I hope that salutation doesn't sound like a Jane Austen Novel, but I really think so much of you.
This has been a week full of miracles. However, sometimes with the dark times that often precede or follow those miracles, we can lose sight of really how much we have been blessed. I'm here to testify that Heavenly Father really does love us and blesses us. I have a testimony that he answers prayers.
One big answer to our prayers came in the form of 'angels coming at reckless speeds' in mission vehicles; the APs and Zone Leaders. Yes, we had the awesome privilege to have both companionships come down to work our area with us; a 3 day training of how to become a consecrated missionary. This was not one-in-a-series of things that president will do, city to city. But rather, a manifestation of revelation from God through a worthy president, resulting in 3 days of great learning by those in the Vlore District. We learned how to plan with the spirit, find with the spirit, and teach with the spirit. We spent a majority of our studies on Doctrine and Covenants 88. Seth, I remember when you came home how you always quoted those powerful verses, and I'm only starting to see why.
I had the privilege to serve with my trainer, Elder Linderman. I really love him. We learned so much from each other, both in Prishtina, and our 1 day together in Vlore. He again taught me how to be a good leader.
The next day I felt a bit sick, but after receiving a blessing from my companion-Zone Leader, we were able to have three lessons in a row. Things became a bit hectic when we all tried to get into our apartment, but the lock broke! We sat outside for about a half-hour trying to get it open. However, we had to resort to go to the other Elders apartment in South Vlore. Yep, we slept 8 missionaries in that apartment on Wednesday Night! It was a (hopefully) once in a lifetime opportunity.
The final day I was able to teach with AP Elder Davis-a friend to cousin Parker Williams. He had served down here earlier and so we visited a few of his Recent Converts. I saw the absolute love they had for 'Elder Davy' and I yearn to be able to have that same love. I learned from him to truly love them and that all the love comes when you slow down, listen to them, and listen to the spirit, and say what he tells you to say.
I was so grateful for these 'angels', for the things they taught us. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve a mission and the times I have to grow. I really grew n my testimony of prayer this week; not only during this exchange, but before and after. An Elder here was feeling sick and he told about how he said a prayer, and how only after the prayer, he was prompted to ask for blessing of healing, after which he was immediately relieved from the pain that was bothering him. Prayer really does change the night to day. However how are we different? Doesn't every christian pray? Well yes they do. But remember, the prayer prompted the priesthood blessing. The key was calling on the Lords power that was on the earth. Yes we can pray, and get answers, but the answer comes in the Priesthood. In the New Testament, Saul of Tarsus was reprimanded by the Savior, but was not healed or called there. He had to first be healed by the priesthood by one of his servants, he had to be baptized and called by the earthly ministers. Yes, we have communication with heaven, but remember, the communication works through God's priesthood on the Earth. 'The rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven'. We all need help, so we all pray. But do as Saul did, and this missionary did, and seek for the priesthood blessing; maybe it's blessing is the one given on the sacrament, or the witnessing of its ordinances in the Temple. Whatever the circumstance, recognize that the priesthood was at work. Pray can change the night to day...but only by the power of the priesthood.
I have a testimony of this power. Let us not allow it to be swallowed up in our minds by the rushing of the quick days, but let us rather write down those experiences and remember them, as our testimonies, and as testimonies for our posterity. I don't mean to sound like a conference talk or anything, but I call it the voice of the spirit, and I like to write with it!
I love you all and remember the Priesthood and Prayer. I know God lives and that his church is restored on the earth. Share this message of glory with those who don't know it, "When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren!"
Have fun in your continental travels from sea to shining....utah. Sorry, Lauren and Todd are no longer on the west Coast.
Love, Elder Bangerter
P.S. Steven how was good old AF High!?
P.P.S. Claire, Emma looks beautiful. You look good with 4 kids!
P.P.P.S. Seth and Andrew "I Love You This Big"!
P.P.P.P.S. Adam, you always take the cake with all your news of girls, and farm parties
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