We
had a fantastic week! As to be expected. Lots of knocking, lots of
lessons. All wonderful things! I love teaching, it is probably the thing
that brings me the greatest joy. Especially on my mission where I get
to teach people about the things that matter most to me: That we have a
loving Heavenly Father, God's plan for us, the restoration of Christ's
gospel, eternal families! There are so many wonderful things that we
have as Latter-Day Saints that I have the privilege of sharing with
others ALL DAY LONG! Something I want to focus on today though is the
Book of Mormon.
For
those of you who do not know, The Book of Mormon is another Testament,
or witness, of Christ that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints study along with the Bible. It was written by God's
prophets in the ancient Americas and outlines God's Plan for us, the
doctrine of Christ and gives more clarity on the Atonement of Jesus
Christ. For these reasons, among others, it is one of my favorite things
to teach people.
Recently a member of our ward
told us of an experience she had while on her mission. They had a big
push to give out copies of the Book of Mormon and she told us of this
one instance where they knocked on a man's door who was not really
interested, but managed to fit a copy through his door as he was closing
it. She came back to that area later on in her mission and because of
the spirit and power he felt while reading the Book of Mormon that she
was luckily able to fit in his door, he became interested in the restored
gospel and was baptized!
Of
course this story got us very excited, especially since it is true!
There is real power in the Book of Mormon and we as a companionship have
put more of a focus on teaching people about the Book of Mormon and
giving people the opportunity to read it. Let me tell ya, it has been
amazing!
One
of the things I love about the Book of Mormon is that it work hand in
hand with the Bible. Unlike many people believe, The Book of Mormon does
not replace the Bible for Latter-Day Saints. We treasure the second
witness and additional knowledge that comes from using BOTH of these
sacred texts. We were able to have an entire lesson on this with a
wonderful woman, and it is probably one of my favorite lessons I have
ever taught on my mission.
It
has been wonderful also to have my testimony strengthened of the fact
that the scriptures are a source of revelation and a way to bring the
spirit into our lives. I told you a little last week about our friend
Graham, he is just wonderful. He reads the Book of Mormon daily and loves
it! Every time he talks about the Book of Mormon and what daily
scripture reading has done for him he refers to that time of his day as
"a breath of fresh air." By feasting on the words of the Lord and doing
those simple acts, we invite the spirit into our lives.
One
of my favorite experiences of my mission was this week when we taught a
woman named Ashley about the restoration of the gospel and she just
soaked it all in and she got it. And when we put a copy of the Book of
Mormon in her hands, having told her that it was the physical evidence
of the Restoration, a gift God has given us to be able to know His
church has been restored to the earth she was so excited. Better yet was
when we told her that copy was hers to keep and she was literally
jumping up and down with excitement. I love meeting and teaching those
people who understand the weight of the Book of Mormon and appreciating
the message it contains.
I
want you all to know that I love the Book of Mormon. I love that God
has entrusted us with another witness of His son and His divine
teachings. I love that it contains the words of Christ, that by studying
it we can come closer to Him and invite His spirit into our lives. I
know that it is evidence of the restoration of Christ's gospel. By
diligently studying it and praying to know it is true and that Joseph
Smith translated it by the power of God he was given, we can know that
Joseph Smith is the prophet of the restoration and that Christ's
teachings and His church are once again on the earth in their fullness.
The Book of Mormon has brought me so much peace and direction in my
life, and it is an honor to share that. I love the Book of Mormon and I
absolutely know it is true.
If you have not had the opportunity to read the Book of Mormon, read it! I promise that it will change your life.
I hope you have a wonderful week. Just keep smiling!
