Final Note From the MISSION FIELD

Hello Everyone,

It looks like I'll be saying that in person to a lot of you soon. My two years is coming to a close. Tonight I'll be reunited with my parents and begin the next chapter of my life. I've been pondering a lot on what I would share with you at this time and the only thing I feel to be appropriate is my testimony.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the central focus of every lesson and activity of this Church. Every word of scripture teaches of the Redeemer. Why? Because Heavenly Father so loves us, that He sent the Willing Lamb to pave the way for our exaltation. Why? Because we are spiritual beings sent to this imperfect and dangerous world to learn the lessons of eternity. It is our very core nature to develop into an Eternal Being with Eternal capabilities. That is what the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that Pearl of great price, is designed to facilitate. And just like any mathmatical equation needs the proper constants and variables to produce the desired product, or just like any blueprint needs the correct drawings and outlines to enable the builders to construct a strong structure, so does the Gospel of Jesus Christ require certain eternal principles to be lived to produce a mighty change in us. Hence, the need for a Restoration of these proper principles AND Authority which I testify were lost. Joseph Smith was the Lord's chosen instrument to help bring about this marvelous Restoration. He was given the keys, power and authority of God, the Holy Priesthood, to unlock the doors of sacred ordinances that enable us and teach us to become as our Savior and our Father.
The evidence of all of this is the Book of Mormon. All you have to do ask, seek and knock, and I testify that all these things will be unfolded to your view. After that has been done, I invite you to live what you know with His grace assisting you.
I know what I have spoken, written, sung, taught, testified and lived to be truth. I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me. Oh, how I will miss expressing my love back to him as a called and set apart representative of Him and His Church.

In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Elder Hyrum Smith

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