I am now permitted to start learning how to read. It's been
a while and quite the wrestle, but I now have that permission and I'm SO
EXCITED! Elder McGrath and I are the only Zone Leaders in the mission who had
not yet started, but now we are BOTH getting ready to start.
We have quite a few investigators now who have a Catholic
background. It's rare enough that you meet someone that has any religious
background, but these people were definitely prepared. Any recommendations as
to how to help them understand the difference between Catholicism and the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints would be welcome!
We have changed the work here. As a Zone Leader, I have been
stuck on the council that we are not supposed to put any personal emphasis on
one key indicator. When I first got here, New Investigators was the main focus,
and there was just nothing happening. Then, with the influence of President
Lam, member presents have increased in importance and we have seen miracles
because of it. There has been a major shift in the focus of what makes the
ideal missionary here, as well as the ideal ward unit. Please take this advice
personally as all things related to the gospel are of spiritual importance
(D&C 29:34).
We are all one day going to be held accountable for the sins
we have committed and for the responsibilities that we brushed aside. We will
also be rewarded for our valiant and diligent obedience in keeping God's
commandments. God has provided his church on the earth in order to help us know
his will. We are blessed to have leaders who hold the priesthood and whom we
report to at least yearly for Tithing settlement, and probably more often for
council and spiritual support. Especially in the missionary work, we are told
to report to our leaders our efforts and our goals. We are expected to put
forth our heart and soul into accomplishing worthy goals set through the
guidance of the spirit. Sadly, it is not quite so streamlined or outlined in
the family (because the presiding authority in the home is the Father, being an
equal partner with his spouse and intent on adhering to her counsel as they
both seek to teach their children as God would have them). Elder Ballard said
in the last conference that families are becoming more and more in need of Home
Evening activities and Councils. I would recommend setting goals in our
families to aid in the work of salvation. Minimal if ANY contact with full time
missionaries is required. Only a vision of the work. Set yearly, monthly,
weekly, and even daily goals and plans. Of course, you are not name tag
missionaries at home, but you are what Elder Bednar refers to as "full
time finders." I definitely want to maintain this feeling that I have in
AND out of my full two years as a representative of the lord, because I have
been such a representative since 8 years old when I promised that I would take
the name of Christ upon me. Take it for what it is. I know that we are blessed
daily for our efforts.
I also am pondering 1 Corinthians 14:19. I would rather have
5 words of Prophecy and understood doctrine than 10000 words in a completely
foreign and misunderstood language.
We got super comfy, super cheap, super fly companionship
shirts. Useful for missionary work and Valentines day!
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