Dear Family and Friends,
I love the Christmas season! I am very excited for the upcoming Holiday not only to share the message of the restoration, but to more fully remember our Savior, Jesus Christ and His birth. What a wonderful time of the year to remember one of the greatest gifts that our Heavenly Father has given us. He truly loves us so much and desires us to look to His son and to embrace His love, light and gospel. The mission truly is an amazing blessing to be able to share with others the knowledge of our Heavenly Fathers priceless gift.
I would love to share a few scriptures that have been on my mind lately as we have been approaching Christmas this year. They are in 3 Nephi 11:10-11 and Matthew 5: 14-16
3 Nephi 11
10 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.
11 And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.
Matthew 5
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
I know as we follow the example of our Savior and share the light which is in us, we truly are disciples of Jesus Christ and will lift the burdens of those we know and love. What a wonderful blessing we have to lift others burdens and to help others draw closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
This past week, we had the opportunity to visit with one of our investigators, John where we read 2 Nephi 31 with him in the Book of Mormon and discussed the gospel of Jesus Christ. It has been a neat experience in visiting with him and not only in seeing him grow in the knowledge of the Book of Mormon and the gospel, but also in the unity of our companionship in the teaching process. Elder Mertens is a wonderful teacher and teaches the doctrines of the gospel simply and clearly. We also had the opportunity in our same visit to share with him the LIGHT the WORLD video on Lds.org. It depicted scenes from the life of the savior as well as things in which we can all do to radiate our light and the light of the Savior and His gospel. He really enjoyed the message of the video and at the end, we left him with a Book of Mormon to share with a friend so that they too can experience the blessings of the gospel. It has been a great joy for me to have visited with him this past month.
We also had the opportunity to have visited with the Carter family where we discussed the importance in anchoring our lives to our Savior and His gospel and how we can continuously develop and strengthen our faith in Him. They have been continuing to read from the scriptures and in making it a gospel habit in their lives. I have seen them all grow and it has been a blessing for me to see the light of the gospel enter into their family. I am so very thankful for how the gospel can influence us to be better and to become more like Christ.
I would like to invite you all to watch the video LIGHT the WORLD on lds.org and to look for ways in which you can help others come unto Christ. I know as you do so, a greater light will come into your life and a greater love for your Redeemer, Jesus Christ. As we do so, we will come to realize that we are true disciples and followers of Jesus Christ.
I hope you all have a great week!
With Love,
Elder Munro
Monday, November 28, 2016
Monday, November 21, 2016
Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world...
Dear Family and Friends,
What a marvelous work! This mission has been such a blessing for me to serve in and I am so very thankful for the things that I am learning. I am thankful for the enabling power of Christ's Atonement so that I can become a better missionary and servant of the Lord. It has been a great opportunity for me to continue training Elder Mertens and to see his excitement and love for the work grow. He is a great example of diligence and devoted discipleship and I am thankful for his example to me.
I would love to share a scripture that I read this morning in my studies. It is in Ether 12:4 "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."
I love this scripture because it describes our faith as being an anchor to our souls and would make us sure and steadfast. I know as we have unshakable faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can overcome any trial and any struggle that we face. Later in the chapter it talks about Him preparing a place for us in the mansions of His Father. He is preparing each of us to return to live with him again through the tender mercies and blessings that he bestows upon us. He desires so much to have us back in his presence again.
We had a wonderful lesson with our investigator Estevan where we discussed the importance of prayer and reading from the scriptures. We emphasized the importance in writing down spiritual impressions that he receives and to continue praying for added knowledge as he reads. As we write down impressions as we read, we recognize how the spirit speaks with us and to go back in times of need to learn of the answers that we have received. I know as he reads with real intent with a desire to live according to the teachings of the Book of Mormon, he will find a greater light come into his life and a greater conversion to Jesus Christ and His gospel.
We had a great visit with the Slaughter family who are returning to activity where we discussed how we can overcome life's burdens and trials through our hope and faith in Jesus Christ. We watched a video by Elder David A. Bednar and talked about how we can develop faith in Jesus Christ as we pass through life's difficulties and how they can help us learn and grow. It has been a blessing to see them at church and to experience the many blessings found in the gospel.
