What think ye of the Christ?

     In the book of Matthew chapter 22 the political leaders of Jerusalem test Jesus with a few questions. The first being if they should give tribute to Caesar or to God, the next what happens with remarriages. The final questions asks what is the greatest of all the commandments. Then Jesus takes the opportunity to ask his own question, "What think ye of the Christ?" When President Cooke posed this question at our annual Christmas conference, I stopped to search my soul and find my own answer.
    Right now I live in one of the most politically active areas of the world. It seems like there are no bounds to the hypocrisy and deceit that engulfs the world around me. We try to avoid the news, but everyone is talking about the civil unrest and the terrible crimes that are committed. I remember when I was in northwest DC and I contacted a man on the district council and a woman that is an ambassador for the national government in the same day. This past week we didn't have very many opportunities to teach, but one person that I've been working with really took a turn south. In response to our challenge to investigate the Book of Mormon, they investigated websites that attack the church and the Book of Mormon. I can't say how much that hurt, it put my testimony to the test. Maybe that's why the word test is at the beginning of testimony because it is meant to be tested. You need only to turn to the scriptures to rebuild and remember the faith and testimony you once had. Elder Thornton pointed out something really profound.
     Last April Elder Packer shared his special testimony. He started by quoting Joseph Smith, "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!“For we saw him” (D&C 76:22–23). Their words are my words." I don't have a witness of the resurrected Lord that leads this church, but I know that Elder Packer does. I can trust that good man and the witness of the living prophets and apostles. That is what they are there for! They are here to teach us what we ought to think of the Christ, and what we should do in response to having that knowledge. We should think of Him as the only way that will lead us home back to our heavenly Father to live with our families eternally. We should be willing to submit to all the Lord's commands and ordinances to help us live that way. If Jesus Christ came in resurrected form to you this Christmas or New year and asked, what think ye of the Christ? What would you have to say to him?

Know what we have

     Yesterday we found out that one of our investigators spent the night in the emergency room because she had a few blood clots near her heart. We didn't have much time but we rushed over to give her a priesthood blessing. As we blessed her I felt the love our Heavenly Father has for her and for her family. I could feel how this illness could work to help her in her progression back to Him. It's been hard to set meetings with her, but she told us how she has been reading the Book of Mormon and she was much more anxious to try and meet with us this week.
     One of the recent converts of the Ward accepted our invitation to help host at the Temple Festival of Lights, and we accompanied him to go serve. As we turned the corner after exit 31 and he saw the temple rise up over the hill for the first time since being baptized. He expressed how taken aback he was by the beauty of the temple. He has lived near the temple since he was a child, and said that he actually used to make fun of the angel Moroni saying that he looked like he was wearing a diaper. This time was much different though. I realized how magnificent the temple truly is, and how over time I have forgotten how enchanting it is to see such an important place on the Earth. I felt a lot of loneliness as I saw so many families come to the festival, but I realized that because of the temple, I don't have to be on my own forever. Through the sealing power that is administered in the temple, we can have the greatest gift there is to have. I am grateful for eternal families, and will always try to remember that it is made possible by my Savior and by the temple.
     I got to go on my second exchange into Anacostia! I forgot what it's like to work in the city, it's a very different experience. I talked to as many people as I could and offered to share a special Christmas message with them. One young man was badly burned all over his hands and face, I felt so bad for him. But I thought in my mind, this man is my brother, and God has a special plan for him. I hope he accepts the gospel. The missionary I was on exchange with also did an awesome job at contacting. He came out at the same time as Elder Thorpe, so he is still pretty new at talking to people, he definitely didn't act that way. He taught this man the entire first lesson on the street! Then the man did an impersonation of Barack Obama... A few days later this Elder complimented my ability to talk with people. I am humbled because I never thought that was a strength of mine. That inspires me to to not give up on trying to do things that are hard for me. We need to recognize the talents that we do have, and the talents that we have potential to develop. There isn't a better time of year to serve the Lord, there isn't a better time to recognize what He has given us. I hope we can always remember Him, and always remember what we can become because of Him.

He is my Gift

      I think that during this time of year we envision the Christ captured forever in an infant state. It feels like His birth is a repeatedly occurring event as we celebrate it continually throughout our lives. This week it struck me that the truth is that Christ is currently a glorified and resurrected being, not a baby in a manger. How could this celebration of his birth help us to fill the commandment that He has given us to always remember him? Elder Russell M. Nelson put it well when he said, "Christmas is a time of reflection on what we can become because of God’s sacred gift." We can use this time to reflect upon the entry of Jesus into the world. He is the greatest gift that we have been given because only he can help us become the kind of people God created us to be. We can overcome death and all of our weaknesses because of this gift, Jesus Christ. I came on a mission after experiencing the help and healing power of the atonement that helped me become a better person.

     This past week we worked hard. I wasn't going to use transfers as an excuse to slow down! My new companion Elder Thornton is an amazing missionary, the strongest I know! We served in the same district a year ago for about 6 months. He has grown even more capable as a missionary having served in DC 3rd just like I did, and up in the Seneca Stake like I did as well. He is a powerful teacher and has a great understanding of the gospel. On top of the meetings we had to attend to this week, we scheduled as many teaching opportunities as possible. Last night we got to teach a man that Elder Peterson and I met at 8:29, our last door of the night. He let us right in and was interested to hear the message of the restoration. He agreed to be baptized if he finds out for himself that it's true.
      Our Ward Christmas party was so much fun! It is amazing that I knew every single person in attendance. I'm not sure that I was ever able to do that in my own home ward! After the party we had one of the best lessons of my mission. A young woman and her mother came to the discussion to help out. The investigator told us that she didn't understand why we were so persistent about doing missionary work. I asked the young woman why she would take time out of her Saturday to come to a gospel discussion. She got choked up when she proclaimed that she would otherwise be helping her dad with a project, but because of her testimony she has a desire to share the gospel, and wants others to feel the peace and joy that she has. I am so impressed with our youth! We tried to teach how temple ordinances make a difference in our lives, but it wasn't until the mother of the young woman taught that we don't just get married until death do we part but for time and all eternity that the principle made sense to her. I know that this investigator and her family can have so much joy and become even better people as they choose to follow the Savior and be baptized. I love this time of year, I love sharing the greatest message ever told. I hope you have the opportunity to help someone remember that He is the Gift.

The Hope of Israel!

