So, I am running late as usual, so just to let you know a few quick things about this week:
Happy Birthday Anna and Grandma Empey! I hope that it was a great one, and that you feel loved and appreciated by all who know you. You both are blessings in my life, and I love you so very much!
This week was a bit scattered. How so? We are trying to figure out where we want to focus in our area. AKA: It磗 not very efficient to run from one end of the area to the other in the same day, because are area is quite large:) So, we are moving more towards the west side of the area, and we will see what fruits will come of our labor.
We taught a woman and her son, Rejane and Paulo. They are really great people, and Rejane is very interested. They weren磘 able to make it to church, and we felt a bit disappointed, but we will see how things turn out this week.
I have been putting forth an effort to focus more on the Book of Mormon in my personal study. I know that as we use the Book of Mormon for our own personal conversion, we will come to know, even more than we now know, that the Book of Mormon is true. If the Book of Mormon is true, Jesus Christ truly lives; Joseph Smith truly was a prophet; and this church is the true church of Jesus Christ here upon the earth. The Book of Mormon is an evidence, even a proof爐hat these things are true, because we have the promise that if we read it, ponder about its message, and ask of God, with real intent, having faith in Christ, He will manifest the truth of it unto us (see Moroni 10:3-5). If we do these things, we will know, without a shadow of a doubt, that these things are true; and that testimony will fortify and strengthen us through whatever trial we face.
When all is said and done, the testimony that most strengthens us and allows us to keep moving forward, and the truth that the Book of Mormon most testifies of is this: that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. As we ponder or relationship to Him, study His teachings, and apply His gospel in our lives, we will gain a testimony that will allow us to wade through whatever storm we may face (see Helaman 5:12). Why is the Book of Mormon so important in this? Because, along with the Bible, it testifies of His divinity, shows us His teachings, and restores the ``plain and precious创 truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ, and shows us, even more clearly and powerfully, the way that we must walk to return back to the presence of God. It truly was written for our day, and allows us to receive the Spirit more fully in our lives.
I know that God lives, and that Jesus is the Christ. The ``good news创of the Gospel is that Jesus Christ died for our sins, and paid the price, that we don磘 have to be perfect to return to God磗 presence, but that through following His Gospel, His commandments, and His perfect example, we can take upon us His holy name, and His perfection, becoming ``perfect in Christ创 (Moroni 10:32-33), and receive all of the blessings that the Father hath in store for us. What a blessing it is to know of these things, and to have my testimony strengthened day by day as I seek to learn, study, ponder, and apply His word!
I love you all so very much! Read the scriptures, pray often, and seek to apply His example and teachings in your lives. As you do this, you will find the strength and the grace to meet the challenges you face. Keep pushing forward, especially爓hen its hard, 醤d you will find that things get better:) I hope you all have a wonderful week!
Love, as always,
Elder Reid Powell Empey
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