I know that my Savior and Redeemer lives. He is our ultimate hope for peace in this life and eternal life in the life to come. I am so very thankful for His Atoning sacrifice so that I can not only become a better missionary day to day but to overcome trials and challenges. This gospel is true and has been restored by the prophet Joseph Smith. I know that the priesthood has been restored to the earth and through the ordinances of gospel we can return to our loving Heavenly Father with our families for eternity. This gospel truly is amazing!
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
With Love,
Elder Munro
What a marvelous work! This mission has been such a blessing for me to serve in and I am so very thankful for the things that I am learning. I am thankful for the enabling power of Christ's Atonement so that I can become a better missionary and servant of the Lord. It has been a great opportunity for me to continue training Elder Mertens and to see his excitement and love for the work grow. He is a great example of diligence and devoted discipleship and I am thankful for his example to me.
I would love to share a scripture that I read this morning in my studies. It is in Ether 12:4 "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."
I love this scripture because it describes our faith as being an anchor to our souls and would make us sure and steadfast. I know as we have unshakable faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can overcome any trial and any struggle that we face. Later in the chapter it talks about Him preparing a place for us in the mansions of His Father. He is preparing each of us to return to live with him again through the tender mercies and blessings that he bestows upon us. He desires so much to have us back in his presence again.
We had a wonderful lesson with our investigator Estevan where we discussed the importance of prayer and reading from the scriptures. We emphasized the importance in writing down spiritual impressions that he receives and to continue praying for added knowledge as he reads. As we write down impressions as we read, we recognize how the spirit speaks with us and to go back in times of need to learn of the answers that we have received. I know as he reads with real intent with a desire to live according to the teachings of the Book of Mormon, he will find a greater light come into his life and a greater conversion to Jesus Christ and His gospel.
We had a great visit with the Slaughter family who are returning to activity where we discussed how we can overcome life's burdens and trials through our hope and faith in Jesus Christ. We watched a video by Elder David A. Bednar and talked about how we can develop faith in Jesus Christ as we pass through life's difficulties and how they can help us learn and grow. It has been a blessing to see them at church and to experience the many blessings found in the gospel.
I know that my Savior and Redeemer lives. He is our ultimate hope for peace in this life and eternal life in the life to come. I am so very thankful for His Atoning sacrifice so that I can not only become a better missionary day to day but to overcome trials and challenges. This gospel is true and has been restored by the prophet Joseph Smith. I know that the priesthood has been restored to the earth and through the ordinances of gospel we can return to our loving Heavenly Father with our families for eternity. This gospel truly is amazing!
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
With Love,
Elder Munro
Elder Munro & Elder Mertens at dinner with a member family
Monday, November 14, 2016
And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.
Dear Family and Friends,
Another wonderful week has gone by! It has been a wonderful opportunity for me to serve here in this mission along with my companion Elder Mertens. I have seen him grow and progress at a great pace and it has been neat for me to see his skills and strengths as a missionary grow. He is an amazing missionary and I am truly thankful for this chance to train him this transfer.
I would love to share a scripture that has impacted me much on my mission. It is in D&C 84:88 "And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."
This scripture has given me great comfort as I have taught and served others throughout my mission, I have had our Savior's help and guidance throughout that time. At times I have felt heavenly help and support, bearing me up in times of need. I know that that support and direction can be for you as well. In your opportunities to teach others about the gospel and in those moments of trial and hardship, Heavenly help is there to encourage us, support us and bear us up. What an amazing comfort it is to know that our Savior is always there to lift us in time of need.
We had a great week with inspiring visits and lessons. We had the chance to visit with Rene and taught more about the plan of salvation. We focused on the spirit world and how we must live the gospel the best that we can so that we can receive peace in this life and a fulness of joy in the life to come. He has really enjoyed reading the Book of Mormon and we answered a lot of the questions that he had. We hope to include more scriptures from the Book of Mormon in our lessons so that he can feel of the Spirit in greater abundance and learn and grow as well.
We had a neat visit with President Johnson from the Elders Quorum in 3rd Ward where we visited with Bro. Medina who was one of his families for home teaching. We had a small lesson on the importance of families but I could tell that his family really enjoyed the visit and were thankful for us stopping by. I know that home and visiting teaching are wonderful and great blessings for us to engage in here in this church. We have a great opportunity to visit and support our fellow members in this church. I know as we do so with charity which is the pure love of Christ, we will see the divine potential of those we visit with and see them as children of our Heavenly Father.
