November

It was a great week! Im so glad to be a missionary. Quick notes, the Farsi elders had a baptism, in Sweden! There is also a woman from Iceland, who was living here with her friend in Santa Monica, that I was privileged to meet and do service for, who has decided to be baptized over in Iceland! Its awesome to the work moving forward all over the world! :) 

A lot happened this week, its hard to remember it all. Basically, the work is moving along. We went to go find a referral and ended up talking to this guy, Carlos. He was very open and ran over to us when we called out to him. We posed the question, "Ever thought about why there are so many churches?" And he was very intrigued. We taught him about the Restoration of the Gospel and he accepted the invitation to be baptized as he comes to know that these things are true. He is awesome and very enthused about meeting up again to talk about his findings in the Book of Mormon. 

Elder Knudsen and Elder Jung, Korean Elders who make it happen  #FarKor

We also came into contact with Linda, who was miraculously saved by "some young guys in white shirts and ties" last Christmas eve. She is the mother of 4 and has been through a lot, anywhere from deaths in the family to ER trips that keep her from church (dang it Satan.). She is very sincere though and was so thrilled to hear that we have a youth program for teenagers at our church. We are also excited to see her tonight at Family Home Evening at a members house. :) 

Halloween was good. Yes, we still have candy. Yes, I have a hard time having self-control.

Here is the zone after Zone Training Meeting. They are stellar. Super grateful to be serving here. 

I read this talk by Richard G Scott the other day, Finding Forgiveness, and thought Id share a bit. He talks about how we can overcome challenges, sometimes the effect of sins and mistakes we have made. He relates "The process [to being happy and clean] is called repentance; the destination is forgiveness." 

“To every forgiveness there is a condition. The plaster must be as wide as the sore. The fasting, the prayers, the humility must be equal to or greater than the sin.” “It is unthinkable that God absolves serious sins upon a few requests. He is likely to wait until there has been long, sustained repentance.” (SWKimball)

At times, most times, I have felt that forgiveness and the pain of my own mistakes should be swept away when I want them to. I feel as if I have a change of heart and demand that the consequences are removed at once. Thats not how it works. We dont set the conditions of forgiveness. We should feel so blessed to have the gift of repentance. Imagine a world without any mention of 'Im sorry'. 

“Certain forms of suffering, endured well, can actually be ennobling.. “Part of enduring well consists of being meek enough, amid our suffering, to learn from our relevant experiences. Rather than simply passing through these things, they must pass through us … in ways which sanctify [us].” (NAMaxwell)

D&C 121:7-8 -> My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

Rely on God and what He has to give. Its a lot easier when we understand that everything we go through has purpose. There must be a reason why I am going through this. Understand that God is not out to get you, but wants you to return and become clean and sanctified. Have patience, and accept the peace He offers through His Son Jesus Christ. It will all work out in the end. :)

Have a great week!