1st Week

Hello! Thank you for sending pictures mom, I love them! I have such a beautiful family! The update was so fun to read. I love you all so much!!

 

Things here in Missouri are going great!! Some of the sisters at the V.C. (Visitors Center) had a baptism last week, and the work is rolling forward. :) We do 6 hours at the VC every day and the we have 6 hours to study/proselyte. The church has developed a new 12 week program for new missionaries and so my companion and I have 3 hours of study everyday before we can go out and proselyte. Our area is about 30-45 min. away and so we only end up with about 2 hours in our area every night. It's not a lot but we're trusting the Lord to help us make do with what we can. We have to rely on him to lead us to who needs the gospel- because we have no time to waste. There are days, however, where He sends no direct inspiration and then it's up to us to do "as seemeth us good!" (scripture talk becomes so natural as a missionary haha). He's teaching us how to maximize the time that we have. Currently we are teaching a woman named Selene (pronounced Sell-en-"A"). She's incredible! The sisters were already teaching her before I came into the area, and she had already agreed to be baptized. I have only met with her once so far, and then again at church on Sunday, but she is what we would call a "golden contact," she was so prepared for the fullness of the gospel, it continually amazes me! In the last 2 months she's read all the standard works (the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, Doctrine and Covenants) AND she's read Daughters in my Kingdom, and Preach My Gospel. (She was afraid the missionaries were not teaching her all they were supposed to, so she decided to just read the manual herself.) Hahah. I LOVE HER. In our last lesson with her, she went off on establishing Zion. She said something to the affect of, "I have so much zest for what I'm doing, and I just want to know why we aren't establishing Zion yet?? I'm willing to give everything to the Lord... why are other people not on board yet!? Come on folks, let's get going!" Hahah.... I know. It's amazing. She's a bright beacon of hope in our work. The Lord has prepared people for His message, I see it over and over again. We are teaching several other people as well, and I love them all so much! They will take time, however, not everyone is as prepared and ready as Selene...

 

We've witnessed so many miracles. Every day is a miracle, even the days that are hard are always miraculous. We have seen God protect us time and again, it's amazing how safe you feel as a missionary. Our area is so cut in half- culturally. One half is like our neighborhood, and the other half is the ghetto's of Kansas City. We were teaching a woman named Immaculate the other day, and she is so wonderful! She understand the gospel of Jesus Christ, in the sense that she understands what it means to love and serve like Christ. She hasn't grasped, however, the concept that God is a God of order, and will run His kingdom in order. It will take time, but we love her and God loves her, and she loves us. She's making us African food this next Sunday. I'll let you know how it goes! Hahaha.... Sister Atkins is worried.

 

After we were done teaching her, we walked outside and saw her next door neighbors fixing a car in the drive-way. At first we were kind of nervous to talk to them, but Sister Atkins and I were both prompted by the spirit to go over and talk with them about the gospel of Jesus Christ. We walked over there and the conversation flowed so easily. They were fixing a Dodge Stratus- so I mentioned our experience with the Dodge Stratus haha. It was amazing, because God helped us see as we walked up how to connect and relate with them instantly. We're teaching them this Saturday, and there are several families living in their house! We're so excited :)

 

God's love for His children is so miraculous. It enlightens, lifts and expands the soul. It touches upon every sympathy of the heart, and broadens our understanding. The other day we were driving and I looked over at the car next to us and I saw a man who clearly did not have the light of Christ in his life. I wept for him. I feel as Alma and yearn to stand on the tops of the buildings and cry repentance and the good news of the gospel to everyone, day and night. I wish I needed no rest, it's hard to take the time to eat dinner and stop the work. I desire that not a soul would be without the knowledge of Jesus Christ; for He is the way the truth and the life, and no man cometh unto the Father, but by Him. Nevertheless, I should be grateful for what God has alloted unto me, and He has comforted me on many occasions that He knows our situations and desires, and the work will roll forward as He desires and directs it. I need to humble myself more and allign my desires with His. :)

 

I love this gospel. I know it is God's kingdom, I know we are here in the winding up scene of the latter-days, and that it is our labor to prepare the world for His coming.

 

I love you all!

