Nampa Idaho Mission 2016-2018: Week 11 - Marvelous Work and Wonder

Hello Everyone,

So we all have heard those crazy stories about what happens to missionaries right? you know..The missionaries save a cat out of a tree, have to run away from vicious dogs, or even the kind that the Fire Department shows up, because the fire alarm was set off?

Sooo yeah everything was just going all good as I was cooking my pasta for lunch in the stake center, using a metal mixing bowl as a pot when i look over and smoke is billowing out of the microwave! So I quickly call for help and fan as fast as i can, but it was too late the fire alarm tripped and then we had to wait for the Fire department to come and investigate the situation.. once the Fire Engine comes whaling down the street they pull out all geared up. One guy already pull his ax out of the truck with his mask on when they find out what caused the smoke.. My companion wanted to warm his snickerdoodle in the microwave, but he left it in there for like.. I don't even know 1min? so the cookie turned absolutely black and burnt and well it tripped the fire alarm.. It was probably the funniest thing ever because it was all thanks to a homemade cookie from Mama Candland haha I felt bad for Elder Candland! Because it was super embarrassing for him. So lesson learned.. If you want a warm Snickerdoodle you better watch it.. especially with the holiday season.. snickerdoodles should not be treated lightly.

My Heart is indeed humbled and sincerely grateful for the blessings our Father in Heaven pours out upon us when we align our will with His and gain His trust to be His tool.

This week we have been able to find 4 new investigators all in whom we will be teaching hopefully this week, and its all because of two things. Two very simple things.

1. Obedience

2. Praying specifically for answers and particular blessings

One of my favorite sections about Missionary work in the Book of Mormon in Alma 31:24-35. The prayer that Alma offers is one that I have been emulating in our area. For our investigators. And from doing these things and having no fear to talk to everyone that comes in our path we have been happier. And the work truly has become what it's supposed to be a joyous time. And as I have prayed for charity and love for those that I have been teaching.. Its true as it says in Alma 31:31 " O Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful; wilt thou comfort my soul in christ. O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have strength , that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which shall come upon me, because of the iniquity of this people." I love these people. They are the Lord's sheep. and because He loves them I must love them. And I know this is his work. It changes lives. So pray to let it change yours. I just love the Hymn 219, Because I have been given much, I particularly love the third verse which states, "Because I have been blessed by thy great love, dear Lord, I'll share thy love again according to thy word. I shall give love to those in need; I'll show that love by word and deed: thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed."

I'd like to share my thoughts that I have had this week concerning the relationship that exists between us, our Father in Heaven, and our Savior Jesus Christ. After talking with one of our investigators He proposed an interesting question to me concerning the relationship that we have with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

For a little back ground context this investigator is a major in linguistics, and so is his wife so every word I say is important haha. He wanted to know if we essentially worship two Gods because Jesus Christ was the God of the Old testament and the Book of Mormon, but yet we also worship our Heavenly Father. However we as a church worship one God that being Heavenly Father. So how does this all work? Well It all ties back to the beautiful plan of salvation that our Heavenly Father has created for us. Jesus Christ is the great mediator. And the more I have thought about this the more amazing and wonderful and deep that has become as I have studied.

I first love this quote from Jesus the Christ that states," What other man has lived with power to withstand death, over whom death could not prevail except through His own submission?...He literally gave up His life." What a powerful statement to take in. Jesus Christ could have lived forever. He was the only one stopping himself from living forever. He had the power to get down from the cross and walk away. But the Savior fulfilled the plan which He himself said he would do. He stated,"I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do." (John 17:4). He was submissive in the moments within the garden in which every other man would have turned inward and backed out, but he turned outward and did it for us. For Heavenly Father. To fulfill his work to bring to pass the Eternal life and immortality of man. So that we could know our Father in Heaven (John 17:3).

Finally in 1 Cor 15:28 "When all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all." Jesus Christ had the power to do anything and everything He created our world under the direction of our Heavenly Father, but when its all said and down ALL glory will be to him. This is why we chose Jesus Christs plan because we would gain our agency and all glory would go to our loving Heavenly Father.. Ultimately our comprehension of this relationship will be minuit in this life, but i'm grateful for my Savior and Heavenly Father and when we become one with them we experience what the Nephites and Lamanites experienced in 4 nephi 1:15-17.

We carry a tremendous message I implore us all to go out and share a simple truth with someone this week!:)

Love to all

Keep Smiling

Elder Gerrard