Suuuch a crazy weekend. I am shipping out to a new area on Wednesday! There is lots of late night cram packing to be done. You tend to accumulate a lot of things after 6 months. It's a really good thing I like going through and cleaning things out!
It's really bitter sweet. I've been serving in these congregations for a long time, and with the best companion. Sister Krueger has been a big blessing in my life! I have learned so much from her, and will continue to learn from her as time goes on!
I had a lot of people thank me this weekend for helping their families since I have been here. I want to just express my gratitude for the chance it has been to serve! In Alma 17 (in the Book of Mormon), a group of amazing missionaries are preparing themselves for their missions. I love how their purpose is worded!
"...they fasted much and prayed much that the Lord would grant unto them a portion of his Spirit to go with them, and abide with them, that they might be an instrument in the hands of God to bring, if it were possible, their brethren...to the knowledge of the truth..."
(Alma 17: 9, pg. 251)
Because of their righteous desires, the Lord speaks peace to them, assuring them that-
" ...[as] ye [are] patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me...I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls."
(Alma 17: 10, pg. 251)
I have always wanted to help everyone around me become happier. I've learned that true happiness comes from following the commandments of God, and the gospel established by Jesus Christ. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it hasn't been me at all. As I have fasted and prayed, the Lord has blessed me to be an instrument in his hands to help you. I feel so blessed that the Lord sees fit to use me to further his kingdom on earth. It is so incredibly humbling! Later on in Alma, one of the missionaries (his name is Ammon), expresses his joy in service.
"And now, these are the words of Ammon to his brethren, which say thus: My brothers and my brethren, behold I say unto you, how great reason have we to rejoice; for could we have supposed when we started...that God would have granted unto us such great blessings? And now, I ask, what great blessings has he bestowed upon us? Can ye tell? Behold, I answer for you; for our brethren...were in darkness, yea, even in the darkest abyss, but behold, how many of them are brought to behold the marvelous light of God! And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work."
(Alma 26: 1-3, pg. 272)
I want you all to know that I know this work in the work of God. He is my Father, and He is yours. He loves you more than you can imagine. I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of mankind, and there is no other way whereby salvation can come. As we follow him and keep the commandments of God, you will be a light and a blessing to all those around you! I will praise my God forever for answering my fervent prayers to be of service to you!
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