Sister Lewis

In the Field

Wow! Things have been such a whirlwind the last few days. I am officially in Missouri!! It's amazing!!! We flew in yesterday, and because of schedules being weird today is my preperation day! Next week it will be Wednesday but everyday after that it will be a Tuesday. I'll start with the beginning and let you know how things went. So, mom I know I already told you this story on the phone, but I figured I'd write it for everyone else to know. Thank you again for sending the copies of the Book of Mormon!! Like I said Sister Sibbetts family was supposed to mail us 3 copies of the Book of Mormon so that with the three you sent we would have 6 total, (2 for each of us). Tuesday night arrived and I got a mail slip saying I had a package, but Sister Sibbett still had nothing. We went to the post office to pick my package up, and were trying to figure out what to do about the other three Book of Mormons we needed. Eventually we decided that if God really wanted us to give out all of them, he would provide away. I never opened the package because we had to go straight to dinner. While I was saying the prayer over my food I asked God to help us get the other three books. Instantly a thought came into my mind and I was reminded that I had 2 copies of the Book of Mormon I had been studying from. One was the copy I mentioned in my farewell talk- where I had highlighted all the times the atonement was applied in the verse of scripture. The second copy was one where I had been highlighting all the names of the Savior in red and marking his direct words in yellow. I knew I could use those. I thanked God for reminding me and then asked that He would help us get one more copy, somehow. The spirit whispered to me that I should open the package and see what was there. After dinner we ran back to our residence to try and pack, and I opened the package first thing. There lay, not 3 copies of the Book of Mormon, but 4!! It was such a beautiful miracle!!! Thanks for listening to the spirit mom, with that extra book you sent, we officially were prepared to give out 6 Books of Mormon! I gave my first copy to a man who was living in Alaska for the last few months (awesome connection there!) and he is Lutheran. He actually lives in our mission boundries. I knew he needed to have the copy where I had highlighted all the names of Jesus Christ. I explained it to him and put my testimony in the front. After the flight Sister Sibbett and I talked with him for a while and invited him to come visit us in the visitors center. The other person I felt impressed to give a copy to, was one of the flight attendants. I was kind of nervous because I hadn't really talked to her, other than saying I wanted "water" and "peanuts" for my "plane food" Hahah. But when the spirit commands, we obey. As I wrote my testimony in front of the Book of Mormon, (the one with tons of notes about the atonement), I felt very guided in what to say and the spirit was very strong. I gave her the copy as we got off the plane. She actually lives in Utah (Draper) but is not a member of the church. I know God lives and is aware of all His children, His desire to bless them and bring them unto Him is great, and that is why we serve missions and do things that sometimes are uncomfortable. It's not about what we want, but what God wants for His children in need.

 

When we got to Missouri, we were given a 'tour' of the mission, and let me just say I have THE BEST MISSION IN THE WORLD. Haha, I feel SO BLESSED. We talked a lot about how where we are serving was the first mission of the world (Adam) and the last mission of this world, (where the Savior will reign again). It's such an amazing blessing to be sandwiched between the two and carry on the work here in 'Zion.' It's so unique to be a missionary. As we flew into Missouri, and I looked down on the state, there was such a special feeling about it. When you are set apart as a missionary, you can feel it. I don't look at this state as somewhere I "live" but a place I have been set apart for, a place I am called to labor in. This is my work, to labor amongst these people, and to show them the light of Jesus Christ. As His representative, I must act as He would act, serve as He would serve, and invite others to come unto Christ, by helping them receive the restored gospel.

 

When we toured the Liberty jail the spirit was amazing! I hope I get to serve there some day. There is a lot to learn from that center, there is so much symbolism for our lives not only in Joseph's experience there, but in the actual structure of the center. God's symbolism never ceases to amaze me. When you walk into the Visitors centers here (independence and liberty jail) you can instantly feel the peace of the spirit, it's like a warm blanket has been placed around you; but when you walk into the room the actual jail is in, it feels like you walked into the temple. It was such a remarkable thing, to notice the distinct feeling that is in that room. You can feel it as you enter in, and leave. I believe this is because of the sanctifying power the atonement wrought on Joseph Smith and the Saints through the trials experienced at that jail. This can be true for our own lives, if we allow the atonement to work in us, what once was a 'jail' or 'prison' to us, our trials, will sanctify us, and we will become holy and pure, even like unto a temple. This is only possible through the Atonement of Christ, the Lord. I hope everyone at some point has a chance to visit it.

