Sawubona Elder Williams,
That is a South African greeting. I chose it because of a pastor (Andrew Murray) who built up the Christian church in Africa.
I've been reading some really great books one of which is called Holy in Christ. It is written by Andrew Murray who was a pastor in the late 1800's. Here is one thought I found very intriguing.
"When God or Christ is called the Holy One, the word in Hebrew and Greek is exactly the same that is used when the believer is called a saint: he too is a holy one. So the three words hallow, keep holy, sanctify, all represent but one term in the original of which the real meaning is to make holy."
Isn't it interesting how we are called Latter Day Saints? Well I've been thinking, 'what does it mean to be a saint?' The word 'saint' conjures up in my mind people like Augustine, Aquinas, Francis, Patrick, and lots of other dead people. These people are far removed from me, my world, and my station in life. They seem above reproach, but how did they become that way? I'm sure they struggled with the flesh and temptations of the world. Remember Augustine said, 'God give me continence, but not yet.' I'm right there in the boat with Augustine. For example, I want to have total control over my appetites, and it's easy to say, "Yeah, I'm going to do this", but then there is a chocolate chip cookie staring me in the face. I usually give in, and in those little decisions lay the break down of my intention to be super healthy.
Another thought to consider from the book: "There is not one standard of Holiness for God and another for man. The nature of light is the same."
Wow! If we want to be with God again, then we have to become like him---exactly like Him. We will have to live in perfect obedience to eternal laws. What a daunting task, but it goes back to the little choices and decisions. We are not expected to do it all at once, but if we continue in with a full purpose of heart and a desire to become holy, sanctification will come, and indeed we will be worthy of the title of "Saint".
Sanctification is a sometimes painful process, but I'm hoping to exchange beauty for ashes....the beauty of eternal life for the ashes of a brief mortal existence.
How did your week progress? Are you settling in to your new area? Tell us about your new companion.
With love,
Mom
Hi Mom,
I love this last week. So many miracles are happening in Fortuna and Miranda. I can see the hand of God more in the work. I also think that He has been trusting me more because I am becoming more willing to recognize my dependence on Him.
Sacrament meeting in Fortuna was one of the most spiritual experiences I've had on my mission. We had two of our investigators, Anne and Zach. We also had some less active members that we have been working with come as well.
Anne is such a wonderful lady. She is in her thirties and has three kids and a husband. Elder Longstaff and one of his previous companions tracted into her back in October. They gave her a Book of Mormon, and went on their way. Last week Elder Longstaff and I talked to her, and she had read to Mosiah. She had some concerns and questions, but we were able to resolve them and set up an appointment. We met with her the following week and brought a couple from the ward. It was one of the best lessons that I have ever had. Since we saw her last week, she read from 3 Nephi to the end. She knows that the Book of Mormon, especially the last two chapters were written by prophets. She came to church with us and stayed the whole time. The testimonies borne by members in sacrament meeting were so sincere and so powerful. I know that she felt the spirit. In the Sunday School lesson, our ward mission leader taught about the signs of the Second Coming. He did an excellent job, and I think she feels a stronger desire to know more about the doctrines of the church. She wants to know the truth.
There was one testimony borne in particular that meant a lot. A less active member got up at the very end and bore his testimony of the church and the power of prayer. I can't convey how it felt very effectively, but it gave me hope. People know that the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I know God wants people to feel that way, to believe in Him and what He commands. He will give us all we need. We just need to turn to Him.
I love this last week. So many miracles are happening in Fortuna and Miranda. I can see the hand of God more in the work. I also think that He has been trusting me more because I am becoming more willing to recognize my dependence on Him.
Sacrament meeting in Fortuna was one of the most spiritual experiences I've had on my mission. We had two of our investigators, Anne and Zach. We also had some less active members that we have been working with come as well.
Anne is such a wonderful lady. She is in her thirties and has three kids and a husband. Elder Longstaff and one of his previous companions tracted into her back in October. They gave her a Book of Mormon, and went on their way. Last week Elder Longstaff and I talked to her, and she had read to Mosiah. She had some concerns and questions, but we were able to resolve them and set up an appointment. We met with her the following week and brought a couple from the ward. It was one of the best lessons that I have ever had. Since we saw her last week, she read from 3 Nephi to the end. She knows that the Book of Mormon, especially the last two chapters were written by prophets. She came to church with us and stayed the whole time. The testimonies borne by members in sacrament meeting were so sincere and so powerful. I know that she felt the spirit. In the Sunday School lesson, our ward mission leader taught about the signs of the Second Coming. He did an excellent job, and I think she feels a stronger desire to know more about the doctrines of the church. She wants to know the truth.
There was one testimony borne in particular that meant a lot. A less active member got up at the very end and bore his testimony of the church and the power of prayer. I can't convey how it felt very effectively, but it gave me hope. People know that the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I know God wants people to feel that way, to believe in Him and what He commands. He will give us all we need. We just need to turn to Him.
I love you Mom. Thank you for everything.
Love,
Elder Williams
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