Life of a Missionary

Hello Everyone!

Sorry for the lack of communication with everyone. I have felt like a chicken with his head cut off for the last few weeks. Despite all the hectic craziness that surrounds us, I know that the peace of God can dispel all confusion and discouragement one might feel.

 Life as a missionary is busy and (as one is doing what they're supposed to) pressured. First off, we're constantly on the Lord's errand so we must always be ready and seeking. Secondly, we're always being watched. Either there is one who is watching our example for support, or, there is one who watches for even the most minute mistake that they can take advantage of. Thirdly, we must strive to be aware of self-improvement that the Spirit of Lord can always be available to us. With all this expectation of perfection, by those and of those who have yet much to perfect, it is easy to become frustrated, annoyed and disappointed by the actions of another, or even yourself. That's part of the life as a missionary.

 

However, that is also, in its own right, the life of every other member of the Church and every human being that walks this earth.

One bit of condolence I bring is that everyone, even Prophets, feel such disappointment. Paul, the great Apostle, cried unto the Lord on THREE separate occasions that his "thorn in the flesh" might be removed from him. Who knows what his thorn might have been but consider the ones you feel now. Is it a thorn that comes from an exterior agent caused, perhaps, by the actions of others? Or is it a self-inflicted thorn that stems from your own noticed imperfection? Whatever it may be, these can cause us to wonder, "Why am I here?". To all who feel this, AS I HAVE MANY TIMES BEFORE, I bear my witness that the One who IS perfect, who knows and comprehend ALL things, has a sanctifying purpose for you. For us to realize this, however, and to draw strength from this new found understanding, we must learn what it means to have a mighty prayer of faith. I invite you to make that the course of your personal study over the next few days and beyond if you feel so inclined.

 

Don't be so caught up on your one step backwards if it causes you to rise two steps forward. Progression is eternal process and we have been promised Eternal life by Him who simply asks us to have faith.

As I mentioned before, Paul asked the Lord three times to remove his thorn. Hear the Lord's response to him and to you: "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (See 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 & Ether 12:27)

There is sanctification in service and there is no greater service than preaching the gospel.
I know that my Redeemer lives.

Love,
Elder Smith

General Conference

Hello Everyone!

What a weekend huh? After all that has been said by the Lord this weekend (through the medium of His Prophets) I don't know what I would add. My thoughts will be brief.

D&C 71:5-6

"Now, behold this is wisdom; whoso readeth, let him understand and receive also; For unto him that receiveth it shall be given more abundantly, even power."

What do we need to do to gain greater spiritual power and strength? It's simple: Read, Understand then Receive. What does it mean to Understand? It means to receive light and truth from the Holy Spirit, which will only come through diligent and sincere reading and study. What are we to do once we gain understanding? Receive it into our hearts that it may become a part of us - or, in other words, apply it. It's that simple! Want motivation to get out of complacency? "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance" (See D&C 131:6)
I hope we will Read the Lord's words as He has spoken them through the words of His servants this last weekend. I hope we will then seek to Understand them and, as we do, to then Receive them graciously.
Prophets are on the earth today. I know that to be true.

 

Elder Smith

Hello Everybody!

I feel very fulfilled. This last week was a little hectic in some regards but the end result was very spiritually uplifting. Yesterday, we spent the ENTIRE day with a recent convert who was baptized 9 days ago. He had voiced some concern with some "disagreeing material" he had discovered to the point of wondering if he had made the right choice. When I say we spent the entire day with him, I mean we spent the day doing missionary work as we contacted less-actives and potential investigators. We got into the home of one man and after teaching the Restoration Ryan (the recent convert) shared a powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon. That evening he joined us at the Stake General Priesthood Meeting which focused completely on the power of the Book of Mormon. In the car ride back he mentioned how he had been feeling, how Satan had been working on him the entire week, then concluded by talking about how he then felt. All those feelings of doubt have left him. He knows he's on the right path. It was a beauiful transition. This has been an amazing week. Did we baptize anyone? No. But I still fulfilled my purpose completely. We are to help others come unto Christ. "Others" means anyone and everyone.

This work is true!

Love,
Elder Smith