 

The whole area is buzzing about the temple as well! The open house should begin sometime in April, and all the sister missionaries will be called in to help conduct tours of the temple. :D The actually dedication should be in May. From what the sisters have told me, it's been a huge help in missionary work. Everyone wants to come see the temple, and know what it's about! Also, we're secretly hoping President Monson will be the one to dedicate the temple, and we'll get to meet him-- how amazing would that be!! I can't wait to bring investigators through the temple and for them to feel, just for a moment, a glimpse of the eternal peace that can be theirs if they will come unto Christ through His gospel. It's such an amazing peace. I desire it for everyone. I desire for them to be able to see the Savior through me, that I might be a pure window to His love, His ways and the splendor of His Eternal realms. I pray that through the atonement this may be possible, and as people see these things, they will desire it for themselves, they will desire not just to look through the window but to be in the scene, to be a part of it. If they only knew who they really are, and their potential.

 

I haven't started working in my area yet, but this is what I know of it. Independence is a high drug spot and everyone smokes (I haven't seen it yet, but this is what I've been told!)  The area we've been assigned to is split into two classes of people. One side is full of people who are well off, and the other side is mostly struggling African Americans-- it's basically the Ghetto. I am so excited to get to work!! We already have two appointments scheduled for tonight! One with a less active family, and one with a woman who is investigating the church.

 

My companion and trainer, Sister Atkin is AMAZING!!! I am so lucky, she's so cheerful and bright. She loves the gospel and God, and she wants to give her best. I have been blessed in amazing ways throughout my whole life, and especially since I've been here. I am so grateful to our God. I know Jesus Christ is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. I know this is His work, and He is the one who brings it about, we merely act as tools. I am grateful for His sacrifice. "I know that I am nothing, therefore I will not rejoice in myself, but in my God, for in His power I can do all things." I love Him. My heart and mind continually treasure up the sacrifice of the Savior, for it was a great sacrifice, and it was unmerrited.

 

I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's church upon the Earth. I know the Savior reigns at it's head. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. I know that by following His words we will be lead back to the Savior.

 

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

 

2 Nephi 33:10-11

 

"And now, my beloved brethrern, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye belive not in these words, believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the wordso f Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good. And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye-- for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I? shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these thigns, notwithstanding my weakness"

At the MTC!!

Hello!!!! This email is a few days early because my preperation day has changed!! Because we are in our visitors center training this week our preperation day is now Friday! I leave for Missouri Wed. our flight is somewhere between the hours of (8-10) So I'll be calling somewhere around 7-10 in the morning Wed. Be ready to answer your phone mom! I'll only have around 10 minutes- but I can at least say hi.

 

Also, a few more items of business... the MTC is out of Books of Mormon... I know it's ridiculous. So mom, I need a HUGE favor, can you send 3 paperback copies to me- you could use postmart (I think that's what it's called) it's same-day delivery to the MTC (Sister Sibbett's family is sending the other 3). We've been commanded by the Lord to give out 2 Books of Mormon each on our flight to Missouri, and we know "the Lord God giveth no commandment unto the children of men save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he has commanded them." We've been praying every night for the 6 people (2 each) we know we will meet at the airport, and we've been trying to prepare ourselves under the direction of the spirit for them... now all we need are the copies of the Book of Mormon!!

 

Mom.... Your letter was the best letter EVER. I laughed out loud a few times... and I've hand written you back. Tell the family I'm trying to get out those personal letters, but today was especially busy, it wasn't our usual Preperation day and things got all squiwampus!

 

This week has been wonderful! As I mentioned we started our Visitors Center training and I feel so blessed and excited to be a visitors center sister. One thing that really touched me was when they said people from all around the world visit our visitors centers, and that our mission was a mission which allowed us to share the gospel globally! When Sister Richardson was set apart she was promised that her words and testimony, which she would share in the visitors center, would be carried to nations across the world and the gospel would spread in those nations because of it. How beautiful can life get!?

