Hey, everyone!
Many of you know that
Elder Lee and I had a rather tough week last week, but I am happy to say that
after that dark storm came the brightest rainbow! This week was truly amazing,
and I am happy to share with you some of my experiences!!
On Monday, as a district, we got together at the
Greenwhich Chapel where we played games and had a fire in the fire pit! It was
so much fun! We spent a couple hours at the chapel roasting sausages, Starburst
(try it if you can), and marshmallows!
In addition to that, we played several
fun games! One of the games is called "Bang" and it is so much fun! I
wish I had time to explain it all, but if you don't have this game then you
should seriously consider buying it! After we played that, we played Settlers
of Catan! It's been a little while since I have played that game, but guess who
won...THIS ELDER (watch out, Dad! It was a great way to start our week and just a
good way to relax!!
On Tuesday, we had a lesson with Jason and a
member from our ward. In this lesson we taught Jason "The Gospel of Jesus
Christ." He said he really liked the lesson and all the doctrine that it
entailed. We invited Jason to be baptized, and he told us that he wanted to wait
for his wife to be taught so they could be baptized together. The member who
was with us started speaking to Jason in Korean and Elder Lee and I turned to
each other and said at the exact same time that we needed to teach him about priesthood and that he could baptize his wife when she was ready. We knew that
the Spirit had spoken to both of us and that this is what Jason needed to know.
As the member concluded his remarks, I told Jason that we understood that he
wanted to wait until his wife was ready, but we told him that if he was baptized
first he could then baptize his wife. The member said that he felt prompted to talk
to Jason having the ability to baptize his wife and that Jason wanted to do
that! We then invited Jason to be baptized on the 14th of September to which he
accepted with a smile on his face. I found it amazing that the Spirit spoke the
exact same thing to all three of us and that we all knew what Jason needed.
This has taught me and reaffirmed that God knows his children and that
revelation does not come to one but to all who are worthy of it.
This week, we also had Stake Conference where we
were visited by Elder Coward of the Area 70. In this conference, we sustained
all of the men who would be receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood. Of the group
of men that were announced were two of Elder Lee and my recent converts (Jamie
& Damon). As I sat on the pulpit and watched them walk up to the
front, after their names were called, I was overcome with joy. Both of them have
unique stories, but as they walked up, all I could think about was that they were
doing what their Heavenly Father has asked them. I was so excited and happy to
see them following in the footsteps of the Savior. Moments like those are some
of the most rewarding experiences. I know that this is not my work and that it
is the Lord's, and I do give all the thanks to my Father in Heaven. I am so excited
for the two of them to progress and to continue on the straight and narrow
path.
It was a great week and while there were so many
good things that happened, I have been truly humbled by the Lord. There is such
a difference between the two weeks, and I have come to know of more of a surety
that this is the Lord's work and that our Heavenly Father is mindful of his
children no matter the circumstance. I hope we can always remember and see the
Lord's hand in our lives. President Uchtdorf said the following, "Often the
deep valleys of our present will be understood only by looking back on them
from the mountains of our future experience. Often we can't see the Lord's hand
in our lives until long after trials have passed. Often the most difficult times
of our lives are essential building blocks that form the foundation of our
character and pave the way to future opportunity, understanding, and
happiness."
I invite everyone to ponder this week, from their
mountains of experience, the times or moments in life when you were in valleys
of your own. Think of how the Lord guided you back up from the depths. I
promise that as you and I come to do so, we can truly gain a greater gratitude
for the Savior and recognize more fully his hand in our lives.
This week is the last week of the transfer and as
such we will find out if either Elder Lee or I will be moving this week. I hope
we can stay together at least one more! I love this Elder, he is continually an
example to me! Look to my letter next week!
Love,
Elder Wilde
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