November 3, 2014

I may have forgotten to mention it, but I am staying in Aachen. Ha! I think people were confused about that. Sorry for the confusion. 

Guess what the coolest thing ever is? When people feel the Spirit by reading the Book of Mormon, praying, and keeping the commandments. Then they come to church and realize it is different, but it is good. Then they go home and have the feeling to meet with their neighbor, who had many concerns and questions about death, to whom they teach the Plan of Salvation. The cool part? They are not yet a member of the church but love the calm peace they feel when the Spirit is with them. And oh boy, the Spirit is so strong when one shares truths of Christ's Gospel! We have the coolest friend whom we are teaching. Plus, she lives in a gorgeous area of the Eifel, so going there a few times a week is nothing I would ever complain about. 

It has been a reoccurring thought in my head to point out what Elder Ballard said in Conference this year. We work with many members who struggle coming to church, keeping commandments, and so forth for whatever reasons they have. These precious brothers and sisters who are so dear to me missed these points from Elder Ballard: 1. Stay in the Boat. 2. Wear your lifejacked. 3.Hold on with both hands. It's so clear to me that fellow children of our Father in Heaven thought the river was calm enough to jump in. They drift away. And we are the hands reaching out to help them back in -- but something we have to remembers is that we do not rescue them by jumping out the boat too! If people would just stop listening to the excuses to jump in the water, happiness would not be so hard for them to find. There is always hope for those who drift though. After all, The Lord has boats all over this river of life who can help those who drift further than we can reach. 

Another thought I have had is how easily members of the church (with an extreme emphasis on missionaries) are misunderstood in their efforts to share our beliefs. I just think Elder Ballard explains it perfectly! I loved his thoughts as well: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/come-and-see?lang=eng

It's a good point he makes.

I just want to testify that I know that God plays an active role in our lives. His hand does not force us, but it does guide us when we allow it. His love, much like the Atonement (which was a result of that love) is incomprehensibly encompassing and touches the heart that searches for it. I know He does that for me when I have honest conversations with Him. He understands us in both English and German. I know that. I love Him as well. 

"Remember, o Remember." 

Liebe Grüße,
Elder Jack