Monday, November 4, 2013

Things are going very well here in Boise. We've gotten good results here this last week, there's three unbaptized children that we set a date with for this Saturday. It probably won't happen, there's too much to do before then.

A recently reactivated man came to Church last Sunday with his nonmember wife and kids. She committed to baptism, but wouldn't set a date last Tuesday. We were able to come just at the right moment, the day he lost his job before it started. They were under such an incredible strain from the fear and impending loss of their house. He just wasn't himself for a while. We taught them the principle of fasting and committed them to living it last Sunday. I felt such incredible joy come over me when I saw them in Church. The Spirit taught me then that it was because of my efforts they came. Truly temple worship and mission service is the "manner of happiness" that the Nephites found. (2 Nephi 5)

We succeed when we invite. It's really important now for all of us to love and serve those around us, inviting them to learn more of the restored gospel. We can do it through family history, the importance of the family, simply referring to the Church in conversation, or through the plan of salvation when they're experiencing difficult problems in their life or when they've had a recent birth in the family. There is so many blessings that await us for our service in this great effort. Our bishop slams his fist (well almost slams) on the pulpit and exclaims, "We do missionary work!" I love it.

In one of the talks a high councilor in one of our wards came up and shared a dream where he was hacking through this dense forest with a machete with all of his might, all the while the Savior was standing behind him on a pulpit watching what was coming his way, ensuring that nothing too tough for him came his way. I've encountered some pretty tough adversity this last week, but in my toughest moments I could feel his love and strength. He won't leave us alone! 

"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:4-5, see also Alma 7:11-12, Mosiah 3)

If you really want a good read, I'd try 2 Nephi 6-11, what's going to happen when Jews believe in Jesus Christ? You can really see the power of the Book of Mormon in convincing the Jews that Jesus is the Christ, although the New Testament should have done it already... I was able to give a Book of Mormon to a Jewish woman last month, it was a pretty cool experience and I felt the Spirit to an incredible degree.

I love you all, thanks for the letters and support. This work is true! I would be a friend to every man and woman and seek their welfare and happiness, inviting in word and deed to learn more of why we are so happy. Granted, life is extremely difficult, with the power of the Atonement powering us forward by worthily partaking of the sacrament, repenting of our daily shortcomings, and setting goals to progress I promise you that will be able to overcome, or bear everything put before you. Things are good! Only once before has man had better news than now, we are not spiritual orphans. It is my testimony that God has restored his Church through a modern prophet, gotta go, but with all my love,

Elder Szendre

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.