First cool thing of this week, a member took us
tracting! Yeah, I know, super crazy!! We were out knocking doors having a
good time and he was teaching us a whole lot about missionary work
without even knowing it! No matter who we talked to he made sure to tell
them that the things that we share are true, that it has changed
his life and that it can and will change theirs as well. He was also
really good at relating to people and just simply breaking down walls
as he gets to know them. I really want to start applying those things
into my work!! While we were out knocking doors, some lady let us
right in, it was crazy! We were sitting down talking with her and her
daughter about The Book of Mormon and they actually have a pretty big
interest in it and want to learn more! So we are super excited about
that!
On Saturday, we went over to Dothan for our zone conference, we learned soo much! It was all about finding. There was one training
that I really liked, the STL's taught about the fears that we have in
contacting and said that all of these fears can be conquered with
faith in Jesus Christ. They then said "If you can't develop the faith to
find, develop faith in Christ." I got thinking about it and I'm sure this can be applied to everything that we struggle with. If you
cant develop the faith to pay tithing, develop faith in Christ. If you
cant develop the faith to serve or accept a calling, develop faith in Christ. If you can't develop the faith to go another day through your
trials, develop faith in Christ. He is literally the center of
everything! He can give us the strength to do anything. He can wipe away
our fears and doubts and replace then with confidence and peace, I experienced this throughout this week, and it is absolutely amazing!!!
On Sunday, Elder Carlson and I were asked to teach in the 5th Sunday combined 3rd hour, and it went so well! We taught about
missionary work, and how we knew people before this life and promised
them that we would find them here on earth and share the gospel with
them. It was pretty rad! We have been creating great relationships with
the ward members here! The bishopric spoke as
well. While they spoke, I had an epiphany, not because of anything
he said, but what the Spirit said to me. I asked myself the question "Am I teaching people the doctrines of the gospel so they can accept the
blessings, or just because that is what I am supposed to do?" Then I got
thinking about the commandments and how much they can really truly
bless our lives, but I have always treated it as just a road block to
baptism, now I see that I should be teaching them so that each
person can have the same blessings that I do. I know it's something super
simple and basic, but it changed my entire life, and the way that I will talk to people and teach the gospel.
I am so incredibly thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. My
testimony of His atoning sacrifice grew so much this week and I was
filled with His love and comfort! I love this gospel because it is only
through this gospel (and the priesthood authority) that we are able to
receive all of the blessings of the atonement of Jesus Christ, that
makes me want to share it with everyone!! I've learned that if I love the
people, work hard, and am obedient, then I will always abound in the Savior's love and will know that I am a successful missionary, even if I don't have numerical success, because the worth of a mission isn't in the
success, but rather in the work.
I love y'all so much! Thank y'all for everything!!
Elder Schipaanboord
No comments:
Post a Comment