Courage

Life is going so well here. I have never felt so much joy in my life. I have had so many amazing experiences with helping people progress towards their Savior. 


Our stake presidency was reorganized. Two general authorities came to do it. One of which was Elder Matthew Holland. Son of Jeffrey. Getting to meet with and talk with him was such a special experience. I will not soon forget it. He spoke magnificently at both of the sessions. We had 25 people come to church this week, and he closed his talk with an invitation to baptism. It was profound. 


I know that the last time I wrote, I mentioned Duncan and his story. As well as his wife. After she accepted to be baptized, we warned her of the adversary's power. She faced it, at full force. They had us over for dinner later in the week, and they shared a story that they had. After we originally shared the Restoration of the Gospel with them, she told us that she started sobbing the moment that we left. She remembered those feelings well, because a few days later they were certainly interrupted. After they came to church, they went over to her parents house to be with them on Sunday evening. Marvalous (her name) went over a little bit before Duncan. When Duncan walked in, he saw his wife in the corner being bashed with the worst anti-literature that could be discussed. They then proceeded to go at Duncan with everything that they've got. He told us he looked at his in-laws and said "I know that Joseph Smith was, and is, a prophet. I know that this is Jesus Christ's church. Nothing you say will ever change that." When he got home, he woke his wife up. He sat there and read every word of Joseph Smith History. Out loud. In one sitting. He said to his wife afterwards, "Now we will be ready." She is so excited to be baptized this coming Saturday. Duncan received the Melchizedek priesthood yesterday as well. 


The adversary hits us hardest right before we make the best decisions. May we ever have the courage to stand up for what we believe in.


Love you all,

Elder Smythe












Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Nothing Changes, If Nothing Changes.

Image
Hello! I will do better at writing next week. I know the Savior lives, and I know He loves us. We had the baptism of our friend Rey. He is over 70 years old and made the decision and sacrifice to be there. He lost his wife over 30 years ago, and both of his parents passed away. He repeatedly says to us how he is doing this for his grandchildren and for an opportunity to see his family again one day. The spirit in the room was undeniable. Our friend Lewis has been taught for over two years. He finally made the decision and will be baptized on the 25th. He was tired of things not changing and is making the decision to change and feel truly happy. I have been learning so much the last few weeks. I have loved every second of being here. I love my companion. I love my area. I love the Lord. "Savior, may I learn to love Thee, Walk the path that Thou hast shown, Pause to help and lift another, Finding strength beyond my own. Savior, may I learn to love Thee— Lord, I would follow Thee....
Read more

Merry Christmas

Image
Hello everyone! I don't have a lot of time today, but here's a quick update. Henry and his 8-year-old daughter should be baptized this Sunday, so keep them in your prayers. Christmas was a lot of fun. It's a special experience on the mission. It caused me to reflect a lot on my mission and my faith in Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for my Savior and His example. I am so thankful for my mission; there is nothing as good as this. The scriptures say: "For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receives not the gift?" To receive something is an action. Do we show our gratitude for Christ by receiving His great gift? Do we act and do as He asks us to do? If we want to be truly happy, we must act and do all that lies in our power. Love, Elder Smythe
Read more

The Master Healer

Image
We were blessed with so many special experiences this week. I am loving my mission so much and wouldn't change this for the world.  We taught Daniela and Yaneli again and shared an inspirational message which had Daniela in tears. Yaneli (8 years old) asked if she could say the closing prayer. She needed help, and I whispered all the words to her. I looked up to see tears streaming down her father's face. Spirit flooded the room. Our investigators fed us Easter dinner. I have never felt so inadequate when I saw them putting the table together and setting everything up in their tiny trailer, giving us everything they had. Such a touching moment to be with them. We met an older lady named Martha. She has been alone for some time now, spending a lot of her life in abusive relationships. She kept asking us if our church and our message could heal her. "Can I be healed?" With confidence, I know that Jesus Christ, the Master Healer of the world, rose again the 3rd day. He w...
Read more