Date
February 26, 2019
Area
Companion
Second Email
This week has been one of the best and worst weeks of my mission :D Elder Searle was a spiritual powerhouse for not only me, but for my whole district. He was my companion because he ended up having to stay an extra week in the MTC for medical testing. What is amazing is not only did he get his medical testing done, the test results went up the ranks to the first presidency, his mission was informed, he was approved to go out, and his travel plans were all made, in only one week. 😁 that's a process that would probably normally take atleast a month. He taught me so much, after all he had spent a week longer in the mtc than me :P It hit me hard when he left because we grew to be almost brothers. I will miss how powerful his spirit is. If any of you haven't had the chance to read through Preach My Gospel, I encourage you to read it. A lot of it teaches about missionary work but honestly there is so much in it to help everyone not just missionaries. I would definitely encourage you to study the "How Do I Recognize and Understand the Spirit?" section. I promise you that it will change your life if you truly study it. My Visa haven't came yet. If it doesn't come then I will be temporarily reassigned to LA California. One thing I have come to know over the past week is the power of prayer, the book of mormon, and personal revelation.
(Skip these next 3 paragraphs if
you just want a quick summary)
Prayer: Through sincere prayer you CAN find answers for your prayers, that doesn't mean you will get them immediately hence why I said you can "find" answers to your prayers. Most of the time it takes time, as you seek out your answer you will receive it line upon line, precept upon precept. One thing you learn very quickly while trying to address other people's problems with the gospel is that most questions are underlined with many others that you will need to answer before you can answer the big question. Answers to your prayers sometimes are much the same, he will answer all that he feels you need answers to and then answer your prayer if you are willing to work towards it. Then again, other times it comes shortly after if not imediately. Just have faith that it will be answers on Hevenly Fathers time frame, not ours. I can guarentee you that you will get an answer if you have faith and seek out your answer.
Book Of Mormon: There is literally no tool more powerful for conversion than this amazing book. Conversion is not a one time thing, it is a continuing process. It's the best place to find answers to your prayers, the best place to find the basic doctrine and principles of our church, and there us no better way to get continuing blessings than to search the book of mormon every day, not read, search ponder and pray about it. If you haven't read the introductory pages to the book of mormon before first nephi, then do it :) Also read the book of mormon section of preach my gospel if you want some really good reading. I know that that book is the word of god. As nephi testifies in 1st nephi chapter 6 the things contained in the book of mormon are the things of god, and they are there to bring us all closer to christ and our heavenly father. If you don't yet have a testimony of that book, get one :)
Personal revelation: Joseph Smith stated that revelation "is the principle on which the government of heaven is conducted—by revelation adapted to the circumstances in which the children of the kingdom are placed." We have the power to use the same tool hevenly father uses to govern the heaven and the earth, isnt that amazing?! 😁 It, through the spirit, is the single most important thing to have if we want to become like christ and do what he would want us to do. Revelation through the constant companionship of the holy ghost is key to being where your supposed to be, when your supposed to be there. How do we know we are receiving revelation? Just like answers to prayers, most revelation comes line upon line, precept upon precept. As we do what we know is right we will be guided to do what he wants us to do. Read the preach my gospel section about recognizing and understanding the spirit. I know if we trust in the lord we will be guided and helped.
Overall, don't take my word for anything. The point of this gospel is to figure it out for yourself. Read pray and study the book of mormon every day, you will be blessed. Study the book of mormon section and the recognizing and understanding the spirit section of preach my gosple if you want your life to change. If you are willing to put forth your best effort and seek to know gods will, you will grow closer to christ and be blessed to the the point you are embarrassed at the amount of blessings you are recieving. I know hevenly father loves each and every one of you, I am so grateful for the people you are. Hold strong and carry on.