Hey hey hey!
What's cookin everybody? I sure am! There are high and low days but when it's high it's HOT! I'm so glad my companion likes it cold because we have our AC down in the 60's...heavenly. But anyway! This was a fun week. On one particular day we did quite a bit of walking and tracted right into another Southern Baptist Preacher. No worries though! This guy was awesome. We had a pleasant conversation on his porch, he invited us in for a drink and gave us some water, we talked about each others families and missionary efforts, and he told us that if anytime we need a break, a place of refuge from the weather or if we're in the area just to stop by. I think there's some potential here...I'm looking forward to going back. Overall the people here are nice.

After finishing my personal studies this morning I have come to this conclusion: Jacob is a stud. Seriously read the Book of Jacob in the Book of Mormon. One reason why I like him is because how straight-forward he is. Let me do so now.

"Why will ye die?" (Jacob 6:6) What can you possibly have to gain by rejecting this Gospel and the responsibility that comes with it? Jacob chapter 5 is the famous (and long) "Olive Tree" chapter. If you read that chapter you will see that the time period in which we live is from verse 61 on. In this, the dispensation of the FULLNESS of times, the Lord has sent out his servants, which are "few", to prune, dig, nourish, and reap a final harvest in the Lord's vineyard with "the Lord of the vineyard [laboring] also with them." The Lord has set his hand to recover his people from all over the world and to prepare them for His Son's Second Coming. He needs servants to go forward in His power, might and strength, to work diligently as hard as we possibly can and indeed waste and wear out our lives to the establishing of God's Kingdom here on the earth. "How blessed are they who have labored diligently in His vineyard; and how cursed are they who...reject these words." (Jacob 6:3,8)

As members of THIS church, the one and ONLY true church on the entire face of the earth, you are called to be a light to those in darkness and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places so that you may stand spotless before the Judgement Seat of Christ and are washed clean from the sins of wickedness of your generation. Everyone: I plead with you to not stand idly by and let opportunities pass by where you can uplift a fellow brother. Repent and serve God with full purpose of heart and "cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you." Why will you destroy yourselves? Will you reject my words? Will you reject the words of the prophets? Even after being nourished by the good word of God will you reject all these witnesses? You may say that you don't but actions speak much louder than words. "Preach the Gospel always; use words if necessary."

What kind of examples are you setting for your friends, acquaintances, neighbors, and your own children? Don't you know that by rejecting this truth, this responsibility, through your actions...or rather through your lack of action, that you will, through the power of the resurrection, stand before that Almighty God and stand shameful and guilty before Him? The great Plan of Redemption has been laid before you and you have been blessed. To you who is given much, much is required now at your hand and you will be judged according to your diligence, and stand accountable of your stewardship. Don't deny that you know these thing for you and I will stand face to face at the great and dreadful bar of God and my words, with all the words of the prophets, will stand as witnesses against you.
There is so much to lose and time is running out.
This is my witness in the name of the Great Judge Jesus Christ. Amen.
Elder Smith