Oh boy! I love, love, love talking about my mission! ;) So you may want to bookmark this or something so that you don't lose your spot when you realize this will take longer to read than you thought! J/K, but no, really. I loved my mission. First off, the best piece of advice I can give you is a scripture. It helped me a ton. I remember serving in an area where there were only 7 branch members actively going to church. We were transferred to an area that was opening and they were behind in getting us an apartment. So they placed us in the closed area for two weeks while they were searching for our apartment in our "called area". We went there and during those two weeks I was surprised at how much the families would talk bad about each other all the time. I remember turning to my companion and saying this is why this area is closed. They are pulling each other down. The closed area went from 300+ active members to 7 if that tells you how bad gossip/pride can be. I remember praying, telling Heavenly Father I was going to give that area my all even though we only had two weeks. (according to the mission president they would find an apartment in 2 weeks). I came across this scripture. Alma 26:22:
22 Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing—unto such it is given to know themysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to revealthings which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance.
This is Ammon talking to his brethren, and my favorite thing, is reading the future of his converts. ALL stayed true, even during the time of batttle. He not only baptized, but he created firm-in-the faith converts. Who even his converts baptized thousands. What an amazing missionary!!! While we were in this area of 7 actives, Josh, miracles happened. The closed area was no longer closed and the mission president had us stay there for 4 1/2 months. I know that this church is true, and I know that God loves all of his children. Even the ones who hate us or persecute us. Every day I thank God for that area, because he reminds me how amazing the power of the Atonement is. Many of those converts went through the temple. And are still true. Also, remember that Ammon served among a "blood-thirsty people" A truly wicked people, at this time. And yet, he wasn't scared. Even though the flocks were scattered and he knew the King would slay the servants and him in charge of the sheep. Ammon did not fear, it says, "Ammon was filled with Joy" Because Ammon knew this was the perfect opportunity to share the gospel. I think in that area of 7 people I remember the Elder's saying, "Oh, just fiddle around during your two weeks." I remember going in determined that we were going to do everything in our power to make a difference in this area. I'm so grateful that I went in with that attitude. Elder Holland's talk to the missionaries, if you haven't heard it is amazing! He talks about how the way you live your mission, reflects on how you will live your life, your LIFE! I took that very seriously, how I lived in the mission field (truly repenting, praying, reading everyday) I realized that is how I would live the rest of my life. And Elder Holland said you can only convert your investigators as far as you have been converted. The stronger your testimony and obedience to the gospel, the stronger your converts will be. Ammon talks about how even in the act of missionary service they were depressed and ready to turn back. Alma 26:27
27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine affliction
This can happen to any missionary at any time, but realize you are on God's side. Just like with Elijah and Elisha going out to battle, with very few people on their side. 2 Kings 6:16-17,
16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
17 And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
Realize that with God on your side you will have angels, and many others "round about you" like it says in D&C that are helping the work of God progress. "With God Nothing is impossible"!!! As long as you never forget that, and are always humble and see other's with God's eye (love them!) you will have more success than you could have ever imagined. I promise you. Josh, I would like to bear you my testimony. I know that God loves each and every one of us, and like Elder Holland also said He expects each of us to make it back to the Celestial Kingdom. He doesn't expect us to fail, because He knows each of us personally and he knows that we are each capable of making it back to Him. He expects a lot out of us, and this because He loves us. I know that He not only placed prophets in Israel, but God also loved the people in the America's and he also placed prophets in the American continents, which is where we get the Book of Mormon. I know that we can know that it is true for ourselves, and not only ask God until we gain a testimony of it. But to continuously ask God so our testimony can be strengthened (PMG Book of Mormon is a great section to read, it talks about continuously praying to have a stronger testimony even in things that we already may have testimonies of). I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that it was translated by God through the prophet Joseph Smith. That God also loves us even NOW, in this day and age, which is why we have such a loving, living prophet, President Monson. I am so grateful to know that God has given us scriptures, prayer, prophet, leaders of the church, a member of the Godhead! -the Holy Ghost, to help guide us back to Him, and most of all His Son. There is no reason we can't make it back to him! And I'm so grateful for that. Elder Broodbank said the ultimate reason/way we make it back to God is through repentance. That is why the gate is straight and narrow, few are that actually repent daily. And not only are you choosing to serve a mission, but you are allowing others to repent. To come to the knowledge of their Savior and to be able to learn how to use the Atonement. Which is why you carry Christ's name on your badge. Josh, you will be an amazing missionary. I think you're an amazing person, and it has been awesome for me to see how you reach out to everyone around you no matter what other's opinions are of that person. I know that with that gift alone you will touch many that others cannot reach, because you have that open kindness. I wish you the best. Turn to God when things get tough, because He really changes you. Jeff and I have been finding out things that are said by people we trust and care about, but in response to that Jeff and I have been praying. Just like Elder Holland said, things that you witness and learn from in your mission can be applicable in your everyday life!!! :D It's SO neat to be able to apply this to our lives, and see the differences and changes it makes in us being able to forgive and love others the way Christ does.
When life gets too tough to stand, get down on two knees. God loves us. He only cares what we think.. And wants our success all the way!!! And you will most definitely go far!!!!!
God has a way of transforming us, if we let Him !!!
:) Best of luck!
No comments:
Post a Comment