It's been so wonderful to receive the words of my brother counterpart now serving as Elder AJ Lim. His powerful experiences and the changes that he is seeing in himself help me to recognize what a miracle my mission has been in my life. It helped me to also recognize how grateful I am for life, for my family, and for the gospel of Jesus Christ that make them full of joy. I know that the spirit AJ is experiencing is real and that the work that we are part of is the Lord's. I am impressed by his preparedness to be a missionary and to have a good attitude about the work he is doing now.
We had an amazing experience yesterday! We had an hour between appointments to do some finding, so we decided to test out a new Family History Survey contacting approach. The first door we knocked the lady was not interested in talking about her family history at all, but she said we could come back and share a message about Christ. I almost gave up on the family history thing right away. As we walked up to the third door I remember thinking to myself, I have seen so many miracles on my mission, I'm ready for another miracle now! A man in his mid 70s opens the door and invites us right in. I asked if we could sit for a few moments to conduct the survey and he agreed. We had a great conversation about him and his family, and he expressed interest in having us come back to help him use familysearch.org! At the end of the survey there are a few questions about beliefs about family and the next life and we discovered that he doesn't believe in God, and he doesn't believe that we have spirits. I believe that finding his ancestors will help him recognize that he does have a spirit, and that God does have a plan for him. Family history will be the gateway to the Holy Ghost for many people living on the Earth today.
The youth in our ward responded to our invitation to go help the missionary effort at the temple visitor center for the festival of lights. They paired up with missionaries, helped greet visitors and guests to the center, and did a lot of other jobs to supplement the work that the sisters usually do in the VC. Yesterday they got up in fast and testimony meeting to report their experience on Saturday evening. One young man told us with tears in his eyes that despite facing rejection by some, he got to talk to a man that was interested and give him a book of mormon. The young man proclaimed that he now has a great desire to serve a mission. Elder Peterson and I were so happy for him that we got teary. Many other youth stood up to share similar experiences and gratitude for missionary work. A parent of one of them stood to declare that these youth are more choice than any that have ever lived, and that we need to rise to the calling to be better parents to them to face the troubled world that stirs in turmoil. They are the hope of Isreal, Zion's army, and they are amazing.

Salvation Prevention

Trip to Arlington

    Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I had a great celebration for the third year in a row. This was my first non-Chinese celebration! In the morning we had a traditional Turkey Bowl with the ward members. There were so many people that showed up! They brought their boys just like my Dad used to bring my brothers and I out. Across the park in another field there was a bunch of strictly men playing an intense game. It impresses me how thoroughly our church believes in the importance of the family. We also don't just talk about it! We don't leave our children behind while we go have a good time. We include them in our activities and in our service to teach them and help them have a good life with us. My team also won the game! For some reason they had me playing on the line the entire time, and I'm like the smallest adult out there! We had an amazing meals with a really wonderful family the Verkerkes. We went over early to help them prepare the food and play some card games. I felt the spirit of love, gratitude, and family as we celebrated Thanksgiving together, I'll always cherish those memories.
     In the past year our mission has made an unusual push to try to utilize family history as a missionary tool. Just like the general body of the church is struggling to convert to family history, so are the missionaries. But I've been making special efforts to both learn how to use it effectively and discover how to help others to get into it. It is as important of a work as any that we could spend our spare time on. I've had the opportunity to help a nonmember and recent convert to the church start their family history in family search. Both attempts to link to their ancestors were unsuccessful and we weren't able to find any in the time of our visits. This past week we sent around a sign up sheet for anyone interested in some help with family history. One of the brothers in the Elders Quorum signed up for some assistance and we were excited! We went over and started from the beginning. I'm starting to get down the routine for starting an account and beginning searches. We put his father into the system, then his grandfather. We did an automatic search for records for his grandfather and it pulled up his family in the 1940 census. We attached the record to his grandfather, and then were pleased to find that the person who is his grandmother was already in the system and linked to the census! Once we attached her into the family tree we opened up at least 3 generations going back in his genealogy. We also discovered that there are 5th generation ancestors that have had temple work done. Meaning that this convert brother, who has no relatives that are members of the church, indeed has some distant relatives that are members! What an amazing discovery! My heart was filled as I saw all the names of the people ready to have their name taken to the temple to perform saving ordinances. Think of the implications of our discovery.
     Sometimes I feel like the adversary is working on me harder than ever. Even after times of great spiritual strength and faithfulness, he bombards me with negative and tempting thoughts. I wonder to myself why does it get so hard, especially when I'm doing all I can to do what is right. An answer came to my mind this week after our family history discovery. Perhaps Satan knows me and what God has called me to do better than I supposed. Maybe he knows the kind of impact my faithfulness can have on these generations of the human family, and he wants to prevent or delay that work. I cannot let his lies and deception throw me off or get me down! I feel stronger now that I recognize what he is doing, and why I need to resist it. I want to see the purposes of the Lord fulfilled in me and in the lives of everyone around me. One of the great gifts we could give to Christ this year is to find a family name to take to the temple.

Thanksgiving at the Verkerke's

Enter In

What will it be like when we will be judged of our Heavenly Father? Is that an experience we should eagerly anticipate? Or is it a day of dread? Should we try and have all the joy that we can possibly have before that day when it all ends? I had several very enlightening experiences this past week that taught me important principles of being prepared for days of reckoning. A few months ago our mission decided to take a tour of the white house together. The process takes time and effort so few missionaries take the opportunity to take a tour there before their missions are over. I was so excited to be able to see part of the home where the leader of this great country resides. Many world changing and historical decisions have been made on those grounds, and I have a sense of reverence for the position of the President of the United States. 

We were told to submit our personal information for a background check to get security clearance to take the tour. When I got that email we were in the middle of preparing a report, so I quickly filled out the information and sent it off without thinking twice about it. As the day of the tour drew closer, I more eagerly anticipated this great opportunity to tour the white house and take a mission picture on the front lawn. Then my hopes were shattered. A list of all the participants was sent out last Tuesday, and my name wasn't on the list! I started to panic, but I looked back and saw the email I had sent, but then realized that I mistyped the email address! My application never went in, and there was no way for me to get clearance by Friday. I was devastated. A day that I was excited for became a day that I didn't want to come. There was a glimmer of hope because a brother in the ward I'm serving in is actually a member of the secret service. He went in to work that day to see if he could get me into the tour. I met him at the front of the line and he apologized because there was nothing he could do. In light of an individual who recently jumped the fence and got into the white house, security has become much tighter and the staff member that he appealed to rejected our request. It was so heartbreaking to walk away from the entire mission all lined up, leaving all my friends to enter in, while I remained outside. I realized, this must be the feeling of damnation. When we are not prepared to enter into the Lord's presence with our brothers and sisters so we have to be left outside. The statement Christ made about the true and faithful servant has taken new meaning for me.
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:21"

I want to be ready to enter into the presence of the Lord! I don't think that means that we need to be fully prepared today, but it does mean that we need to be more prepared than we were yesterday. I hope with all my heart I get to be there, and you get to be there with me, so let's get ready. :) and watch the typos!

