I'm and uncle! (thud) I'm an uncle! (thud) I don't think every mission gets to claim that they became a double uncle, let alone TWICE in their mission. By the time I get home we could start our own preschool...but that wouldn't be good for Sister Johnson's preschool across the street, so I would advise against it. I love you family. I pray for Ellie and Caleb every night...and for Lauren and Caityn (and really for all of you, but you'll have your turn to get mentioned in the letter, by the way, happy birthday Seth!)
Every morning is started with a beeping alarm, and then a prayer. I wish I would've started this habit earlier in my life. As a teenager, I never really understood the power of prayer. However, I find myself more and more just wanting to pray; when we eat, leave the house, before a lesson, after a lesson, and really anytime we don't know what to do.
One night this week, we prayed and both felt prompted to go to a certain neighborhood to knock doors. As we walked over we passed a family that was moving into their new apartment. "Well, its not everyday that someone is moving in. I don't think I've done this since I was back in Utah!" I thought, as we decided to help them move in. They were so appreciative, and a job that would've taken them probably 3 hours, was done in about 45 minutes. I felt so relieved to just serve people. Service changes the night to day. We gave them our card and we hope to make a return visit this week.
I've learned a few thinks about service. My new favorite quote comes from Elder Bednar, I switched around some of the phrasing so that It'd sound better when it was in quote form (that means that if you copy and paste it into Google, it probably wont work):\
"As a prerequisite to heartfelt and authentic service [remember] the importance of experiencing in our personal lives the blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ"
So often we want to give authentic service, we don't want to look like a face, or like a person selling something on the street. Many missionaries and members for that matter are afraid to share because they don't know if they have ''the right motives''. But, thankfully Elder Bednar gives us a simple answer to that hard and so-often asked question of "how can I be more genuine?". He states that in order to serve like that, you must experience personally the blessings of the atonement. So ask yourself, have you felt the atonement work today in your life? Have you felt stronger today because you thought of the savior? Have you tapped into his power today? Each night in our mission, our president has asked us to share how the atonement has blessed us that day, during our nightly planning session. The trick is, that when you start seeing the Lords hand in your life each day, you suddenly have substance to share with those around you. No longer do you say, "This book can help you do this...or that" but rather, "Today, I read this verse and I learned this awesome lesson." or "Growing up, I learned this from my parents when we met each Monday night together" As we personalize the gospel, people will say, "I want what you have." We read time and time again in the scriptures about someone who uses the atonement, repents, and then shares it with everyone he knows (just remember the awesome story of the boys in Elder Bednars latest talk).
During one lesson this week, we walked in and they said, "I'm sorry, I smoked." A straight out confession from someone we've been working with a long while. Then they talked about economic problems, hassling landlords, and slow/little/no work. At the end of it all, they looked at us with wanting eyes. Our prepared lesson was out the window as we tried to think about what to say. We said a prayer. We read a simple scripture. As we read I thought. I thought, "I really wish they could hear Elder Holland shout hope into their faces, cause that always works for me! But, they can't. All they get is a less than excited translation over the internet." But then I thought more, "Wait, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, I have been called by Elder Holland, Elder Oaks, or one of them to be here. I'm called to preach their words. And, I know their language. I can have the same effect on them that the apostles have on me." So, we testified. We told them to hold on, don't give up, and keep on trying, cause God will pull you through. As tears filled their eyes, I realized that the power of the holy ghost had come upon them. I was at that moment grateful for my calling and the special power and authority to teach. We left them a little higher then we found them.
Days get long, and they are tiring, but it is all worth it.
Friday hit and we were SO tired and we didn't know why. We thought and thought as we planned out our next week. Then it hit us. The word of wisdom. No, we don't drink bad tea or anything like that....but our consummation of fruits is less than, well...appetizing. We, realizing our need for repentance bought a couple bags of fruit for lunch, had a tropical meal, and felt GREAT! I know this sounds like a typical missionary, but I now have a testimony that eating right makes you feel right. Mom always told me that. She knew that if I was grumpy it was because didn't have enough of the right food inside.
So, pray, serve, and keep the word of wisdom.
Thank you for all your wonderful letters. I hope your lives are full of blessings. Dad does a great job telling me how perfect our family is.
I love you all!
your son and brother and uncle,
Elder Bangerter
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