September 1, 2014

I know I say it every week, but it's always true: We are so blessed! I am seeing the area changing into a more hopeful, dedicated, fruitful place. I will be honest in saying that it has taken quite a bit of time building up the area to a place where my companionship has people to meet with, teach, and bring nearer to Christ, but now we have people. People who not only need the help, but who welcome the help and are enthusiastic in taking an active part in changing for the better.

After all, isn't that what we're here for? We are changing for things of a better! There is sooooo much great out there that we can achieve! It's so great to have so many things of a better placed in front of me -- I just need to take them, apply them to myself, and be the better me that's possible! That's what we all do, I suppose. 

I am happy to be where I am when I am. Here right now in Aachen we were lucky enough to meet another one of those special people who have already been converted by the power of the Book of Mormon. But he runs into the problems of: 1. Thinking that because members of the church are a minority, he will have more difficulties in finding a wife to establish a family, and 2. His father does not stand behind him in his desire to join the church and he does not want to disrespect his father. Hmmm there are so many different things that get in the way of someone believing that they can make progress! I am very very grateful that we as members of the church hold the belief and expect the same belief from others about us, that one should respect the believes and practices of others. I realize the importance of this in the great plan because it comes back to allowing for the agency of our brothers and sisters in the great plan of happiness. Without the choice, we couldn't be happy.

Staying on that topic, it was reinforced to me this week that we have been prepared spiritually for the difficult things in the world today. We are warriors in a spiritual sense fighting a quite literal battle against the clamorous chaos which Satan mirages in front of our very eyes. Straight, true, simple is the way of the Lord. Complex, confusing, and twisted is the way of Satan. In the long run it is much easier with the plan of Christ.

We had a cleaning day in the church with the branch and then celebrated Sommerfest together, which was SO MUCH FUN! We did a cultural-themed  fest which was great because we had Nigeria, Russia, Germany, America, Netherlands, and the Phillipines represented. Unfortunately, no China or Mexico created a stand, but the celebration of being united in our different backgrounds was really enjoyable, PLUS.... my favorite things ever.... Members invited friends! Awesome opportunity to bear testimony, share experiences, and help people understand what our purpose is. THAT is member missionary work! It works. Much better than anyone would assume at first. Do it!

I love the very last verse in the book of Ether, where he writes, "Whether the Lord will that I be translated, or that I suffer the willof the Lord in the flesh, it mattereth not, if it so be that I am saved in the kingdom of God. Amen."

Bam. That's what matters. We work hard to be in the right and we help others the best we can.  I thought that was great this week. 

This week I will be meeting my year mark in Germany (on the 4th)! Huh, that's strange. 

I love you all!
Love,
Elder Jack

oh, happy labor day!