Faith in our Redeemer

 This week our mission had a visit from Elder Larry Kacher of the 70, to help lift and inspire us to be better missionaries. It was such a blessing to me personally. As we met with him as a mission council, he wanted to discuss how we felt that things were going in the mission generally. What we found that the general consensus was that we felt that our mission didn't have as much faith as we ought to have. "For, it is by faith that miracles are wrought." Moroni 7:37
We can't fill our potential without the help of the Lord, and we obtain his help through our acts of faith. I feel that at times in my mission, I have had a brighter hope and a better mindset about what is possible with the help of the Lord. I recognized extraordinary things that would happen around me every single day. The natural tendency is to forget the extraordinary things and I think that's happened to me over periods of time. I've made the decision that I don't want to just live my life in mediocrity, but I was to live by faith so that I can see great things happen. These past few days I've taken my challenge to share my testimony of the Savior with everyone that we have taught, and every time we had a powerful experience. We would sing the hymn "More Holiness Give Me," and share our testimonies of the atonement. That brought a powerful spirit into our lessons, and helped people to be more willing to act on the invitations we extended.
We visited the home of one of the members who turned out to not be home, and there was a pamphlet from the Jehovah's Witnesses stuck in the door, meaning the building had been tracted recently. My mind immediately came up with the excuse that we didn't need to knock the other doors because they had probably just been knocked that morning, but I noticed across the hall that there were flip flops leaning up against wall. Elder Peterson joked that it was probably a Filipino's home, and I thought that was probably true. I decided that we would at least try that door because I love talking to Filipinos. They were home! And happy to talk with us, we'll hopefully have an opportunity to teach their family. The Lord will give us opportunities to be a part of amazing things, we just need to have the faith to do what we're prompted to do.
I am so excited for Elder AJ Lim to begin his mission! I know his life will be full of miracles. I think we should all use this special time to rededicate ourselves to the Lord and seek His will so that we can be a part of the great history in our Heavenly Father's plan.

First Zone Training!

I was very nervous to be a lead in planning and giving zone training for the first time on my mission, which is weird because I've done many district meetings and it's pretty similar to that. We were really concerned about making the training meeting an uplifting and instructive experience for all the missionaries. As we thought and prayed about what would be taught and how we would run the meeting, impressions came to our minds that felt like really good ideas. One of those ideas was to demonstrate teaching in common terms by giving an example of me trying to explain my gymnastics routine to someone who doesn't really know much about gymnastics. It was also a good learning experience for me. We got a volunteer to come up and I explained my old high bar routine to him, and I was surprised by how confused he looked when I used names for skills like 'kip,' 'giant,' and 'endo.' Those are the inward expressions that people make when we teach with words like 'atonement,' 'resurrection,' and 'ordinances.' Then I went back and taught the routine again in simpler terms like 'swing' and 'handstand' and used a video to show exactly what it looks like. Sometimes it's hard to remember that everyone doesn't have the same understanding of words that we do. As teachers, we need to put a lot of time into understanding our material so that we can relate them in a way that is understandable to people with different backgrounds than ourselves. We studied the atonement in Preach My Gospel as a zone, having everyone read a sentence at a time. The simple act of studying the principle together brought a powerful spirit, and the comments that were made were amazing. We talked about the atonement in terms of 'mistakes,' 'suffering,' 'forgiveness,' and 'healing.' I learned that I still have a lot of studying to do of basic gospel principles to be a fully effective teacher. I love how simply the resurrection is taught. 

We will all suffer physical death, but Jesus Christ overcame the obstacle of physical death for us. When He died on the cross, His spirit became separated from His body. On the third day, His spirit and His body were reunited eternally, never to be separated again. He appeared to many people, showing them that He had an immortal body of flesh and bone. The reuniting of body and spirit is called resurrection and is a gift promised to each of us. Because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we will all be resurrected regardless of whether we have done good or evil in this life. We will have a perfect, immortal body of flesh and bones that will never again be subject to disease, pain, or death. The resurrection makes it possible to return to God’s presence to be judged but does not guarantee that we will be able to live in His presence. To receive that blessing, we must also be cleansed from sin. (PMG Pg 53)

Christ's body and spirit was separated when He died, and then they came back together when He was resurrected. The same thing will one day happen with you and me, we know that is true because we know that Christ lives. We don't have to say goodbye to those we love forever. This week's challenge is to study the atonement and share it with someone who doesn't know what it is!

Saved

Where does it say the words, "Plan of Salvation" in the Bible? It Doesn't! That matter of fact struck me really hard when President Cooke was teaching us about the Plan of Salvation. Knowing the path of our existence is the most important thing we could ever learn about! I guess I've taken for granted that knowledge that has been passed down to me by my parents from when I was young. That knowledge culminated in my experience going through the temple for myself, and learning about the great necessity for salvation and the need of a redeemer to make it possible. This week I learned that I need to find common ground with people to help them understand what God's plan for their happiness is.

"O how great the plan of our God! For on the other hand, the paradise of God must deliver up the spirits of the righteous, and the grave deliver up the body of the righteous; and the spirit and the body is restored to itself again, and all men become incorruptible, and immortal, and they are living souls, having a perfect knowledge like unto us in the flesh, save it be that our knowledge shall be perfect." 2 Nephi 9:13

My sentiments are the same. The plan of redemption is so wonderful, I am glad that I won't be lost to God and my family forever because of Jesus Christ. My new companion Elder Jacob Peterson is a veteran missionary from Mesa, Arizona. I was in DC 3rd Ward when his trainer found out he would be training him. He is the best singer I've ever heard, and has a genuine love for every person that we meet. He is so converted to the gospel, there isn't a single person he isn't willing to go out of his way to share it with. The other night we were walking out of a rehabilitation center and he contacted the EMTs parked out front, AWESOME! We also recently got a new Ward mission leader named Geoffery Heath. He was recently released from serving as a stake high counselor. Yesterday we had our first coordination meeting together, and that was a powerful instructive moment for me. We talked about a couple that are progressing towards baptism, and they helped me to realize that there was a lot more preparation to be done to help them truly be ready to enter into the covenant of baptism. We laid out a plan to help them progress, discussing the kind of experiences they would need to have and commitments that they would need to keep. I felt like my purpose finally became clear. I'm not just here to help people to go through the ordinance of baptism, but to prepare them for the path of salvation. That path is long and difficult, and we can help them be ready to travel it. It's been over two years that I've been a missionary, and I'm still just starting to figure things out. But I love the I journey!

