What a fantastic weekend of General Conference! I really enjoyed the different sessions, and I loved the focus they put on missionary work. I look forward to reviewing the talks from this month's conference.
As good as conference was, my favorite thing about this weekend would have to be the rescue visits we did between the Sunday morning and afternoon sessions. I was able to go with our ward's high priest group leader to visit two families. While there, we had the opportunity to give Priesthood blessings to members of each family who were sick, as well as a blessing of comfort to a young man trying to come back to church. I was surprised to see that after I had given a blessing to this young man, both he and his mother had tears in their eyes and expressed gratitude for the blessing. I don't remember saying anything too profound, but from the spirit I felt then, I know that the Holy Ghost had given me words to say "in the very moment" that I said them. The priesthood, it's blessings, and it's power are all real. It is truly the power of God given for the benefit of all of His children.
Since conference was this week, we've been focusing on teaching about the prophets a lot. In preparing to teach these lessons, I've gained a much better perspective on not only what a prophet does, but of how the work they do affects and blesses each of us. We watched a video with our investigators that compared the prophet to a watchman. I'd heard the analogy before, but I don't think I fully appreciated it until I realized what would happen without a "watchman" looking out for the "vineyard". I'm so glad that God has given us prophets today to guide us, warn us, and inspire us to come closer to Jesus Christ. I'm also glad that we have the words of both ancient and modern prophets available to us in the scriptures. I've seen so much improvement in my own understanding and ability to teach as I've used the scriptures to help others.
The mission wide fast has brought so many miracles already. One day, we were street contacting, and before one person even knew my name, he was asking for our phone number. Our investigators have been able to see the blessings of keeping the commitments we've given them so much more. I've been able to gain a much better understanding in my studies, and applying the lessons I learn about really being a missionary has become so much more natural. This fast has strengthend my own personal testimony of what can happen when we excersise our faith in Jesus Christ.
As good as conference was, my favorite thing about this weekend would have to be the rescue visits we did between the Sunday morning and afternoon sessions. I was able to go with our ward's high priest group leader to visit two families. While there, we had the opportunity to give Priesthood blessings to members of each family who were sick, as well as a blessing of comfort to a young man trying to come back to church. I was surprised to see that after I had given a blessing to this young man, both he and his mother had tears in their eyes and expressed gratitude for the blessing. I don't remember saying anything too profound, but from the spirit I felt then, I know that the Holy Ghost had given me words to say "in the very moment" that I said them. The priesthood, it's blessings, and it's power are all real. It is truly the power of God given for the benefit of all of His children.
Since conference was this week, we've been focusing on teaching about the prophets a lot. In preparing to teach these lessons, I've gained a much better perspective on not only what a prophet does, but of how the work they do affects and blesses each of us. We watched a video with our investigators that compared the prophet to a watchman. I'd heard the analogy before, but I don't think I fully appreciated it until I realized what would happen without a "watchman" looking out for the "vineyard". I'm so glad that God has given us prophets today to guide us, warn us, and inspire us to come closer to Jesus Christ. I'm also glad that we have the words of both ancient and modern prophets available to us in the scriptures. I've seen so much improvement in my own understanding and ability to teach as I've used the scriptures to help others.
The mission wide fast has brought so many miracles already. One day, we were street contacting, and before one person even knew my name, he was asking for our phone number. Our investigators have been able to see the blessings of keeping the commitments we've given them so much more. I've been able to gain a much better understanding in my studies, and applying the lessons I learn about really being a missionary has become so much more natural. This fast has strengthend my own personal testimony of what can happen when we excersise our faith in Jesus Christ.
Last week, I talked a bit about reading the Book of Mormon all the way through over the next year. I hope that as each of you start this "journey", you'll see the benefits of reading this true book. Last week, I "assigned" everyone to read the introductory pages of the Book of Mormon. As you read them, hopefully you gained a bit of an understanding of the what, where, who, why, and how of the Book of Mormon. I know that the promise made in the introduction (as well as in Moroni's closing words) is true. As each of us "read, ponder, and pray" about it's truthfulness, each of us will gain a knowledge of it's truth.
This week, we'll get begin reading at the beginning of the book's story: 1 Nephi 1-5. These chapters not only have a great story, but teach some fantastic principles and lessons as well. Enjoy it!
This week, we'll get begin reading at the beginning of the book's story: 1 Nephi 1-5. These chapters not only have a great story, but teach some fantastic principles and lessons as well. Enjoy it!
Lots of Love,
Elder Clark
This is Elder Clark's mom writing....This is Elder Clark in front of a place where his 4th great grandparents, George Roberts and Susan Gallard were married. George went to Australia as part of the gold rush, was introduced to the gospel and baptized. He became a missionary and worked in church offices. Met and married Susan Gallard at 51 Yurong Rd, Wooloomooloo, NSW, Australia. George Roberts had some money so, at the urging of the church, he provided the funds for passage for some families and returning missionaries to the USA. George and Susan immigrated to the USA, coming to Utah and ending up in Minersville, Utah. We are proud of our heritage.
Last p-day, Elder Clark was able to enjoy the International Fleet Review.
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