Well, every time I sit down I am just filled with gratitude for all that you ALL do and all that you mean to me. This week we did a lot of street contacting with pictures, mainly pictures of family. I brought one of the farm so the contact is like this, "Ya, we have a farm, we learn to work. Here is my dad, he taught me to work. He taught me through this book. When he teaches me from this book I know that it is true. Do you want to strengthen your family? That's what we do here in Albania, we are here to help families..." (A little inspiration from Elder Joseph Garlicks letter, but not as good. I recommend reading it (and his coach pep talk)). I love street contacting when talking about my family. The choice favorite contact is when Elder Fowles reveals his picture of his 12-child family. Everyone is just SHOCKED. They all think that American families have 2 kids. Not in my America!
This week we were asked to hand over any work that was not of our own gender over to the Sisters. For some Elders it could be hard, but even though we 'lost' a lot of work, we know that it is the will of the Lord, for we are truly focused on finding fathers and families. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to receive confirming revelation this week, especially after talking about it last week! It is a testimony of what Brother Elaison on HT would say, "Bear testimony of something, and THEN you will know that it is true. Without testifying, you can't really know!" Do any of you have doubts!? Take Elder Anderson's challenge, and record yourself bearing a true testimony about what you Do know, and your testimony will grow. I get to do it everyday, and my testimony has shot through the roof! Also, do as Hyrum Smith said and Study the simple principle of the gospel, study them over and over again. The promises are SURE.
Yes, the promises are sure. This is a doctrine that has distilled upon my soul this past week. In every scripture we read, in every talk we hear and in every BLESSING we receive there are promises. Go find your favorite scripture, chapter, or doctrine and list out the promises, the give and take (personally I did this with covenants). Then hold to the words of the primary song. "I am a child of God, his promises are sure. Celestial glory shall be mine, if I will but endure" In that simple verse sung by thousands of little kids and adults is a doctrine that billions have no clue about. His promise is sure.
Ok so how do I know this. Well I get to test promises every day. I've talked a lot about prayer in the last few weeks, because it is essential. Honestly, not every time, but often enough we as a companionship pray together and feel the SAME thought come over us. He will talk to us if we ask him. His promise is sure.
During a lesson this week with Kristi, he asked us about fasting. We decided to fast Saturday to Sunday morning with him. Now the blessings were great, and so was the opposition! First, I must preface by saying that all 3 of us ate something during the fast, but it did not take away from the power of it. So we started the fast via phone. Kristi went on the church-youth trip to a local national park and so we couldn't meet, but the prayer phone-call worked fine. Halfway, through the night and got a call from Kristi, "Elders, I just got back from hiking a mountain and I think I'm about to die. I don't want to lie or deceive, but can I eat something?" We told him it was OK IF he went and read his scriptures. (I know its more than that, but it was a good way to keep up on commitments!) Then when we went out tracting a lady asked if we wanted some Raki (moonshine/homemade alcohol drink that everyone loves). We wouldn't even smell it as she almost poured it onto us. (Don't worry, that's not what I ate). In fact we gave her a Book of Mormon and hope to follow up with her and her family! Then our final appointment of the night was at a Recent Converts house. This poor family is, like I said, poor. And yet, when we walked in, the hostess walked out and came back in with a cake she had baked. At first we told them we were fasting, but that gave me a pit in my stomach. Wait! Why should I feel bad not eating while I'm fasting. My mind reflected to Nephi who killed a man to save a nation. I know I was only eating a piece of cake to honor a destitute family, but I feel the principle is the same. Sometimes the ox is in the mire. The real question is ''Who is growing closer to Christ because of my decision?" By showing them our love for them, we were then able to have a wonderful lesson about family history and loving our ancestors.
These were not the only blessings of the fast. In the morning, I had some of my best personal studies that I'd ever had on my mission. Then at church Kristi came in a white shirt and tie! We were so happy! We broke our fast, full of thanks for what we'd been given. Me: a testimony of fasting, studies, and prayer. Kristi: ward friendship, a step towards baptism and conversion, and unity at church. Yes, his Promises are Sure.
The final thought came from thinking of the ''enabling power of the atonement''. Often, this phrase has just flown way over my head, but, because of my fasting attitude I realized I needed it take it word by word. My little nugget of truth? What does it mean to enable? a pen enables you to write, a book enables you to read, a computer enables you to type, legs enable you to walk. Notice, things enable us to DO, to ACT. So now, I see the atonement as a tool, something I can't just set on the shelf, but something I gotta read! What happens when I read, I learn! You see, everything testifies of Christ!
[Read Slowly, like Elder Scott] I am so grateful for the daily opportunity I have to exercise the atonement. His love enables me to testify, His love enables me to repent, His love enables me to cry, His love enables me to desire. I don't wanna sound deep, but it is just so fun to talk about. Now, maybe some of you think, "Well, man! Everybody talks about the atonement and I can't understand any of it!" Well, I'm hear to tell you, I hardly understand it at all either. But rejoice in the times you feel something. That SOMETHING is the atonement. or in other words, it is you doing something right in your life and your exercising it. It has worked in your life, and it always will. Maybe its the appreciation of a sunset, the love of family, the ability to hold your tongue. For me, it is anytime I recognize that God has given me anything, and then me acting on that recognition. And if that is not enough rely, on the promise, "If you ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, I will tell you the truth of your question by the power of the Holy Ghost...through which you can know the truth of all things." His promises are Sure!
Love you all so much!
Elder Bangerter
Happy Birthday Sally, Emily, and little Page! Wish Grandma Bangerter a Happy Anniversary!
P.S. Count the number of times you see the word 'will' in scriptures or in your patriarchal blessing you read: I will bless.. it will help....They are sure!
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