My Brother

     With the beginning of my brother AJ's mission approaching, and the transfer of one of my closest companions Elder Hansen, this post is dedicated to them.

     There is no word to replace the word brother. It represents more than just two people passing through life together. It means that you share an origin, and that puts you in a position to look out for them. Recently I've grown a liking for the story of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. After hearing the following quote from Elder Causse in conference, I've never thought of being a brother the same way. 

"A passage from the novel Les misérables illustrates how priesthood holders can treat those individuals viewed as strangers. Jean Valjean had just been released as a prisoner. Exhausted by a long voyage and dying of hunger and thirst, he arrives in a small town seeking a place to find food and shelter for the night. When the news of his arrival spreads, one by one all the inhabitants close their doors to him. Not the hotel, not the inn, not even the prison would invite him in. He is rejected, driven away, banished. Finally, with no strength left, he collapses at the front door of the town’s bishop.

The good clergyman is entirely aware of Valjean’s background, but he invites the vagabond into his home with these compassionate words:

“‘This is not my house; it is the house of Jesus Christ. This door does not demand of him who enters whether he has a name, but whether he has a grief. You suffer, you are hungry and thirsty; you are welcome. … What need have I to know your name? Besides, before you told me [your name], you had one which I knew.’

“[Valjean] opened his eyes in astonishment.

“‘Really? You knew what I was called?’

“‘Yes,’ replied the Bishop, ‘you are called my brother.’”

     I was once the prodigal son returning home. I felt so undeserving to be a brother to my fantastic siblings. How I was received by my brother AJ emulates the response of the Bishop in the story, and the response that Jesus Christ has for us when we repent. When I arrived back in Seattle a year and a half ago, I expected to be shunned, cast out, and condemned. I walked to the baggage terminal alone, without home and without friend, my brother AJ opened his arms to me with complete forgiveness in his heart. There was no resentment for the shame I might have brought to him, there was no judgement in the wrongs I might have done, he just loved me. I am so grateful for the time I was gifted with to be with him while I was home. Especially now that he is leaving for 2 years, and it will have been almost 4 when I do see him again. Some of my favorite memories are of sitting in his room teaching him the principles of "Preach My Gospel," and sharing with him the glory of being a missionary. I have dreams of meeting him at train stations and telling him to remember to love people, and to be bold! I am just so excited for him to become the close brother of so many more people in this world.

     Elder Hansen is a great missionary, but he is an even greater brother. Yesterday we went around to visit all the people we have gotten close to the past 6 weeks, and hearts were broken to learn that he is leaving today. I don't think that affection comes out of mere respect or friendship, but out of a closeness that develops from brotherly care and kindness. We have continued to teach the 21 year old mother of 4 children the lessons. This past week while teaching the Plan of Salvation the spirit was so hard to be felt! We gave her the straight doctrines without applying them to her needs, and the kids were being crazy in the background. Afterwards we felt devastated because this Sister means a lot to us, and we want to provide her with the best opportunity possible to accept the gospel. We want to be better brothers. Every week we work out with a man that reminds me a lot of my coach Dersely, and my best friend Luke. These are also brothers that I have been blessed to be close with. Last night we talked with this man and his adorable family about Christ and the atonement, I felt the spirit so strongly. I will miss that level of care and consideration my companion has, but I am so excited for him to continue to serve in his new assignment!

     There are so many people to be loved, and so few willing to give of themselves to be a true brother or sister. My challenge to you this week is to put your arm around someone and be their brother. "Now behold, this (Elder AJ Lim) was a man who had been with (Elder John Lim) in the more part of all his battles; and he was a man like unto (Elder John Lim), and they rejoiced in each other’s safety; yea, they were beloved by each other, and also beloved by all the people of (God). Alma 53:2

Glorious

     I have seen so many miracles this week, the hand of the Lord is working all around us! Last night the mission filled the Temple Visitor Center for the "Why I Believe," fireside. So many of my good friends participated in the program. Matt Josephs a recent convert in the White Plains 2nd ward shared his conversion story and his testimony. On the ride up, he let us read what he had prepared. His words were so deep and genuine, I knew it would be powerful. Despite how nervous he was to address over 500 people, a few lines into his testimony he closed his paper, and began to offer what was in his heart. That was such an epic moment! Watching someone new to the church and to the gospel taking that leap of faith to rely upon the Lord and the spirit in front of so many people. The keynote speakers were Randy and Meredith Casto from the Lexington Park ward. Since I served in the Patuxent Ward I didn't get to spend as much time with them, but I have so much respect and admiration for their faith and testimonies. Imagine changing from a lifetime devotion to a familiar denomination. Even though I didn't spend much time with them, they walked up to me and greeted me as if we were close friends. I love the way the gospel plants relationships of love even with people we hardly know.
     The Lord has led us to so many prepared people! Last transfer the Elders met this man walking his two kids in a stroller, and expressed a willingness to have us into his home to learn more. On Tuesday evening we were able to teach him, his wife, and their 12 year old daughter about the restoration of the gospel. They were so open to the principles we taught. At the end, the daughter got her guitar and played us a song! They intended to perform at the ward activity on Saturday, but the mother went into labor with their next child. On Saturday we met another amazing person in La Plata. She was out walking her kids when we met her and started talking about prophets. Her 3 little boys are adorable! And they came with us to the ward activity. She will start preparing for baptism after she has her 4th child. I can hardly believe all the amazing things that are happening, I can't imagine if this month was not a part of my mission. I'm so excited for the next half year to serve the Lord, there is no greater glory!

Overjoyed!

"Behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God." Alma 26:1

It's difficult to describe the great feelings that I experienced this week. Robert McNeely was finally prepared to receive baptism, and there was no way I could miss it! He has been a good friend and brother to me, I love their family so much. Elder Fisher and I made arrangements to go down to Lexington Park for the baptism, it was fun to be companions again for the day. I can truly say that I miss that transfer we served together, we worked so hard and he is like my brother. We caught up on the past few months and shared some of the things we've learned. When we got to the church and saw the Patuxent Ward Bishop he approached us and started talking to us like we were the missionaries for the ward, then he realized that we had both been transferred away! It was such a joyous reunion to see the Metcalfs, the McNeelys, and all the missionaries I love and served. The baptismal service was beautiful, and there was only one hold up.. There was one of the 8 year old girls really anxious to get baptized, and set things back an hour.. But good things come to those who wait, and the spirit was so strong as Robert was baptized by his father Ken. That was so neat!! It strengthens my testimony of the truthfulness of the restored priesthood ordinances. There isn't just a good feeling about the baptism, there is a solemn atmosphere that bears witness of the proper authority. I will definitely need to come back for when they go through the temple, and hope that Robert will be able to serve a mission next year. It is so worth the effort to share the gospel, I have made eternal friends and experienced everlasting joy. I have found that as I've given such a small portion of my life to the Lord, He has blessed me with so much more in return. You give Him a crust, and He sends down loaves.