Yesterday, we had the chance to visit with a less active sister in the Ward and we were able to bring Bro. Karagich who recently got baptized a few months previously. We discussed the importance of gratitude and to look for the many blessings that we have received throughout this year. Bro. Karagich shared many wonderful comments and it was neat for me to see his ability and desire to share the gospel and to share his testimony of what he knew to be true. I know that no matter how great or small our knowledge of the gospel may be, as we share our testimony and love for the gospel, others around us will feel of the light of the gospel and the light of our Savior Jesus Christ.
I give thanks for this wonderful gospel. It has brought so much happiness and joy to my life. It has provided me answers to the questions of the soul and has given me guidance and direction. I truly desire to more fully recognize all of the blessings that I have received because of our Savior's everlasting gospel.
I hope you all have a great week!
With love,
Elder Munro
Another wonderful week has gone by! It has been a wonderful opportunity for me to serve here in this mission along with my companion Elder Mertens. I have seen him grow and progress at a great pace and it has been neat for me to see his skills and strengths as a missionary grow. He is an amazing missionary and I am truly thankful for this chance to train him this transfer.
I would love to share a scripture that has impacted me much on my mission. It is in D&C 84:88 "And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."
This scripture has given me great comfort as I have taught and served others throughout my mission, I have had our Savior's help and guidance throughout that time. At times I have felt heavenly help and support, bearing me up in times of need. I know that that support and direction can be for you as well. In your opportunities to teach others about the gospel and in those moments of trial and hardship, Heavenly help is there to encourage us, support us and bear us up. What an amazing comfort it is to know that our Savior is always there to lift us in time of need.
We had a great week with inspiring visits and lessons. We had the chance to visit with Rene and taught more about the plan of salvation. We focused on the spirit world and how we must live the gospel the best that we can so that we can receive peace in this life and a fulness of joy in the life to come. He has really enjoyed reading the Book of Mormon and we answered a lot of the questions that he had. We hope to include more scriptures from the Book of Mormon in our lessons so that he can feel of the Spirit in greater abundance and learn and grow as well.
We had a neat visit with President Johnson from the Elders Quorum in 3rd Ward where we visited with Bro. Medina who was one of his families for home teaching. We had a small lesson on the importance of families but I could tell that his family really enjoyed the visit and were thankful for us stopping by. I know that home and visiting teaching are wonderful and great blessings for us to engage in here in this church. We have a great opportunity to visit and support our fellow members in this church. I know as we do so with charity which is the pure love of Christ, we will see the divine potential of those we visit with and see them as children of our Heavenly Father.
Yesterday, we had the chance to visit with a less active sister in the Ward and we were able to bring Bro. Karagich who recently got baptized a few months previously. We discussed the importance of gratitude and to look for the many blessings that we have received throughout this year. Bro. Karagich shared many wonderful comments and it was neat for me to see his ability and desire to share the gospel and to share his testimony of what he knew to be true. I know that no matter how great or small our knowledge of the gospel may be, as we share our testimony and love for the gospel, others around us will feel of the light of the gospel and the light of our Savior Jesus Christ.
I give thanks for this wonderful gospel. It has brought so much happiness and joy to my life. It has provided me answers to the questions of the soul and has given me guidance and direction. I truly desire to more fully recognize all of the blessings that I have received because of our Savior's everlasting gospel.
I hope you all have a great week!
With love,
Elder Munro
Service Project with YSA Ward
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
"... let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail."
Dear Family and Friends,
How grateful I am for this gospel! We have a great opportunity this month as Thanksgiving is coming to think back on the past year for the many wonderful blessings that we have received. It has been such a wonderful blessing for me to be able to serve here in this mission and I am grateful for the many lessons and experiences that I have had. I am eternally grateful for this gospel and for the opportunity to share it with others.
I would love to share a few scriptures in D&C 6:34,36-37: "(34) Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. (36) Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. (37) Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen."
My companion Elder Mertens and I read these scriptures in our studies together and they all stood out to us in profound ways. If we are built upon the rock of our Savior by living His gospel, nothing can lead us astray. We can always look to our Savior and overcome our own personal fears, doubts and hardships. Knowing that He died and suffered for us individually gives us the great realization that He truly loves us so much. He asks us to keep His commandments and to be faithful in the gospel, we will then have the amazing promise of eternal life in His presence.
