Tough Week In Branson

This last week in Branson was for sure one of the more difficult ones. A lot of our friends had things come up, and issues arise. We were able to have two of them at church, which is always amazing. This morning we actually went and played soccer with Brayan which felt so good. He is really excited for his baptism and is continuing to progress daily. I also met someone who was born and raised in Detroit, and a Steelers fan:)


There wasn't much this week that was really important, but I did, of course, have the opportunity to watch and study Elder and Sister Holland's devotional. I loved the central message of both of them. Simplicity, and hope. It is all that people need. Branson is a full tourist town. In the summer, the population rises dramatically, in the winter, it falls. Because of this, every year from December to March, people are laid off from their jobs. They have hoped that their savings will be enough to make it three months before work comes again. 

 

Everyone seems to have problems in life out here. Their car is dead, they're being evicted tomorrow, they're going through a divorce, and their house is flooded. Whether our trials and struggles be those, or be other things we personally have to deal with. Elder Holland shares a quote that will stick with me forever. He said, "Real faith, life-changing faith, Abrahamic faith, is always in crisis. That's how you find out if it's faith at all." To all of you guys who have been through hard things, are going through hard things, and to those of you all who are certainly going to endure difficult things, remember that sentence. Real, enduring, and lasting faith, is always being tried. Jesus Christ will show his face in our trials. 

 

I am grateful for the opportunity that I have to serve these people, and bring hope into their homes and lives. 

 

Love you all,

Elder Smythe










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