Dear Family,
How are you? Is the weather gettin crazy yet? Out here all it does is rain more in the winter, but only really ever need a light jacket.
Well, we've been busy! Been averaging 10-13 appointments a week (however, our goal is 28; 4 a day). It's been sweet though! We have some new people we are going to start teaching this week, so pray for them that they will be open and willing to learn. Prayer is a constant tool out here. I pray on average about 10-15 times a day! It's wonderful. One thing I love, is that we were told that during our nightly personal prayer, to give an accounting of our day. It really helps to notice things that Heavenly Father helped with that you may not have noticed before, as well as reminding you of what you need to work on.
I also love study. There is so much more you can get out of study when you pray before and ask for personal revelation, and revelation to help others. I realized that studying every morning is NEEDED to survive as a missionary. You cannot miss a day, or else you will miss out on something vital to helping someone as well as yourself.
2 Nephi 25:23
"For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our bretheren, to believe in
Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."
2 Nephi 25:25
"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophecy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."
DO ALL YOU CAN TO INCREASE YOUR FAITH, AND HELP OTHERS DO THE SAME. "We are saved, after all we can do." That means not just studying and reading all we can, but PRAYING TO GOD TO RECIEVE THAT INSPIRATION, REVELATION, GUIDANCE, so that we can "Write according to our prophecies" and "persuade our children, and also our bretheren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God."
_________________
The ward is great, although like I said, there are some strange ones, but I still love them all just the same. They are always ready to help out and do what they can. Especially Brother Falepapalangi, the Ward Mission Leader. He is always seeking opportunities to do missionary work. When he goes out to promote his business, he takes copies of the Book of Mormon and pass along cards to hand out as well. He is a great inspiration, and I love working with him.
Elder Skousen is a Spiritual Beast! He is always giving me scriptures, words of advice, and sharing his knowledge with me to help me become a better missionary. He brings a strong Spirit with him and I am honored to be his companion.
_________________
If there is any advice I can give at this point, it is the importance of unifying family. Family Prayer, F.H.E., even regular everyday conversations is SO important! I've seen families who don't talk to their kids, or their kids want nothing to do with them, and it makes me sad. It is so much harder to go through this life alone. For those who may not have family, it takes themself, God, and Jesus to make a family. Also remember that we are all brothers and sisters, so seek out those true friends, and keep them close. THEY ARE FAMILY! As we come closer to our Heavenly Father and our Savior, we will not feel alone, and we will recieve that comfort and peace that we need.
On the topic of our Heavenly Father, He IS our Father. He is there and wants to help us, we just need to ask. It is so great to know that if I ever feel alone, or feel like there is no one to talk to, I can spill my heart out to God, and know that He is there fore me, and He will not judge me, because that is in the end; this life is for the bettering and perfecting of ourselves to be like Christ, so we must always seek that help and guidance to know what we need to do in all aspects of our lives.
_________________
I love you all and hope you are doing excellent. I hope something in this helps you, I felt I should do something a little more spiritual this time. Good luck and talk to you next week!!!
I am still working on the letters, I have sent a few out, but am trying to find time to do them. I apologize!
Love and things, goood and wonderful,
Elder Joshua B. Jorgensen
