Into the Wilderness - Week 85

April 30, 2018


Hey everyone! 

Wow. We had another great week! There is really just a ton to do up here. We just have to really work hard to accomplish it all. We have figure out who our 2nd baptism is going to be so now we just need to move along 5 other people to come closer to their Savior, Jesus Christ, by entering in the waters of baptism. This goal of 7 is definitely a lofty goal but this is the area that it can be done. I know that all we need to do as missionaries is work as hard as we can and the Lord will provide the individuals as the time becomes right and when he can trust us. I have really enjoyed the last two weeks because I have gained a greater appreciation for revelation playing a role in my mission efforts. Thanks to Elder Dunham i have started a revelation journal. Pretty much I pray with a pen and notebook in hand and anything that comes to my mind whether it makes sense or not i write it down. Its been a really awesome exercise! The important part is once I receive this revelation I need to be proactive and act upon the promptings! lets just say I have alot of things to act on now. haha

My thoughts from the week come from a Book of Mormon read that we were having with some members in our branch up in Garden Valley. We were reading out of Mosiah 18 and we came across verse 4-7 that stood out to me. 

Mosiah 18:4-7

"4 And it came to pass that as many as did believe him did go forth to a place which was called Mormon, having received its name from the king, being in the borders of the land having been infested, by times or at seasons, by wild beasts.

5 Now, there was in Mormon a fountain of pure water, and Alma resorted thither, there being near the water a thicket of small trees, where he did hide himself in the daytime from the searches of the king.

6 And it came to pass that as many as believed him went thither to hear his words.

7 And it came to pass after many days there were a goodly number gathered together at the place of Mormon, to hear the words of Alma. Yea, all were gathered together that believed on his word, to hear him. And he did teach them, and did preach unto them repentance, and redemption, and faith on the Lord."

The thought occurred to me.. why do we read about so many stories in the scriptures where people fled into the wilderness? (Moses, Lot and his wife, Nephi, Enos, Noah, etc)

It would be easy to think.. well.. as soon as you step out of the city you are in the wilderness duh. But the more I thought about it, I wanted to understand the spiritual symbolism that was behind it all. 

As I pondered this principle something that came to my mind is that the wilderness was a refugee of safety for many of Gods children. But why would they need refugee? They needed refuge because they were being persecuted for following Gods standards. 

This is where it dawned on me. We are told to be in the world but not of the world. we read in 

John 15:19 

"19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you."

My invitation to each of us to ponder and reflect is what will we have to do to go and believe the words of a prophet of God concerning repentance, redemption and faith on the Lord. And as we do this what are we going to have to endure from the world because of our efforts? Certainly we will have to stand up for what we believe which is the commandments but also show our love.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks address this issue beautifully in his talk "Love and Law" https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/love-and-law?lang=eng

"Parents should also remember the Lord’s frequent teaching that “whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth” (Hebrews 12:6).13 In his conference talk on tolerance and love, Elder Russell M. Nelson taught that “real love for the sinner may compel courageous confrontation—not acquiescence! Real love does not support self-destructing behavior.”14

Wherever the line is drawn between the power of love and the force of law, the breaking of commandments is certain to impact loving family relationships. Jesus taught:

“Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

“For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

“The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother” (Luke 12:51–53).

This sobering teaching reminds us that when family members are not united in striving to keep the commandments of God, there will be divisions. We do all that we can to avoid impairing loving relationships, but sometimes it happens after all we can do."


I testify that our Savior loves us, but his standard will always remain the same, because he knows what we can become and there is only one way to become what he has in store for us and it is through him and his plan. 

Love, Elder Gerrard

The Journey - Week 84

April 23, 2018

Hey Everyone!

Words can't describe how much of a blast I have had this past week! We have put in some hard hours of work this week. It honestly felt like its been a month haha but the best part is its only been a week! I love the opportunity I have to finish my mission in this area. Its beautiful country with wonderful ranchers, farmers, and country folk. I hope each week will feel like we have been working forever because that tells me we are getting alot done. Its weeks like this one that make me grateful for the Sacrament. Its a time to feel the mantle lifted off my shoulders and I can just feel the Love of the Savior for my self, and then we can get back out there and start focusing on others, and helping them come closer to Jesus Christ. We have a goal to bring 7 individuals to begin their path of commitment keeping and covenant making. So stay tuned each week in our quest for 7!

I was also able to go to the Meridian Temple this week to see one of my investigators go and perform baptisms for her ancestors! It was pretty funny because we got a ride from a member and he comes up in his red '55 mustang. So we are cruising down these country roads with suits on going to the temple. I wish I got a picture but unfortunately.. you will just have to imagine that one haha. 

We also cover a branch out in Garden Valley, and man. It was just the funniest thing to me. This is because we would determine who were going to go see and then we seemed to embark on a journey through the woods in our car driving down dirt roads weaving back and forth. I felt like I was doing missionary work in the middle of no where haha and low and behold a bunch of cabins poke out of the woods for us to see. I really enjoy what I do as a missionary! I cant think of anything that I would rather do. I mean who wouldn't want to drive through the woods for the name of Jesus?

My thought for the week come from the Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:32-37

32 Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will I be in the midst of them—even so am I in the midst of you.

33 Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward.

34 Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.

35 Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.

36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

37 Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

I really love this passage of scripture because to me it really puts it all into perspective. There are many moments in life where we may feel like we have a momentous task/trial/situation before us. The comforting thing to know is that we really do have the Savior at our side. How often do we reach out for his help? Is it only when things are unbearable? Our Savior is willing to help at all points because of his infinite and atoning sacrifice. I want to specifically highlight verses 36 and 37. I can testify that we dont have to doubt or fear.. First because of the evidence of our Saviors atonement. His pierced side and prints on his hands and feet, and Second we have faith in Him and His plan which points us to keep the commandments and to ultimately endure to the end happily with our journey to Heavenly Father. I wouldnt be out here if i didnt know that all of this is true. May we all reflect on what it means to have the Savior as apart of our life and not be ashamed to talk to others about it. 

Love, Elder Gerrard