My first big miracle this week was on a trade-off with an elder from the district. We'd been walking for most of the day and were really tired. Most of the people we met were relatively indifferent to us, and I was wondering what we were supposed to learn from today. I prayed to be able to help Elder Brown see miracles in his area. After that, went to visit a less-active member in their ward, but when we got to the house, we learned that the man no longer lived there. The man who was there asked us if we were from a church. We got to talking, and we learned that his name was Steven, he had moved here from China and had been a Christian for about three years. He loved learning about Jesus Christ and we were able to set up a time to meet on Thursday. Yesterday, Elder Brown told me that the meeting had gone well, he had attended church, and they were able to set a baptismal date for him in June. Heavenly Father had answered my prayer in a way that exceeded what I had thought possible that day.
I also saw an example of "a broken heart and a contrite spirit". We had a meeting with our Bishop on Wednesday. He informed us that a man's records had just been transferred into the ward from America. We went to see him, and he told us a bit about himself. He's lived a life that has caused him a lot of regret, but he is determined to regain his standing with Heavenly Father at any cost. He showed me what it meant to be truly repentant.That kind of devotion to the gospel is something I want to be sure I always have.
We also met one of the recent converts in our area's neighbor. His name is Jason and he's Korean. He was interested in joining us in our "studies". I'm really excited to work with him and teach more in Korean.
We've seen a lot of good things happen in our work with members as we've started using more of our missionary resources in teaching them. Preach My Gospel is so applicable to every member of the church. Using it in sharing spiritual thoughts and lessons has allowed us to break the typical pattern of sharing messages with members. We've been able to adjust our messages to meet their needs much quicker and in a way that invites everyone to participate in the lesson. I know that as we share the words of modern prophets and apostles, they will bring the same power and spirit as those of older prophets.
Consecration is something I am striving for. Over the last year, I've had times where I have had more success in focusing on missionary work than others, but I have learned that through the Atonement, we can become more and more dedicated and consecrated to the Lord and his work. When we allow ourselves to focus on what's really important, we see miracles both in the lives of others in within ourselves. As I start into my second year as a full-time missionary, I will continue to put things into their proper perspective and try to see as God sees.
Last week, we read Alma 51-55. The Nephites biggest problem throughout the Book of Mormon seems to be highlighted here. Internal dissension causes them to lose a lot of ground in their war with the Lamanites.
Now we will read Alma 56-60. This is where we get to see what amazing things the 2000 "Sons of Helaman" did. I mentioned that their faith saved the Nephites, and this is where it happens. Have a great week!
Love,
Elder Clark
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