Monday, October 13, 2014

Last update from Rockwell - on to Peoria!

Greetings from Rockford, IL! Well, I'm still alive. I've not only survived six months in Illinois, but I've cherished those months. Naturally, at the beginning of the mission, the typical feelings of homesickness and inadequacy can easily prevail. You're scared of most things, particularly two things: the people whose doors you knock, and their dogs. Everyone around here seems to own only a select variety of dogs. They either have pit bulls, German shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, or chihuahuas. But, after a thousand plus doors, you begin to acclimate to the barking and gnashing of teeth. You begin to acclimate, and you begin to desire the eternal welfare of all whom you come into contact with, but your effectiveness is solely dictated by the presence of the Spirit, which you must be worthy of. We had a member of the first quorum of the Seventy tour our mission recently. He spoke of many things, but what has remained impressed upon my mind is one simple request he made: "Don't get in the way."  


Don't let your shortcomings hinder the eternal welfare of anyone. Don't allow disobedience to have a negative impact on the work of salvation. In a way, that is the course we take as members of the restored church of God. We use the atonement to put off the natural man, so that the blessings of God may be poured out upon us and our families. We try to get out of God's way, in so many words. The Lord will hasten his work. But we are his hands. So, please, support the Lord by harvesting the field which has ripened. Go out with the missionaries. Let's help each other light the way for our brothers and sisters. For we know we cannot become perfect without them. God bless all of you. I know that through Jesus Christ all things are possible. Walk as He walked, and serve others for their happiness. Be true and faithful. Therein lies joy. Onward, ever onward.

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