I love having the spirit with me. I can say, my soul is
full when the spirit is with me. I love my Savior with a more personal
meaning. His influence is stronger and I am happier, even though things
do not get necessarily easier; just more bearable.
One example of knowing that we had the spirit with
us this week is when we were walking in downtown Aachen to visit someone
whom we had lost contact with because he moved. We passed someone who
was being talked to on the street, both of us receiving the feeling that
we needed to talk to this girl. It did not feel right to interrupt the
conversation, so we went across the street to the address where we
thought this man lived. Not there. Disappointed, yes, but we had this
girl in sight still. Then a woman from the branch who has struggled
coming to church for many years came running to us, demanding our number
and giving us her own. Sweet! We were then able to cross the street
again, find the girl from earlier and bear powerful heartfelt testimony
of how God knows her and wants her to find him in his true character. So
cool.
The woman with whom we exchanged information met
with us and we found out she wanted us to teach her son, who definitely
was struggling in terms of leading a life of discipleship. Someone who
needed guidance from truth which made sense. Another incredible chance
to bear testimony of why/how we know that the truth is to be found in
the Book of Mormon and what that means for us. So cool. We also
mentioned Priesthood for some reason and then found out at a later time
that this boy had received a priesthood blessing as a young child and
had survived a very life-threatening situation. We had no idea about
that, nor had we planned to talk about it! But the spirit knows best, we
just need to open our mouths.
The influence of the Spirit is so real when we truly want what is best for those whom we serve!
At
the same time though, this week it was very evident to me the reality
of the role Satan plays in our lives. He is actively fighting with all
his might against testimony, truth, and love. Two scriptures have stuck
out to me very much this week: "Men are free to choose liberty and
eternal life through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose
captivity and death according to the captivity and power of the devil,
for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself." and
"O the cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness and
the frailties and the foolishness of men. When they are learned they
think they are wise and hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they
set it aside supposing they know of themselves, wherefore their wisdom is foolishness. And they shall perish." Being
in a student city it is easy to see how one could think like this, but
at the same time, many do turn to God and rely on his help through the
difficult stressful times as students.
There is so much to learn! Just... ah, keep me on a mission for another year or three! I'd be fine with that.
One
year ago today I attended the last sacrament meeting in my ward for two
years. I said goodbye to many great friends, teachers, leaders, and
family. It's strange to me that this dream is half-way over. I hear it
only goes faster after half time, which I am definitely NOT NOT NOT
looking forward to, seeing as it has already gone incredibly fast. It's a
little scary how fast, really! Thank you to all who so lovingly and
kindly support me and who pray for missionary work and opportunities.
The work is good. It's hastening. And I know that is true. The devil is
not the only one taking an active part, but the Lord is as well, and the
Lord has far more power! We keep moving forward!
Liebe Grüße von Aachen!
-Elder Jack
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