We had some great visits with a few less active members in the wards that we have been serving in. We had the opportunity to visit with a less active sister, Esther who we shared a message about the importance of prayer and how we can draw closer to our Heavenly Father. It is such a blessing to know that we have a loving Father in Heaven who wants to hear from us and desires to bless us, at times we only need to ask him. We can go to our Heavenly Father with any trouble, trial, or any struggle. He is always there. We visited with the Carter family again and talked about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how we can overcome our shortcomings and constantly strive to be better. It gives me great comfort to know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I can overcome my shortcomings and become more like our Savior, it can be the very same for you as well.
Elder Mertens and I had the great opportunity to go to a Trainer/Trainee meeting in Kyle, Texas and it was a pretty great experience. We were able to be instructed by President Polley as well as his assistants. The meeting brought back many great memories from when I was being trained when I began my mission. Much of the discussion involved the importance in how to baptize and in learning our duties and responsibilities as missionaries. We also talked about using the technology that we have been given to move the work forward in the mission and how to be safe and productive. I know as we use technology to share the gospel with others, we will better help them know of the great blessings that we experience as members of the Lord's restored church. We are so blessed to have such great access to the scriptures and words of Latter-Day prophets.
I know that my Savior and Redeemer lives. I know that His gospel has been restored in these Latter-Days. I am so very thankful to have His truth in my life so that I can find peace through the challenges that I face. He is the source of our greatest help and will always be there to lift us back up. He truly is there to bless in time of need.
Have another wonderful week!
With Love,
Elder Munro
Zone Conference - West Zone
How grateful I am for this gospel! We have a great opportunity this month as Thanksgiving is coming to think back on the past year for the many wonderful blessings that we have received. It has been such a wonderful blessing for me to be able to serve here in this mission and I am grateful for the many lessons and experiences that I have had. I am eternally grateful for this gospel and for the opportunity to share it with others.
I would love to share a few scriptures in D&C 6:34,36-37: "(34) Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. (36) Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. (37) Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen."
My companion Elder Mertens and I read these scriptures in our studies together and they all stood out to us in profound ways. If we are built upon the rock of our Savior by living His gospel, nothing can lead us astray. We can always look to our Savior and overcome our own personal fears, doubts and hardships. Knowing that He died and suffered for us individually gives us the great realization that He truly loves us so much. He asks us to keep His commandments and to be faithful in the gospel, we will then have the amazing promise of eternal life in His presence.
We had some great visits with a few less active members in the wards that we have been serving in. We had the opportunity to visit with a less active sister, Esther who we shared a message about the importance of prayer and how we can draw closer to our Heavenly Father. It is such a blessing to know that we have a loving Father in Heaven who wants to hear from us and desires to bless us, at times we only need to ask him. We can go to our Heavenly Father with any trouble, trial, or any struggle. He is always there. We visited with the Carter family again and talked about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how we can overcome our shortcomings and constantly strive to be better. It gives me great comfort to know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I can overcome my shortcomings and become more like our Savior, it can be the very same for you as well.
Elder Mertens and I had the great opportunity to go to a Trainer/Trainee meeting in Kyle, Texas and it was a pretty great experience. We were able to be instructed by President Polley as well as his assistants. The meeting brought back many great memories from when I was being trained when I began my mission. Much of the discussion involved the importance in how to baptize and in learning our duties and responsibilities as missionaries. We also talked about using the technology that we have been given to move the work forward in the mission and how to be safe and productive. I know as we use technology to share the gospel with others, we will better help them know of the great blessings that we experience as members of the Lord's restored church. We are so blessed to have such great access to the scriptures and words of Latter-Day prophets.
I know that my Savior and Redeemer lives. I know that His gospel has been restored in these Latter-Days. I am so very thankful to have His truth in my life so that I can find peace through the challenges that I face. He is the source of our greatest help and will always be there to lift us back up. He truly is there to bless in time of need.
Have another wonderful week!
With Love,
Elder Munro
Zone Conference - West Zone
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God.
Dear Family and Friends,
Happy Halloween! Hope everyone is enjoying the festivities and great family time. It has again been another great week here in the Texas, San Antonio Mission. I admire the missionaries that we serve with here and for their great faith in the promises of the Lord to His servants in His work. I know that this is indeed His work. How grateful I am to see it role forth in these Latter-Days.
