The work continues to gain momentum in the Summer Hill Ward. This week has been another great show of the Lord's hand in our lives. One of the great things that happened to me personally was a priesthood blessing I received on Tuesday. On Tuesday afternoon, we were getting ready for an appointment when I started having a migraine. I thought it might just be dehydration, so I tried to drink more water, but the migraine remained. I started praying for the pain I felt to go away. It got more intense throughout the rest of the afternoon and by the time we returned home in the evening, it was the worst migraine I had ever experienced. The elders in the flat gave me a blessing and I was able to go to sleep. When I woke up in the morning, the pain was virtually gone and by the time we headed out to work, I was ready to get back to regular work. I'm thankful that Heavenly Father gave me the strength to finish my work on Tuesday and not miss out on it on Wednesday. I know that my recovery came through the power of the restored priesthood authority of God.
Another experience we had this week once again showed me the power of member-missionary work. One of the less-active members that we've been working with has given us another referral. He just invited her in while we were having our meeting with him and told her that she should listen to what we teach. She accepted, and we are going to start meeting with her as well. This less-active member is just so keen on sharing the gospel. It reminds me of what Elder Bednar said in Conference a couple of weeks ago:
"The invitations we extend to you to learn about and test our message grow out of the positive effects the gospel of Jesus Christ has had in our lives. Sometimes we may be awkward or abrupt or even relentless in our attempts. Our simple desire is to share with you the truths that are of greatest worth to us."
To him, it's just a natural product of the good things we experience in the gospel. As we experience the gospel, we want to share it with others.
One of the great lessons I've learned as a missionary is the importance of Charity, the true love of Christ. In every single experience of my mission thus far, I can think of times where having charity, or not having charity, has made all the difference in the outcome of a situation. When someone has had charity and has honestly, unconditionally, and legitimately loved others, every person they are connected to is happier as a result. I think the times that I've been most affected for good by people, and the times I've most affected for good people have been the times when either I or they have had charity for the other person. It is truly the "bond of perfectness". (check out Colossians 3 for the reference)
Another experience we had this week once again showed me the power of member-missionary work. One of the less-active members that we've been working with has given us another referral. He just invited her in while we were having our meeting with him and told her that she should listen to what we teach. She accepted, and we are going to start meeting with her as well. This less-active member is just so keen on sharing the gospel. It reminds me of what Elder Bednar said in Conference a couple of weeks ago:
"The invitations we extend to you to learn about and test our message grow out of the positive effects the gospel of Jesus Christ has had in our lives. Sometimes we may be awkward or abrupt or even relentless in our attempts. Our simple desire is to share with you the truths that are of greatest worth to us."
To him, it's just a natural product of the good things we experience in the gospel. As we experience the gospel, we want to share it with others.
One of the great lessons I've learned as a missionary is the importance of Charity, the true love of Christ. In every single experience of my mission thus far, I can think of times where having charity, or not having charity, has made all the difference in the outcome of a situation. When someone has had charity and has honestly, unconditionally, and legitimately loved others, every person they are connected to is happier as a result. I think the times that I've been most affected for good by people, and the times I've most affected for good people have been the times when either I or they have had charity for the other person. It is truly the "bond of perfectness". (check out Colossians 3 for the reference)
Last week we read Chapter 7 of Preach My Gospel. I hope we can see that the principles and doctrines of that chapter have to do with so much more than just language learning.
This week, we're going to read a chapter that has influence my growth as a missionary in a big way: Chapter 8.
Have a great week!
Love,
Elder Clark
 |
| Elder Jordan and I at Watson's Bay |
 |
| A spider that showed up this morning. Apparently, it's a white tail, which is super poisonous, but don't worry, we're all okay, and it's no big deal. Seriously, don't worry. |
No comments:
Post a Comment