 

This week we've really seen God work from person to person as he's shared, through others, truths that will bring us closer to Him.

 

As part of our training we've been spending time in the RC (Referal Center). Here we take chat's from people visiting mormon.org. We've already had so many amazing experiences. The first person we talked to started out with a bunch of different questions concerning the gospel. We know as missionaries, however, our purpose is not to answer questions, but to Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel. So after a few minutes of talking we said, "These are great questions, but the most important thing for you is not for us to 'prove' to you the truth of our religion, but rather for God to confirm to you whether or not what we are saying is true. We would love to share with you why we believe Jospeh Smith is a prophet of God, and why the Book of  Mormon is true, but before we do we would invite you to pray and ask God if what we are saying is true. We know that if you will ask with sincerity and the intent to act upon God's answer, that he will answer you. So, will you pray to know whether or not our message is true?" After we said that to him Sister Sibbet and I waited anxiously for his response. We know that in order for someone to come unto Christ and receive an answer from him they must first act in faith. We knew that if he was willing to pray about our message that this would be an act of faith that would allow God to answer him. He responded absolutely!! He had to go but we set up a return appointment with him! It was so beautiful!! My capacity to see people as children of God is growing even greater. It's so interesting to talk with people and understand that the truths I am sharing with them are not new-- they knew them before this life and it's simply a matter or reminding their hearts of something they have always known. It never ceases to amaze me that most of the people on this earth wander it's streets with no understanding of who they truly are and their purpose.

 

On another occasion we were working in the TRC (where people volunteer to be 'investigators' and we practice teaching them/giving tours to them) One sister came in and told us she was a member but that her husband wasn't. She was having a hard time going to church alone and she had some "problems with the church" but she knew that God was there and that she felt him almost every day in her life. We began talking and the spirit directed my companion and I exactly what to say. In the end we bore witness to her that God loved her and her husband he wanted her husband to know Him in the same way that she knew him, and the only way for that to happen was through Jesus Christ. We bore witness to her that God desired for her and her husband to develop a celestial relationship. As I said it I could feel the spirit lift the veil from my heart and I knew that everything I spoke was true, and the spirit was bearing witness of it to her. Her eyes welled with tears and her coutenance changed. At the end of the "tour" she told us that she was playing the role of her friend, and because of what we had said she had received an answer to her prayers-- she now knew exactly how to help her friend.

 

Other sisters giving a tour that night were talking with a young man who was preparing for a mission. The two sisters had prayed before the tour that God would grant them unity in their companionship. Though they were never able to speak to each other what they felt needed to be taught as they started on the tour, the spirit bore witness to both of these sisters that this young man, though starting his papers, was having doubts about going on his mission. Both of these Sister began teaching based on his needs. They never spoke a word of it to each other, but they both knew by the spirit this was what needed to be done. They bore testimony of why they were on their missions. Tears welled in His eyes, and by the end of the tour his countenance had changed and he was filled with light and happiness.

 

This is God's work, and we are merely his instruments. I have seen the Lord lift and bless so many individuals just in my 4 short weeks here. Once while I was in class I was playing the role of an investigator and our teacher was giving a 3-5 minute version of the plan of Salvation. As I sat there and he spoke simple truths by the power of the spirit, the spirit carried into my open heart (2 Nephi 33:2) and the words which he spoke were molded to me personally. He said "God has a plan for us." The spirit whispered to my heart, "God has planned your life specifically" He then said, God loves us, and the spirit whispered to me, "I love you" He then said, the Savior Jesus Christ atoned for our sins so that we could repent and return to live with God again. The spirit comforted me in my weakness and whispered to me with words full of love, comfort and hope, "I knew before you came to this life that you would not be perfect, that is why I have atoned for your sins, if you are faithful you may return to live with me again."

 

This was one of the most powerful moments I've had with the spirit. It was nothing new, but as my teacher spoke plain doctrine in it's purity and simplicity the spirit molded the message to fit my needs and carried it into my heart. I have seen him do this time and time again.

 

God loves his children, of this I know.

