From: Bryan Todd [mailto:bryan.todd@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Sun 1/8/2012 7:19 PM
Subject: I love being busy!
Hey!
Before my mission, I remember always thinking that being super busy
was the worst. But I've changed. It's so much more fulfilling to be super busy and anxiously
engaged in a good cause!
This week Elder Wagstaff and I were really busy. We got a lot of good work done in our
area. We taught some really good lessons, worked a good amount with the members
and were going hard the entire week.
Being busy is great, but part of me is sad because we just don't have time to do all of the stuff that
needs to be done. We don't have the time to visit all the people who are
being referred to us, and still be able to focus on our investigators.
We had the blessing of some extra help this last week. On Tuesday there was a
specialized training meeting for zone leaders, district leaders and trainers for the Ubon and
Khon Kaen Zones. They held the meeting here in Roi Et because it is the heart of the
Isaan. (Northeast Thailand). I went on an exchange with Elder Banta from my MTC group while
Elder Wagstaff was in the training. We also had an extra companionship
working in our area. Then after the meeting, the Zone Leaders exchanged with
us and all four of us stayed in Roi Et. So, for two days, we had two
companionships working in our area instead of just one. It was really nice, and we were busy.
There used to be 4 elders here, and there is enough work that we could easily use four again.
Later, the assistants called Elder Wagstaff and told him that he needed to travel to
Bangkok to get his work permit on Friday morning. So, on Thursday, we left
Roi Et at about 9:30 pm and got to Bangkok at 4:30 in the morning. We took
a 45 minute taxi ride to the mission office, which wasn't open that early. So we
wandered around Pakkret looking for breakfast for about an hour. The only
place we could find that was open was 7-11.
One of the members who works at the office finally opened
it up at 6:30ish. What a blessing. Elder Wagstaff and I went in and
studied in the office for a while. Then, while Elder Wagstaff was getting
his work permit, I went with Elder Banta, Elder Price, and Elder Doria (all
from my MTC group) and Elder Staten and we set out for the Chaengwatana meeting
house to help Elder and Sister Hull (one of the senior couples). But since
none of us, besides Elder Banta, had ever served in Bangkok, we got lost.
It was kind of fun. We went the completely wrong direction for about 10 kilo's
before Elder Banta realized we had gone the wrong way. It was really fun
though, just getting lost in a HUGE city.
One thing that has been on my mind this week is something that Elder
Holland said last conference about having missionaries who will not
voluntarily bind their tongues. I thought of the promise in Doctrine and
Covenants 33:8. (I think that's the reference). It talks about how if we open
our mouths they will be filled, even as Nephi's. What a great promise that is.
If we will just open our mouths, the Lord promises He will give us the words to
say. And, we are also told that we can preach the gospel, even as Nephi!
Then, I thought of Elder Perry's talk "Perfect Love Casteth out all Fear." It's true, that
if we really love the Lord, we will open our mouths, and not voluntarilly bind our tongues.
We will witness that this church is the true church, that God is our loving
Father in heaven and that Jesus is the Christ, the very son of God.
Remember that--and share this gospel message with those whom you feel
prompted by the spirit, to share it with.
I love you, and pray for you.
Love,
Elder Todd
No comments:
Post a Comment