True Humility

     Recently I've been studying and pondering the subject of humility. I didn't feel like I really understood how to be humble. Sometimes people make it seem like humility is just something that a few select people are naturally good at. I hear them say, "He is a humble man." And I wondered how I could possess that divine quality. It isn't just a natural tendency, it is a choice that we need to make. In an attempt to become humble, I would often try to humiliate myself. Have you ever done that before? Someone praises you for your good work or talent and you put yourself down and make it sound like you're garbage because you want to be virtuous. But if that isn't the way to be humble, what is? I had this feeling that it had to be a more positive mindset but still a choice nonetheless. Preach My Gospel says that humility is not a sign of weakness, but of spiritual strength. It is when you are willing to give the Lord the honor and glory for what is accomplished. Now that is something that I can do. I can gracefully accept the compliment that is given, but give credit to God for that blessing that He has given me. When we undertake to downplay the good things we do, we downplay what God has done through us. After all, we ourselves and everything we have come from him. Even the energy to do good works can be traced back to Him as the great source.
     Last Friday we had a zone conference that we were asked to give a training in. As we prepared throughout the week, we had a great struggle in trying to figure out what we would teach and train the zone on. We would spend a few hours planning, and just feel like we weren't getting it. We would stop and pray, and plead for help, but it felt like we had to scrape for inspiration in knowing what to prepare. When we finally got to the presentation, it went smoother than any training I have ever given before. The spirit was powerful, and I felt like what we taught came from God. Afterwards I had this feeling of gratitude for how well it went, and then I realized why it was so hard to prepare the training. It was to help us recognize where the ideas came from. They were not our own, they were the Lord's, and He helped me be humble by making us work for the inspiration.
     This weekend when President Monson began by saying that he was humbled by the task to address us, I understood what that truly meant. He recognizes the greatness of the task, and he knows where he needs to have help from. We watched a session with the Weimers, a couple that we have been meeting with lately. I felt like I was watching the session with family, they brought snacks and everything! At the conclusion of the session, we reviewed the messages that were shared and they were touched by the spirit in the room. After his leg recovers, he wants to be baptized and participate fully in the blessings of the restored gospel. I am humbled to be their friend and brother, and grateful that God has sent me here to be with this people. Let's go out and do extraordinary things and not shrug them off, but give praise to God for His help in accomplishing them.

Ways to Grow, Ways to Go!

    Read this talk given by Elder Boyd K. Packer in March 2002... https://www.lds.org/new-era/2009/06/the-20-mark-note?lang=eng I met Elder David A. Bednar's companion at the time of this experience! His name is Brother Smith and he lives in the White Plains 2nd Ward. He asked us what our favorite experience from our missions are and I shared a few, then he started telling this story about when he worked in the mission office and Elder Packer visited the mission, and I realized I had heard the story in conference before! It really brought the humanity of the apostles into perspective for me. They are truly ordinary men. They've been called to do something for the Lord, and it is truly the Lord working through them to help them do extraordinary things.
     Yesterday we got to know this couple from Fresno that were invited over for dinner by one of the members of the ward. They are very faithful Christians and have the most adorable family. He is a police officer here in DC and has such a cool story. He inspired me to be better at working out, just like my coach used to do! We talked about families and the temple, and I love to share the testimony that I've gained of how the restored gospel blesses families. It's truly made a difference in my own, and I'm so happy to share that with any family that I get a chance to.
     We have great goals as a mission. We want to work towards helping as many people come unto Christ as possible. I want to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to help bless and inspire others, but I often feel like it's a job bigger than I have capacity to accomplish. I think that's just the nature of the responsibilities we are called to do as disciples of Jesus Christ. But I believe that it is through our faith and trust in Him that we are able to overcome our weaknesses, and do great things. Just like I could have never learned to do a Ring routine without my coach lifting me up, we can't do the Lord's will without His help. Let's try and find out how we can better do that this weekend at conference!

Up the Road!

     I could not be more stoked about my new area and my new companion! I was transferred to the ward the borders the north side of my previous area, the White plains 2nd Ward. I can already feel a great love from them, and an enthusiasm to do missionary work. My companion is now the Elder Tim Hansen from Kaysville, UT. He was my zone leader last transfer and is by far one of the greatest missionaries I have ever known. His diligence and insight have been a great strength to this mission. I couldn't believe when I found out that I would get to be his companion. We have great plans to hasten the Lord's work in the Suitland Zone, I can't express how inspired I am. I feel like I am part of a winning team.  

     The highlights of the week have been the opportunities I've had to sit in councils. The work of the Lord does not move forward as one person sits in the big chair and calls all the shots, but rather as we sit together and discuss the needs at hand, and then reach a consensus. We council together one on one, in our districts, and as a mission. Through these group discussions I have received inspired training and personal revelation for how I can better serve. I'm learning that the culture of a mission doesn't change by adding rules and regulations, but understanding correct principles and learning new skills. For example, at the beginning of my mission, I was not trained to talk with people on the metro. In fact, it was preferred to just drive our cars to destinations and that it would be a violation of some public transit policy to talk about the gospel. On Friday morning on our way up to a meeting, we took public transportation and I got to meet two very special individuals. This girl on a car waved to us and we found out that she served as a missionary here 3 years ago. Elder Hansen started talking about the work with her, and I noticed the man sitting next to her was reading out of the New Testament. I took a moment to build up the courage to speak with him, and commented that I liked the chapters he was reading in James. He immediately lit up and started talking about the scriptures to me. As the conversation wore on, he opened up about the struggles he has been having in his life. He recently separated from his wife, and despite his efforts to go to church weekly, read his scriptures and say his prayers, he has not been able to quit his addictions to various substances. I testified to him of the power of the restored gospel and ordinances, of the sacrament. Something sparked in his eye that just lit up his whole countenance. We prayed there together, and I shared passages from the Book of Mormon. We exchanged contact information before our final stop, and I felt like I was able to touch the life of a single soul that morning, because I have been cultured to talk with everyone. On the trip back home, I sat next to a lady that appeared to be very concentrated on her book. After several minutes I got the courage to ask her what she was reading, and she was so friendly! We had a 10 minute conversation about the Book of Mormon and the Church. I realized that I don't need to be a full-time missionary to just talk with people like that. You can do it too. (:

