Well I am starting to feel like a missionary
finally. I think it started about the first time someone told us to get
off their porch. I am getting pretty good at nodding and smiling as
well. The language isn't progressing very quickly, I guess if I was in a
place where everyone spoke only Spanish it might be a little easier.
But Elder Hicks and I are planning on speaking 100% Spanish for week 5 ,
which is in a couple weeks!
Well, we didn't get too far with any investigators this week. The
only thing that is harder about a mission that I thought, so far, is
feeling and seeing the Spirit testify to people and then watching them
do nothing about it. Faith is a principle of action! I love these people
so much, but it is hard to tell them that what they are doing (nothing)
isn't going to help them. I am learning more and more everyday though.
Elder Hicks is very social and good friends with pretty much everyone in
the ward, so I have gotten to know the ward pretty quickly. They are
awesome people, but they are scared, like many members, of opening their
mouths to share the Gospel. At zone meeting this week, we got a bit
chastised as a zone of how we are spending our time. We have so much
work to be doing, and there is no time for hanging out in members homes,
attending ward parties and socials and sporting activities. I guess I
always thought it was cool missionaries would come and play basketball
with us, but in reality there are good, better, and best things to be
doing with the Lords time. The time we spend with members should be
concise, and focused on helping them learn to become member
missionaries. I have noticed sometimes in members homes we just sit
there, and talk. It bothered me, because I often cant interject because I
don't know the language very well yet, and also I am the Junior
companion. But I realized there are more important things to be doing.
Elder Hicks is very sensitive and willing to listen about my concerns,
so I told him what I thought. Since then, we have been making
companionship goals pretty much everyday of how we can better consecrate
ourselves in the Lord's service. We are learning a lot together.
So, General Conference! Yea. I love it. I cannot say
I have ever felt that way about it, but it was probably a couple of my
favorite days so far in the mission. First of all, the stress on member
missionary work was so awesome! I loved Elder Edward Dube's talk about
never looking back, and how we must all participate in hastening of the
work of salvation. ALL. I don't think everyone realizes that. This is a
team effort. We are all needed, everyone in their own situation. If we
stand close in our purpose and lift where we stand, wherever it may be,
we can help! "In the sight of the Lord, it is not so important what we
have done or where we have been, but rather WHERE we will GO." We can be
his instruments in bringing others unto happiness if we will go where
he needs us to go. And "how great will be [our] joy!"
Elder S. Gifford
Neilson said that "the work will not move forward in the Lord's intended
way without US." And by US, he means US! Not just the missionaries, but
everyone! As members of the Church, we have been given the blessing of
knowing the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel in these Latter Days and
of its absolute importance for the whole world. So share it! If you
don't know it is true, I personally invite you to get on your knees and
find out. When you come to a knowledge that it is true and that we all
need the healing power of Christ's Atonement, you will feel a desire to
share its happiness with those you love. It is my testimony that we can
pray for the strength we need to overcome whatever personal worries or
inadequacies we may have. The Lord will surely bless us with the ability
to open our mouths and be his instrument. He has done so for me, and I
feel his love for me stronger everyday, because I am in constant need of
his help.
I loved Elder Uchtdorf's story in Priesthood Session of his
grandson reaching out his hand. I feel that sometimes the Savior is
reaching out his hand to me and I am not paying attention. I think I can
get back on my feet alone. The truth is, I cant. His hand is always
outstretched, and he tells us "You can do it now". And we can. The
Savior's mercy can carry us through any trial or sorrow or sin, if we
take hold of His hand, his gospel, and his love. "Our success isn't
determined by how many times we stumble and fall, but rather how many
times we rise up." Keep going! Whatever it may be, it is meant to teach
us something!
When I gave my farewell talk before I left, I was
completely scared. In preparing for it, I could not focus or seem to get
anything done. It seemed the adversary was working very hard on me at
that time. Again and again I gave up and decided to write it later, but
again and again I returned to it, trying my best to get something done.
The simple principle I finally realized was that I could not do it
alone. I wish I could say public speaking was my forte, but that would
be a lie. But even if I was, I would still need the help from the Lord
in order to deliver his message. So finally, I humbled myself, prayed,
and asked for help. In doing so, I took hold of the Saviors hand, and
let him help me. "You can do it now." And I did. Because I stopped
relying on myself and began to trust the Lord, he helped me overcome a
personal weakness and struggle. I know he can and will do the same for
everyone who recognizes theirs weaknesses and allows the Lord to turn
them into strengths (Ether 12:27).
I hope this doesn't bore you all. While it may seem like a lot of
responsibility we have, it is so important! My testimony is so important
to me. It pulls me through both sunshine and storm. I love this work!
As Elder Richard G. Scott said, let us "fill our lives with service to
others, and the power of the adversary over us will be diminished."
I love you all! I hope all is well! I promise I am still me, but the mission is truly changing me for the better. :)
Hasta semana proxima!
Elder Christensen
No comments:
Post a Comment