January 31, 2011

Hey Everyone,

Due to time constraints I won't be able to send a long letter home this week but I do want to bear a simple testimony about this past week.

I had the opportunity to serve in different areas of the mission on exchanges this past week as well as devote part of my morning to excellent personal studies. I have come to discover that excellent morning studies is key to having a spiritual day. I have been working on teaching the "true doctrine" meaning that with every teaching opportunity I have I either quote or reference a scripture. I cannot begin to describe just how strong the spirit is when we teach from the scriptures.

As a result of the goal, I have been putting major emphasis on becoming more familiar with the scriptures, memorizing references, studying the content, and more specifically finding how they relate to our investigators. To help me in this process I had the opportunity to have a personal study with President Beck this past week. My mind was opened to the spirit and I left with a greater desire to truly understand and live the gospel. We may not learn everything while we live here on this earth however we are taught that the greater knowledge we obtain here on the earth will give us greater advantage in the life after (D&C 130:18-19).

I had some incredibly spiritual experiences this last week. Experiences too sacred to share but experiences that have helped me understand the healing role of the Atonement. I saw the powerful changing effects of the gospel as I saw one of my recent converts perform a baptism. I saw the Savior's hand at work in our area as we found 3 new families to teach. I KNOW this is his work and that he loves each of us. There is no greater calling in life than to share the gospel. I will follow the council in D&C 123 and will work and waste out my life in the service of my God to bring more of his sheep back into the fold. I encourage each of you to share the gospel, to open your mouth, and participate in the work of God. I know that as you do so Heaven's blessings will shower upon you and you will find true joy and happiness. 

It happened to me. I know the Savior. I have seen his hand. I am eternally changed.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Klemme