Farewell Patuxent

     I love this Ward so much!!! They have been the greatest examples to me of faith, and devotion to hastening the Lord's work of salvation. Their love for The Lord makes me want to be more faithful and dedicated in my missionary service. It's so hard to be transferred. Reflecting back on this transfer there are several lessons that I will not forget.
     This past week we were on exchange on Friday with the Lexington Park Elders and we got a call from one of the leaders in charge of a stake youth activity. There was an unanticipated rain storm timed for the following day that would rain out their planned kickball game. She wanted us to hold a youth missionary activity for groups of the youth that they could do indoors. I was more than happy to take the invitation to help out, but I was really nervous about putting on a good activity for the youth. We planned to teach them about teaching the gospel to people, rather than just giving lessons. At the end of each session, we had them group teach a single investigator. I was blown away by how well the youth did at teaching principles of the gospel and asking inspired questions. It was better than role plays that I saw in the MTC! The Lord is truly raising up the greatest generation of people the Earth has yet seen, we should look forward to the great things that they will accomplish.
      Afterwards, I got the chance to talk with the former Bishop of the ward I'm serving in. I asked him a few simple questions about his service in the church and he spoke of what he has learned of the atonement and of leadership. In a conference with an apostle, he learned that the time put into a mission can only be comparable to 72 years of attending a 3 hour church block every single sunday. He told me how he had seen disciplinary councils change lives for the better and how he witnessed the atonement literally change people. That strengthens my testimony that there truly is a way for us to overcome weaknesses and trials in our lives. I think we should take the time to talk about those lessons learned during our church service with others. I really appreciated those things that Bishop shared with me.

Something Meaningful

     The greatest blessing in being a leader is the opportunity to get to know and love the people that you serve. I love going on companionship exchanges with the Elders in my district because it is the best chance I have to do just that. On Friday evening we tried to ride our bikes a few miles to an area we might be able to knock doors. We only got 200 yards when Elder Clemon's brand new front axle popped and we had to walk our bikes back to the car. We had gotten a referral that day from Church Headquarters, but it turned out to be an electronic technology research company.. We had about 20 minutes left for the evening so we went looking for one of the members that we've never met before. We don't have his apartment number so we started knocking all the doors in the building to try and find him. We didn't find him, but we talked to this couple from the Caribbean. They attend a nearby Christian church and love to study the bible. He explained how he likes to emphasize that the most important commandment to love God and love your neighbor. Earlier in the week I read in Preach my Gospel on page 39 that when we introduce the Book of Mormon we should begin by giving a brief overview and sharing a passage that is meaningful to you. I opened up the Book of Mormon to 2 Nephi 31:19-20 "And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." I think they were surprised how this passage is so centered on Christ. It also mentions how important it is to press on with a love of God and of all men, that scripture is even more meaningful to me now.
     I am so excited for my brother AJ to serve the people in Nicaragua. I know that there are people prepared to receive the gospel, and that his talents are specially needed to serve the people that live there. I think what makes things meaningful to us are how closely they relate to our lives and our circumstances. The repentant loves to learn of forgiveness, the person who has lost their dear friend will love the resurrection. What is meaningful to you this week?

Come to the Light!

For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it-- D&C 123:12

     I have to admit I have often doubted the principle stated in this verse of scripture. Sometimes I feel like there isn't a single person left who isn't comfortable where they are, looking for more light and truth. That would be so perfect if every single person was seeking to know more about who they are and what their purpose is. We would never have enough missionaries for the amount of teaching that would need to be done! Yesterday I witnessed this principle fulfilled. Our plans for the evening fell through, and I had a thought to just start knocking doors in the area where we were in, but I also felt like it was a place that knew who missionaries are already. I remembered that there are a few names on the Ward directory that no one really knows about and so we decided to go check on them. We knocked on the first house off a main road and the lights were on, but no one came to the door. We knocked a few times, but Elder Thorpe said that he felt like we might be in danger so we gave up. I almost just walked back to the car to just drive over to the next house, but we decided to walk along the main road instead. The first house we passed there was a man sitting shirtless out on his porch alone listening to music. Without even thinking I started walking down his driveway towards him and started talking to him. Soon he opened up how he just moved here from West Virginia to live with his fiancé. He doesn't know anyone here in St. Mary's County, and has felt kinda alone for a while. He said he has offered up more prayers to God in the last few months than in his entire life. He explained that he had gone through some difficult times in his past, and made some poor choices. I could sense true humility, and I got a warm feeling while he spoke. I know the spirit was with him, and we were excited to tell him of the message of hope and redemption that we share. It is so easy for me not to judge others, because I know how easy it can be to make mistakes. I also know that the restored gospel has power to overcome any weakness. I think I would be helpless without it, and so I am happy to share it :) Looking forward, I'm going to have more hope that there truly are individuals seeking for more light and truth, I just have to be ready, worthy, and in the right place to share it.

Home

     I did not expect to have one of the greatest birthdays of my life while away from home here on my mission. I am overwhelmed by the amount of love and support I received from everyone back home. I don't know how my mom did it, but she gathered messages from many people I have not heard from on my mission, with expressions of faith and inspiration. She also wrote me the sweetest card that I've ever gotten, just expressing that she is grateful that I'm a part of our family. That strengthened me so much! In the middle of the day I got a phone call from President Cooke wishing me happy birthday, and the Sisters in my district called and sang for me! Then we had the most amazing dinner at the McComb's home, somehow she found out what my favorite birthday meal is! Brother McCombs was just coming home from a 15 hour flight from Japan! Even so, they still decorated the house and had a birthday celebration for me. It struck me how one year ago on my last birthday, I didn't know any of these people. I didn't know anyone in my district, I didn't know my mission president, and I didn't know the families of the Patuxent Ward. Yet they have become the dearest friends to me. When I was in the missionary training center, we were trying to figure out how to comfort the missionaries in our zone that were dealing with homesickness. I heard a quote during that conversation that has stuck with me my entire mission. "Home is where the people you love are." That inspires me to learn to love the people that I am around, no matter what part of the world I am in. I certainly love the people I am serving with here in Maryland, and I feel like I'm home.
     My testimony of the priesthood of God was strengthened this week. Elder Thorpe and I have participated in 8 priesthood blessings within the last few weeks. Some of which are the most powerful spiritual experiences I have yet had. The Sisters in our area said that they had a strange feeling in their home, and had a hard time feeling the spirit while they were there. One of the Sisters has been haunted by bad dreams. We accompanied a member of the Bishopric to go bless the home. It is difficult to describe how I felt, but when I walked in, I felt like something really was amiss. It felt more like a public place rather than a home. Brother Coleman gave a powerful blessing on the home, and when he closed in the name of our master Jesus Christ, I felt the air lift in the room, and I felt the glow of home. Afterwards Brother Coleman taught us that the power contained in one worthy priesthood bearer is more powerful than all the powers of wickedness in the world, I believe that is true. I think the real meaning of Zion is my idea of home. As we seek to build Zion, and be a Zion like people, we will feel like we are home. We're not just getting to heaven, we're learning heaven.

