I can't express how great this past week has been in helping others feel of the peace and joy that comes through living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It has been very exciting being able to see others come into the fold and experience the many blessings found in the Lord’s church. For my ponderize scripture this week I wanted to focus on how the gospel can fortify us and strengthen us in our everyday lives. In Ether 12:4 we read: Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God. That hope and faith that we have in our Savior and in His Gospel creates an immovable anchor that helps us stand firm in our beliefs and testimonies.
I love the scripture as well in Helaman 5:12 : And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall. I know as we secure our anchor and build upon our foundation in Christ, we will have the strength to resist the temptations and trials that we face. We will have the ability to develop our testimonies and love for our Savior and His Gospel.
This week has been a very spiritual week for me. We had the opportunity on Wednesday to watch a world-wide missionary broadcast featuring many of the apostles and those in the missionary department. Many talked about our new purpose as missionaries to "Teach repentance and baptize converts". Elder David A. Bednar talked about the importance in being in tune with the spirit and discerning the needs of the investigators and those that we teach. Those that we teach must recognize the Holy Ghost and allow Him to create that lasting change of heart. One speaker talked about the importance in extending invitations in order for others to begin that process of change and experience the amazing blessing of repentance. They made a big emphasis on working alongside members and helping less actives and recent converts. Elder Dallin H. Oaks concluded with the invitation for us missionaries to be deeply rooted in the Gospel and to increase in those skills that would help us reach and accomplish our purpose. It was such an amazing opportunity to hear counsel from our leaders and to receive direction as we strive to learn and improve in the work.
We have been getting a lot of new investigators as well. We have been going by Lucrecia who has been very receptive in taking the lessons and is looking forward to learning more about the church and in reading the Book of Mormon. We too have been receiving many referrals from the other missionaries in our zone as well as those who request us to come to their homes. There is so much work to do! This has been such an amazing opportunity to work as hard as I can and to see the miracles and tender mercies in the Lord’s work.
Saturday was such a spiritual day! We were able to have Greg’s baptism that night and it was amazing being able to see all of his family there to support him. Throughout all the picture taking and preparation, Greg just couldn't stop smiling. It was very neat being able to see his preparedness and his sincere desire to become a member of the Lord’s church and to taste of the joys that come through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was very amazing seeing him come out of the water, completely clean from his past and able to walk in a newness of life. We had the opportunity as well to stand in the circle to confirm him a member of the church. That was a very neat experience and I can't express how much joy we had for him taking this first step in his eternal progression.
I am so very thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is truly the way back to our heavenly home; to be with our loved ones for eternity in the presence of our Heavenly Father. I know that my Savior lives. I know that he atoned for our sins. He took upon himself our infirmities and our sicknesses. Through him, we can overcome all the challenges that we face. I know that he is there for each and every one of us. He desires us to come unto him and to receive enduring peace and a fullness of joy.
Thank you all for the emails and the letters. You all mean so much to me. I hope you all have an amazing week.
Love,
Elder Munro
Elder Munro, Elder Nelson, Bishop Zendejo, Greg Gallardo, Elder Brough
No comments:
Post a Comment