 

"Wo be unto the gentiles saith the Lord God of Hosts! For notwithstanding I shall lengthen out mine arm unto them from day to day, they willl deny me; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto them, siath the Lord God, if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengtehend out al the day long, saith the Lord God of Hosts."

 

God is perfect, and in that perfection he is perfectly merciful.

 

This is his work, and it is by His power we speak and labor with unwearyingness. I know the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the gospel of Jesus Christ on the Earth today. Proclaiming this truth to all the world is something I will labor for all of my days, for I know of its truth with a surety. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son. All glory be to God, forever!!!

 

I love you all!

Sister Lewis

Hello! It's been another beautiful week at the MTC!! I can't believe I'm almost done, I only have a week and a half left. Time is flying by. This week I wanted to write to you of tender mercies. We've experienced so many, some big, some small... I could never write them all. But I thought I'd share just a few of them with you.

 

"Behold... I will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty unto the power of deliverance" (1 Nephi 1:20)

 

The first one I'll share happened on Christmas. There were a few Elders in our district that didn't get presents, and so my companions suggested that we give them something... we gave them our Christmas presents. (I have the most AMAZING companions!) As I thought about what specific things to give the spirit prompted me to give the Elders my CD's. So I ran back to our Residence and grabbed them and came back and handed them out. I had no idea which CD was which because they were still wrapped, I just gave each elder a CD. A few days later Elder Parsons came up to me and said, "Sister Lewis, why did you give me the CD "This is the Christ?" I told him the truth, that the spirit had prompted me to give my CD's to the Elders, and that I didn't know that was the CD he had received, I was just obeying the voice of the Lord. He smiled and said, "Well, I was looking at that exact CD in the book store the other day and wishing that I could have it-- I wanted it so badly. Only I didn't have enough money and so I knew I would have to go without! Then I opened your present... and that found that, that exact CD was sitting in my hands!! I was just like... no way??!" Why did this happen? Because God loves Elder Parsons!

 

I have a testimony that God knows His children and loves them, that he desires for them to be happy and joyful, and so even in the smallest and simplest of ways he seeks to bless us.

 

Another sister in our Zone has been discouraged because she hasn't received a lot of mail. I was talking with her about it yesterday and wondering what I could do to help. As I was talking with another Elder about it he said, "Elder Davis has been writing her a small note of encouragement everyday." This was the most beautiful tender mercy-- to see how loving the people around me are. I know God uses us to lift and bless each other in times of need. Why? Because he loves us!

 

On another occasion we were heading to the bathroom, only there was a line for the bathroom on our floor... instantly Sister Richardson said, "let's go to the 3rd floor bathroom! We've never been up there." So we headed up there only to find a sister outside of the bathroom crying. We began talking with her and she told us all of the things she was struggling with. The spirit filled us with understanding and showed us how to comfort her, support her and give her words of encouragement. The peace that we felt as we talked with this Sister was incredible. I know the Lord leads and guides us to those in need. Why? Because he Loves us.

 

We have had experiences like this on so many occasions. There was another Elder we met who was having a hard time and not wanting to be in the MTC, we talked with him for a while and from that day forward he became one of our dear friends! Before he left the MTC he told us he knew God had sent us to help him through the MTC. Why? Because God loves him-- he knew he was struggling and so he sent someone to help, uplift, cheer and encourage his spirits.

 

How great is God's love!!

 

Here's one more. Sister Toushling. She is a convert of a year and a half. She told us that her best friend introduced her to the church and she began taking the discussions. It took her a full year before she was willing to be baptized but the Elders never gave up on her. She is such a beautiful girl and her testimony shines so bright!! She told me that she decided to serve a mission, and her friend who introduced her to the gospel also decided to serve a mission. They are in the MTC together, at this very moment, and, in fact, were working out together this morning. It never ceases to amaze me how intricatley God is involved in our lives.

 

Some of my favorite stories in the scriptures are when we see obvious evidence of the Saviors great love. For example, when the Soldiers came to arrest Christ, and Peter cut off the ear of the soldier, Christ healed him. Think on it, The Savior, who was suffering the greater pain than man will ever know-- pain for this man... even the pain of His ear being cut off... stopped and took the time to heal the man who was accusing Him. I also love in 3rd Nephi when Christ visits the America's and it says that he looked upon the multitude and his bowels were filled with compassion for them, and he asked them to come forth one by one and he healed them. Then it says he looked upon them and said,

 

"Blessed are you because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full. And when he said these words he wept, and the mulititude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them. And when he had done this he wept again."

