So Last week we went to a Pentecostal
Church with our investigator, DJ. It was like a rock concert. I really
liked it, singing songs about the Savior (even if some of the doctrines
weren't completely true). I have 2 things that I learned from that
experience to share with you. First, When we first got there everyone
was so nice and greeted us and said they were happy to have us there.
(that could be a third thing I learned, the importance of fellow
shipping new people). When we sat down and they started to pray my first
thought was "wow this is really weird," and then I just felt really
strongly that Heavenly Father loves these people, and they were
just doing their best to get to know Him and the Saviour. We are so
lucky to have the Truth about God and Jesus Christ, and Their gospel.
Without it, Finding a true and beneficial relationship with Him is
impossible. Joseph Smith taught that in order for any rational and
intelligent being to exercise Faith in God unto life and salvation he
must have three things: First, the idea that God actually exists;
Second, A correct idea of His Attributes, Character, and
Perfection; and third, An actual knowledge that he is living his life in
accordance with God's will. (see lectures on faith, Lecture Third) Now,
in saying this I do not take away from those Pentecostal Peoples'
faith, rather I emphasize the blessing that we as Latter Day Saints
have, "A correct Idea of His attributes Character and Perfection," and
thus making our faith productive and fruitful.
The
second thing I learned was the importance of the Sacrament. We didn't
partake of the sacrament, or anything like it at this meeting, and
although I felt good afterwards, I also felt like I had accomplished
nothing. Every week when I partake of the Sacrament I make covenants
with God. That is why we have church every week. There is a purpose and
we accomplish something. Every single week. I really feel that
recognizing the importance and purpose of the Sacrament in our daily and
weekly lives is key in continued activity in the church. It is so
important for me to teach my investigators about the Sacrament for them
to understand repentance, and for them to continue actively in the
church.
We had interviews on Saturday and
President told me I am most likely getting Transferred, unless the
spirit tells him otherwise between now and Transfers. I also had to give
the training for 2 districts during interviews. It was fun! I was the
only missionary of 12 that has been on a mission longer than 4 months!
We
were tracting this week when we met Janice and Darcy. They let us in to
teach them about the restoration and afterward Janice told us that she
has been looking for a church to join ever since she became a Christian
(we were so excited we forgot to ask how long she has been a
Christian...sorry). Anyways we gave her a book of Mormon, and she asked
if there were a way for her to listen too it (the print is too small for
her) and after finding out they don't have any technology at all I
remembered I had found the Book of Mormon on CD and felt I should keep
it. Well I found out what I needed to keep it for! She was happy that
she could listen to a book that doesn't have swearing in it and that is
uplifting. They asked us if they could come to church and it was all set
up. Then we got a call from Darcy on Saturday night telling us his wife
was in Hospital with a blood clot in her stomach and he asked if we
could visit her sometime this week. I really hope everything goes well
with her!
Last thing I have is this: On Sunday
we were expecting at least 3 investigators to come to church. No one
showed up (which means we have to cancel at least on baptism) and we
were pretty sad. But then one of the members told us there was a new
person outside. We went out and met Ashley, who had met missionaries in
another city and has just moved to Coff's harbour and "wants to improve
himself" He really wants to change and wants us to teach him how the
Atonement of Jesus Christ can help him do that. I don't know what we did
that made Heavenly Father want to bless us so much, but I know that
this is definitely His work. None of these good things happened because
of anything Elder Rex or I did. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-Day Saints is the only church on earth with all of the
Authority and Covenants and Ordinances necessary to receive all that the
Father hath. I am so blessed to be both a member of that church and a
missionary for The Lord. I love you Heaps! I hope you have the best week
ever. Happy Christmas Harry
Love Elder Mitchell
