Smythe, Jackson PT

Don't have a lot of time this week. We had a whole family come to church and are looking forward to a future baptism. Work is progressing here, slowly but surely. I can not wait to watch General Conference next week.  I learned a lot about the power of prayer, and the hope that comes with specific praying. Christ always delivers answers, when we need them most.  Love you all, Elder Smythe

Like I mentioned, we inherited a wonderful 74 year old lady named Juanita from the Sisters who were previously here. She was baptized last Saturday and it was so powerful. I have never met anyone this ready. She can not wait to be sealed to her husband, and go through the temple for herself.  I have to understand and learn that oftentimes all I do is plant seeds.  Abinadi took a stand against the leaders and rules of his time, and it cost him his life by fire. He wouldn't deny, or back down to what he knew. Mosiah 18:9 talks about "standing as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that you may be in." The moment he heard the words of Abinadi, Alma fled. He believed in them, and he acted. The seed that was planted in his heart changed the course of the rest of the Book of Mormon, and of the church as a whole.  A lot of our teaching pool is moving to Wisconsin, just a day after sincerely accepting a sincere baptismal invitation. Having to look e...

"The path is rigorous and at times will feel like a steep climb. This ascent, however, is designed to test and teach us, refine our natures, and help us to become saints. It is the only path that leads to exaltation." President Nelson offers us hope and solace knowing that we will face trials and 'steep climbs' in life, but that they will only be for our good in the end.  Leaving Branson and coming to Springfield was emotional. It felt like I left home all over again. Leaving a flourishing area, and coming to one that isn't necessarily that, has been an adjustment. Springfield is the biggest city in the mission, yet we have 3 members here. Lots of work to be done, and I'm eager to find the one who's ready to put God first. Our personal 'climbs' will always lead us to eternal life, to Jesus Christ.  Love you all, Elder Smythe 

Especially this week of the year, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on change and things that I have had to go through. Another thing that inevitably ended is my time here in Branson. I am being transferred 40 minutes north to Springfield, Missouri, where there isn't even a Spanish branch. I have a lot of work to do.  This week we had the opportunity to go to the Kansas City Temple twice. Tuesday, and on Friday. On Tuesday we went with Alex and a couple of our members. One of the members did the temple work for her parents who passed away not too long ago. Alex was the one who baptized me. The spirit was so strong.  Friday's trip with Brayan is something I won't forget. The temple presidency visited with us, and watched Brayan baptize both Elder Campbell and I. Shaking his hand and having him talk to Brayan for a while was one of the most spiritual experiences that I have had.  Our Sunday School President (who was kicked out of his house, and in a car accident this we...