 

How beautiful are the tender feelings of the Savior, that such an experience would cause him to weep.

 

I have a testimony that the Savior loves us. I know he seeks to bless us from moment to moment, and when we open our eyes to it, we will begin to see all the small and simple things he does for us. For example, one day during devotional Sister Sibbett said, "I wish we would sing called to serve!" and a few seconds later when we began the opening him, the music to "called to serve" began to fill the auditorium. Coincidence? I don't think so. This is what we call a tender mercy from God. Later that night she bore her testimony that through that experience her understanding of how much God loved her had grown.

 

I know the Savior and our Heavenly Father love us.

 

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

I love you all!!!!!!!

 

Sister Lewis

 

Mosiah 9:18-21

2 Nephi 29: 7-11

This week I have been priviliged to see so many beautiful sacrifices by the people around me. My companions and I met Sister Young last week. She is a beautiful girl who just beams light and happiness. She is going to Germany on her mission. She told us that her family just found out her Dad has cancer. She teared up as she talked about it, but then smiled and told us she knew she was supposed to be on a mission, and so she was here to stay! She's pressing forward with faith! I've met two other Elders who were providers for the families before they left on their missions. Both expressed a worry as to the welfare of their family, but they knew that the Savior would take care of what they could not. They are pressing forward with faith. I think of Kristina who also experienced so much trial during her mission; and added to her own personal trials, her family's trials (Lori's cancer, and their house). She pressed forward with faith. I have another friend whose had so many hospital visits while she's been on her mission, due to health issues. She's experienced so much pain of body, and yet her resounding cry at the opportunity to quit and go home was, "I am here. I am going to stay here until I die or get released... which ever comes first ;) haha"

 

I have heard stories of missionaries in foreign countries who came to the MTC with one shirt, one pair of pants and one pair of shoes. I have heard of an Elder who had NO SHOES save the pair a ward member sewed together for him out of leaves and sticks. I have heard of Sisters and Elders who have been disowned by their families to come here and serve for the cause of Christ, teaching others of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, so that they might come unto Him through faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.

 

Why? Why would so many be willing to sacrifice so much to preach the gospel? BECAUSE IT IS TRUE! The answer is clear, their will is strong and they will not be persuaded, delayed or stopped short in their commitment to Christ and proclaiming His name and His truth. The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the church of Jesus Christ. This is His gospel, and it was restored to the Earth through the prophet Joseph Smith. I know Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. I know that He was called by God, and that throught he power of God he translated the Book of Mormon, which I know to be a true book. The truth of it sings out resolutely and clearly through my heart. It is a truth I cannot, and will not ever be able to deny. I plead daily with my Father and Heaven that through the Savior my heart will be purified that I might be an instrument in bringing souls unto Him. In showing them the truth. I wish I could explain to you the ferver that fills my heart, and the desire that encompases my entire being for them to know the truth, for the truth shall set them free.

 

I know it is this same desire that causes these missionarise of which I have spoken to serve despite tremendous personal sacrifice. It is because they know the truth. They are committed to their Savior and they will serve Him at all costs.

 

When Elder Bednar came on Christmas he spoke of the character of Christ. He said that because Christ is holy, and pure, because he has none of the natural man in Him, He was able to turn outward in every situation that we would turn inward. Everytime the natural man in us cries to look inward, to serve ourselves, to think about what we want instead about what others need, the Savior contrastingly would have looked outward. He would have denied Himself, and served others purely! This is what we must do! This is what it means to take up our cross and follow Christ, it is to deny ourselves and seek for the Eternal welfare of others. This is the path that the missionaries of Jesus Christ are embarking upon. After all, we bear His name, we must do as He did.

 

It is a glorious path, a path which brings great joy, and great sorrow; but we wouldn't have it any other way. For we know  who we are, and we know what we must do. We have been called of the Lord to proclaim His gospel before he comes, and so we labor unceasingly to do so.

 

I love you all! I leave you my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.