Well once again a week full of eventful
activities and HUGE miracles as always! I am excited to share with you
the things that happened this week to change my life and the lives of
others.
First and foremost, this past Saturday we had a mission conference
with an apostle of the Lord, Elder Dallin H. Oaks. It was amazing the
things I was able to learn from and most importantly the Spirit that was
felt as he spoke with 200 missionaries. Some of the things that stood
out to me that he spoke about are:
-Our focus must be on the ordinances of the gospel. Because within
the ordinances the power of godliness is manifest. We must be baptized,
receive the gift of the holy ghost, continue to partake of the
sacrament, receive our endowment, and be sealed as a family for time and
all eternity. Others goals are worthy and good, but the saving
ordinances of the gospel are the most important!
-We must act with TRUE INTENT in order to gain a testimony. True intent means willing to commit to something.
-Also
what matters most about your testimony is your conviction and
conversion to the simple and basic doctrines. Not how much knowledge you
have.
-The temple of God is were we are taught, make covenants, and receive promised blessings.
-Man is absolutely nothing without the Lord to guide him.
But
a huge tender mercy from the Lord to be able to sit at the feet of an
apostle just like unto Peter or Paul back in the times of Christ.
Nothing he said was to profound, but everything he said he had no doubt
it was true and from God.
Another huge miracle we saw was being able to baptize five of Gods
children yesterday! It was amazing to see the different situations of
each of them how the Lord stepped in and allowed them to partake of the
first saving ordinance of the Gospel, especially since all five of them
were from different households. One was an inspired contact on the
street, ever since that day the glow of the gospel has grown and grown
and grown. Another we knocked on her door, she felt sick, so we gave her
a priesthood blessing. Ever since that day she was healed and felt the
power of God more fully in her life! Another kicked out her boyfriend to
be baptized so her kids can become like us. Another got married to be
baptized and was able to gain the strength to do so through prayer. The
last was a brother of my recent convert who just decided to show up to
church and loved it! All of these souls are precious unto the sight of
God, and as they were baptized I definitely felt the power of God!
But God is amazing! I am eternally grateful for the things I have
learned so far on my mission and how I have grown. My mission has meant
everything to me. And for the rest of my mission, I am excited to give
the Lord absolutely everything I have. So He can change my life while He
gives me the strength to change the lives of others!
With Love,
Elder Pond