I would love to share a scripture found in Mosiah 2:4: "And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."
We truly are happier people as we keep the commandments of God. As we continue faithfully in the gospel, we experience true, enduring joy. I am so very thankful for Gods commandments which are like a road map for us here in this life which leads us on a straight course back to our Heavenly Father.
This has been a wonderful week full of inspiration and revelation. On Friday, we had the opportunity to have our Zone Conference for the transfer as well as our mission tour in which General authorities are able to visit and see the mission. Elder Benjamin De Hoyos and his wife were able to meet with us and taught us many great things. Elder De Hoyos emphasized the importance in seeking those who are prepared in every opportunity that we find, especially through the members of the church. Active members truly work miracles in the work and are the greatest support to those who are learning about the gospel. Sister De Hoyos mentioned the importance in reading and studying the Book of Mormon with our investigators so that they have a strong, converting gospel experience. As we truly study our scriptures with real intent, desiring to live and abide by their teachings, we will have a greater conversion to our Savior and His gospel. I am so very thankful for the servants of the Lord who instruct us and help us become better missionaries.
We were able to have some great visits with a few less active families in the Ward this past week. We had the opportunity to visit with the Ruiz family and emphasized the importance of serving others and helping those in need. We have many opportunities as members of the church to help others who are struggling and lift them up to the light of the gospel. We were able to have her home teacher there, Bro. Cantu and it was neat to see their friendship and fellowship grow between their family. We also had a great lesson with the Martin family where we discussed the importance of the scriptures and how they help us to become more like Christ. We are truly blessed to have the scriptures so accessible and be able to share them with others. We are so blessed to live in these Latter-Days.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Gods kingdom once again established upon the earth. We are being lead by living prophets and apostles who hold the priesthood restored by Joseph Smith. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. God loves us so much and desires us to partake of His word and His Gospel. I know that my Savior lives. May we more fully embrace and live His gospel.
Hope you have a blessed week!
Love,
Elder Munro
Happy Halloween! Hope everyone is enjoying the festivities and great family time. It has again been another great week here in the Texas, San Antonio Mission. I admire the missionaries that we serve with here and for their great faith in the promises of the Lord to His servants in His work. I know that this is indeed His work. How grateful I am to see it role forth in these Latter-Days.
I would love to share a scripture found in Mosiah 2:4: "And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."
We truly are happier people as we keep the commandments of God. As we continue faithfully in the gospel, we experience true, enduring joy. I am so very thankful for Gods commandments which are like a road map for us here in this life which leads us on a straight course back to our Heavenly Father.
This has been a wonderful week full of inspiration and revelation. On Friday, we had the opportunity to have our Zone Conference for the transfer as well as our mission tour in which General authorities are able to visit and see the mission. Elder Benjamin De Hoyos and his wife were able to meet with us and taught us many great things. Elder De Hoyos emphasized the importance in seeking those who are prepared in every opportunity that we find, especially through the members of the church. Active members truly work miracles in the work and are the greatest support to those who are learning about the gospel. Sister De Hoyos mentioned the importance in reading and studying the Book of Mormon with our investigators so that they have a strong, converting gospel experience. As we truly study our scriptures with real intent, desiring to live and abide by their teachings, we will have a greater conversion to our Savior and His gospel. I am so very thankful for the servants of the Lord who instruct us and help us become better missionaries.
We were able to have some great visits with a few less active families in the Ward this past week. We had the opportunity to visit with the Ruiz family and emphasized the importance of serving others and helping those in need. We have many opportunities as members of the church to help others who are struggling and lift them up to the light of the gospel. We were able to have her home teacher there, Bro. Cantu and it was neat to see their friendship and fellowship grow between their family. We also had a great lesson with the Martin family where we discussed the importance of the scriptures and how they help us to become more like Christ. We are truly blessed to have the scriptures so accessible and be able to share them with others. We are so blessed to live in these Latter-Days.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Gods kingdom once again established upon the earth. We are being lead by living prophets and apostles who hold the priesthood restored by Joseph Smith. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. God loves us so much and desires us to partake of His word and His Gospel. I know that my Savior lives. May we more fully embrace and live His gospel.
Hope you have a blessed week!
Love,
Elder Munro
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