A Lost Pen

On Tuesday we started knocking on doors in a neighborhood right off highway 5. We didn't get more than 100 yards from the car when it started dumping rain on us. The raindrops are so big here, I didn't want my scriptures to get soaked, so we made a mad dash back to the car so that we wouldn't get soaked to the bone. When the rain subsided, the clouds cleared and the rest of our evening was illuminated with a beautiful sunset. A few families let us I. To talk for a few minutes, but none were interested in investigating further. When we got home Elder Thorpe realized he was missing his special pen. This pen was a gift to him from a very good friend, and he was really torn up huge loss of it. I felt bad for his sorrow, and prayed that we would be able to find it. We searched the apartment, we searched the car, and it was no where to be found. We decided to go back to that neighborhood soon and see if it had dropped that night. The next few days passed and it didn't feel like there was a good time to go check, until Saturday evening. As we retraced our steps, I saw the pen glimmering on the side of the road, unscathed, just laying there! Elder Thorpe was overjoyed, but I also noticed a man watering his garden. I ran over to talk to him, he was taking care of his okra plants.. He was Filipino! I think I am more cultured in Filipino than Chinese, so it was great to talk with him! He found out quickly that I don't speak much Tagalog, but I do know a lot about the food and he loves to cook just like my dad. We got talking about the church and he seems to be well settled in the Catholic Church, but he would like to come to church and talk again sometime! Isn't that amazing how what we thought was a tragedy led us to a miracle? I'm learning just how involved The Lord is in our lives. It might seem that he isn't doing a lot because we don't see him personally, but in reality he is doing so much. It's great that I'm on a mission and I have the opportunity to serve others, but the credit goes completely to Him. This is His work, and we are His children. If we follow the promptings that He gives to us, we get to be a part of it and receive the joy that comes from helping others return back to Him.

Welcome Elder Thorpe!

        When new missionaries are introduced into the field, we have a special meeting for them to meet their companion. We sat on opposing sides of a theater in the Temple Visitor Center, and I had this feeling that my new companion would be the one sitting in the very back. Sure enough, we were both called up to be companions! I have a great love and respect for this man Elder Jim Thorpe. He is so bright, and so genuine in his love for the gospel and for the scriptures. My biggest worry about a new companion is always whether or not they will have a lot of and the right kind of motivation. His drive is his abiding testimony of the fullness of the gospel, and his strength is his care for the people. He has left behind his computers and the world of gaming he loves, to take on a mission for The Lord. It's such an honor for me to be his first companion here in the greatest mission in the history of life.
I wanted so badly for him to have a great first week in the field, so I set up as many appointments as I could. The first night we went out knocking on doors. We actually had a few great contacts! One stood outside with us for half an hour and opened up to us about his concerns of drinking alcohol. That night I felt that we should call the brother in the hospice house to visit with and strengthen him. We shared scriptures from the Book of Mormon, and he liked them and expressed how he would like to show them to his sisters. Then his sister walked in to come visit with him! What a miracle is that?? She was so nice to us and open to talking about religion. That night we got to go to a special priesthood meeting on the 7th floor of the temple. That was one of the holiest experiences in my entire life. I can't quite describe how I felt there, other than that it was the most glorious meeting place I have ever entered. Perhaps that is a lot like what the halls of heaven feel like. I felt like I was home surrounded by the loving families of the Patuxent Ward.
      The next evening we had one of the grandest experiences of my mission thus far. We got to our appointment a little early and decided to knock a couple doors. The second door a man opened the door to reveal 6 children all under 11 standing there staring us down! We had a great conversation about families and he allowed us in to talk more. Elder Thorpe and I bore our testimonies of how the gospel blesses individuals and families, and we all started to tear up. We have a follow up appointment this Thursday! The following lesson we had was amazing. It was with a young father Elder Fisher and I met over a month ago. He was on a business trip to Spain, then a mission trip in Uganda to help out an orphanage. He is such a great guy! And has a firm testimony of Christ and the power of repentance. We brought with us a recent convert from the other ward, who was previously a minister in the Lutheran church for 12 years. The man we were visiting had also invited a pastor from his church over for the discussion. Talk about a potentially dangerous situation! It started out very contentiously, as verses of the bible were thrown at us to prove that we were heretics to Christ. Brother Casto lovingly rebuked the pastor for being disrespectful and trying to aggressively convince us of our error, rather than trying to bring us closer to Christ by persuasion. I have never witnessed such a powerful, controlled correction before, but it was definitely done out of love, and it changed the spirit of the entire discussion. By the end the two men had accepted the challenge to read the Book of Mormon and sincerely ask God, if it is true. It was so remarkable for us to be a part of that kind of discussion, and I hope that these men find that what we teach can add to their faith, and bring a fullness of light and knowledge to their understanding of Christ.
     I feel The Lord helping me now more than ever. He's guiding me, He's changing me, and I am so happy! It's so worth it to put your trust in Him, and love the journey.

Power in the Gospel

     When I look at this picture, I am overwhelmed with a feeling of joy and gratitude. These two men are so important to me, they have been my best friends through all the ups and downs of my life, they're my brothers! But from our childhood, they never liked each other. It always caused contention and my heart to ache, because I love both of them so much, I always wanted them to feel that for each other. They are both amazing individuals, and I wanted them to see that. I've prayed for their relationship for so many years. Imagine a family where their was brotherly love and kindness between every single member? That seemed like a goal worth working for to me. The problem is that it's not a natural thing. When you don't like someone, you don't like them and it's difficult to overcome how you criticize and dislike them. I think so many spouse and family relationships are torn apart because of this natural affect. But the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to change us. It has power to change the way that we see things through repentance, and power to change the way that we feel through the atonement of Christ. I've seen my own self change in these ways. This picture is a testimony to me that the gospel works for others as well. The fulness of the gospel has been restored and it blesses families, how it has blessed my dear family.
I have an even greater urgency and determination to share the gospel now and throughout my whole life. We had a great opportunity to teach a devout baptist this last week. We scheduled to practice teaching a lesson to a member family, and decided to do some finding in the area while we waited for the time to arrive to head over there. The first door we knocked the man stepped outside and was willing to hear us out. He accepted the challenge to read the Book of Mormon, and I gave him 2 Nephi 31 to study, which talks about baptism, I don't know why I felt to give him that scripture. He told us we could come back, so we went about trying to find someone in the neighborhood that might come with us. The member that we taught in the evening had home teaching the day that the appointment was scheduled, but he suggested another member down the street, that we hadn't even thought about. We went over to ask if he would join us and he was happy to do it! It was perfect because this baptist's wife is Japanese, and the member's wife served her mission in Japan! They got along so well, and we had an amazing conversation about the restoration of the gospel. He is going to Japan to visit his wife's family for a few weeks, but we'll definitely be seeing him when he returns.
Saturday we got to go to the Washington Nationals baseball game as a mission. For the first time I felt like I was home with the entire mission there, because I've gotten to know so many more missionaries over the past year. Last year I knew only a handful of other missionaries. I love this mission so much, and I'm grateful for all the great men and women that I've gotten to meet and serve with. I am most grateful for my companion Elder Fisher. Though he is a relatively new missionary, I have learned more from and with him than I've learned as a missionary. I'm going to miss him this next transfer, but I know he will do great things for this mission throughout his service. The gospel brings such great blessings into our lives. Hold to it.

