Familly,
Oh boy, what a week, There's not too much to write about as Elder Farley's back problems flared up again, before the mission he broke his back twice! Its really a miracle he's still alive and ready to serve, but he pinched a nerve in his back on Tuesday and was bedridden until Thursday, But it was really amazing to see how the Lord blessed us in the few days Elder Farley was healthy to really reach those souls that he needed to be reached this week.
First there was the Lopez Family, Nanay Lopez is a less active who had a dream that she should come back to church, she's 82 years old, but because of that experience after 20 years of being less active she made the walk to church last sunday, We didnt know who she was, or where she lived, but we said we would love to come visit her, Friday as we were walking around, we heard a shout, and we looked left to see her there at her front gate, she let us in to her humble home, and introduced us to her family, We invited them to the Lesson and really got to know them, and it turns out they are not yet members, amidst the quaking of their family of pet ducks and the crow of the 3 roosters they have they felt the spirit as we taught them about the temple, They came to church yesterday and were really looking forward to good things happening there for that family. The second was our favorite investigator, Harry, He is the caretaker of a private resort, and if you looked at him with his lazy eye and outfit of an "I love new york" tank top, flip flops with holes in the soles, and basketball shorts you wouldnt think that hes the caring father of 5, a former chess champion at the University of the Philippines, a former baptist preacher and fluent enough to understand Isaiah in english, but he is, and he has some of the most intelligent questions i've ever heard, each discussion he grows more and more, he cant get enough of the book of Mormon, he wants to study the life of Joseph Smith, and as we teach him the basic principle of the gospel I can see the spirit working in his life. His mind is open, as well as his heart, and he dosent take these things lightly, he recognizes were talking about salvation, and itrs a really big deal to him. He's progressing well, and we grow to love him more each time we meet.
President Peterson is gone! I feel a part of me left as well, but I know President Mangum holds those same keys, and they come from Jesus Christ, and my love for Jesus Christ is something that will never change, Im excited to meet President and his Wife, People change, but the work continues to roll forth, Im blessed to be a part of it.
I love you all!
Elder Johnson
Hey there max, I read your e-mail
1, Don't be nervous, your going to do exactly what the Lord needs you to do in your mission if you go in with an attitude like you have,
2, The MTC is inspired of god, its a way to help you catch your breath a bit, Im afraid that theres no way to learn beforehand, or replace the things you'll learn there, its a great experience,
3, This week as the temptations and doubts come down on you, learn to pray, not just a regular prayer, but try this week to plan for your prayers, think about what you will pray for, and be ready to let the spirit guide you in that prayer, prepare for the prayer, invite the spirit by singin a hymn, or reading a scripture, pick a place to pray and mae sure its quiet, do it at a time in the day that your most alert and ready to focus on that prayer, thank the lord specifically for those who have blessed your life and how they have blessed you, try to match your will with his and I know you'll feel his presence more in your life, This is something i've learned on the mission, to really plead with god, it might take more than 5 minutes, it may take up to 20 or 30, but its how god can speak peace to our souls, and its how we can recceive the revelation he wants to give us each day. Take strength from those prayers.
4, Go to the temple, and use that spirit you've felt during your prayer to open up your mind to the true meaning of the covenants you made there, Memorize those covenants and when those doubts come, repeat the words of those covenants to yourself, and as you do, recommit yourself to live accordingly, as you do, you'll feel the true power of the endowment as it reminds you of your eternal nature, potential, and purpose in this life.
I know you can do it, the spirit cant reside in a mind tossed about with doubt, so relax, and I know you'll be able to feel the prayers of those all over the world lifting you up.
Be happy,
I love you
Thanks for serving the Lord, it means the world to me.
Elder Johnson
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