I suppose that is how all of us feel. After experiencing the mission conference I walked away with a new drive to be obedient- knowing that it is the only thing I can control. And through my obedience the spirit will be present in my every moment- allowing me to understand what others need.
Ahhh, time flies. I wish I could tell you everything about what I am, learning and experience out here. But know that I love you, and pray for many of you at home by name every day. I pray that you are remaining steadfast, are feeling strong and happy. I filled with love and pride in the things that are happening in good ol' lindon. I love you all
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