Acquainted with Grief

     Hundreds of years before Jesus Christ was born, the prophet Isaiah foretold the kind of experience the Son of God would have on this Earth.
"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not." (Mosiah 14:3)
      I'd like to focus on the fact that he was acquainted with grief. To me that means he was very familiar with deep sorrows that come from loss and rejection. Now why was that an important part of His life? Isaiah knew that it would be so, and we knew it was definitely fulfilled when His dear cousin John was killed, and as he suffered for our sins in the Garden. I honestly don't completely know the answer, but I think it might have to do with our development of spiritual strength.
     I don't mean to be dramatic, or daresay that I know anything of the grief that Christ knows, but I get to taste it on my mission and hope that this might help you through the grief that you will find. Yesterday I found out that one of the gentlemen we've been visiting and blessing in his home and in the hospital will now be admitted to hospice in some area far away. He's in his early 60s and has just had a world of health problems since he joined the church. He got hit by a truck, was diagnosed with lung cancer, and then couldn't eat for the past month. He knows grief like I have never seen, and I just stood there wishing I could take his pain from him.
     The youth of our ward just went on a pioneer trek this last week. Before they left, they anticipated that the most difficult part might be walking such a long distance, or being away from their phones and family. A majority of them expressed that they found the most difficult part was the women's pull. During this time, the young men had to pull off the handcarts, and allow the women to pull the cart up a good size hill by themselves. The women struggled, but even more so, the young men grieved as they watched their sisters and friends fight their way up the hill. These boys would cry when they talked about how they felt during that time. We often question how God can let tragedy happen to us on this Earth, but I see it as an act of love and strength. If He stepped in to save Christ, none of us would be able to overcome death. I am grateful for the knowledge that we will certainly live again. I know that because I know Christ lives! He is acquainted with grief, and He is acquainted with triumph!

The Spirit of Truth!

   There isn't an entry I could write that could tell or capture all the wonderful things that have happened this week. Something that ties all of it together though is how the spirit of God enters into our hearts and minds to tell us what is true. That is what helped the McNeelys to know that being baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is what God wanted them to do. It's what confirmed to me in my heart that what they were doing was right. It also touched their son, who said that he saw this look of peace in their faces as they were being baptized that he had never seen before, I saw it too. It is such a great gift to us to be able to receive feelings of joy and comfort through the Holy Ghost, so that we know in our hearts when we're on the right path.

     "The Spirit of God speaking to the spirit of man has power to impart truth with greater effect and understanding than the truth can be imparted by personal contact even with heavenly beings. Through the Holy Ghost the truth is woven into the very fibre and sinews of the body so that it cannot be forgotten." Joseph Fielding Smith

     Elder Fisher and I have had many doors opened to us because we seek to just touch the people with the spirit, and hope that they will decide to investigate more. We were knocking doors in the neighborhood that we found the Chinese lady, and we met her husband! He also was not interested.. But their neighbor was a very nice young man that stepped out to have a chat with us. He knows several of the youth in the Ward from high school and he already has a great perception of the church. We were so happy to give him a copy of the Book of Mormon and challenge him to search its contents. I know that if he does, he will feel something that confirms that it is a book from God. Further down the street we met another lady that made sure we knew she was catholic, but invited us to return this week. Later that evening, we were knocking in military housing, where people are a lot more respectful and courteous. We were being eaten alive by mosquitoes! They were all over every household's front porch, and I swell up really badly after I get bitten :P I just forgot the bug spray in the car.. We got a few return appointments, but the entire time this young girl followed us around on her scooter. I think she could recognize by the spirit of truth that we had something that she wants for her family. Children are so pure and innocent, we need to be like that. I'm learning that I don't need to convince anyone that what I have to say is true, I trust that God will take care of that because it is true and He loves the people that I meet. Remember that as you share what you believe with the people around you.

It's a Privilege!

"One of the great privileges of being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the privilege of contributing to the growth of the Kingdom of God through paying tithing." (Preach My Gospel pg 78)
        I found it really interesting that they used the word privilege to describe this sacrifice that we're asked to make. Usually we look at giving of our substance, like paying taxes, as an obligation. However, when it comes to sacrifices for building the kingdom of God, we consider it a privilege. That's because in retrospect, it will be a fantastic thing to have been a part of. Think of the pioneers of our nation. While they struggled through hardship and trial, I'm not sure that they considered what they were doing to be a privilege. But when we look at what they accomplish now, we honor their lives and legacy. So it will be as we make sacrifices to build the kingdom of God.
        This week there were a few moments that were not pleasant, but I consider them a privilege to have experienced. We knocked on doors for hours out in the sun and humidity. One evening we met this couple very familiar with the church. She is from Utah and her grandparents are actually members. When she was 9 her grandmother tried to have her baptized without her parents permission, so she has very negative feelings towards the church. They teased us a lot but it was funny and I thought we might be able to really get to know them! But then they turned us away. As we moved down the street we heard some music and laughter coming from this other house. As we walked by we tried to be friendly and offer to share something with them, and this man walks out and tells us whatever we give him he'll throw away. And so that's what he does! He just opens up the trash can and throws one of our cards right in. That just shocked me! I didn't know that people could be so openly rude. Later in the week we were knocking near the bayside, and we actually knocked on a Chinese person's door! She was from Taiwan, and it felt so weird to be speaking Chinese again, but she also wasn't interested. Although rejection isn't fun, I still feel privileged that I even get to be a missionary and take part in such a great work.



Try and always have that attitude about things that God asks you to do.