April 4, 2011

Hey Everybody,

Not a lot of time to write but here it goes.

Talk about an incredible General Conference! I think this was the best Conference I have ever attended. I could not believe how many references there were to member missionary work! I know that the General Authorities are inspired. It is so true, it is a million times easier to find, teach, and baptize the sons and daughters of God when they come from a member's referral. I hope that each of you prayerfully consider who of your acquaintances is ready to listen to the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This week was a great week. I had the opportunity to go on a couple of exchanges back in my old zone and had some INCREDIBLY spiritual experiences. During my Friday exchange, I had one of the most amazing lessons of my mission. The spirit was incredibly strong, the member was a perfect match for the investigator, and the companion I was with taught in perfect harmony. The entire family accepted a baptismal date for the 30th of this month. I know that the Lord works in great ways to bring salvation to his children.

Also in the news this week, we had our first 100 degree day of the year last Friday. In parts of Phoenix it reached 103 degrees and in most parts there was a high of 98. I have this feeling like this summer is going to be a hot one. I'm very excited to work in it.

I also had the opportunity to study a talk this morning given 5 years ago by Elder Cecil O. Samuelson of the Seventy. It was titled "What does the Atonement mean to you?" In this talk he refers to the 19th section of the Doctrine and Covenants where the Savior explains the pain he faced during the course of the Atonement. Following his review of the section, Elder Samuelson makes the following statement:

"That Jesus experienced what He experienced, not because He couldn’t avoid it but because He loves us, is sobering indeed." 

If we truly think about it, there was nothing in the scriptures that Christ had to go through his suffering. He made a conscious choice to endure what he endured. Because of his righteous use of agency he was able to loose the bands of physical and spiritual death for all mankind.

Now, referring back to a previous statement I made. I challenge each of you to take some time and ponder what the Atonement really means to you. Write down your impressions. Then, prayerfully consider who you can share your testimony with. It is our sacred privilege to be able to know what we know as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is also our privilege to be able to share our testimony with others. I know that the joys and blessings of missionary work are very real. I know of the happiness that comes when one more sheep decides to enter into the fold of Christ. I invite each of you to take part in this joy, to open your mouths, so that others may receive the blessings that we ourselves have. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.