Letter #58

Dearest Family,

You should know that today I have a wonderful keyboard, with the exception of the backspace key, it is smooth and, and that has inspired me to today provide if not a more organized story of my week, at least a more colorful narrative. But, how I do miss you, and love you. The more time passes in the mission I am inspired and comforted not by numbers of what my hand with the Lord's has brought to pass, but rather what He has guided me to become. Every day, especially hard ones, I consider the blessings of becoming greater than all others.

We worked especially hard this week, and certainly had far more challenges. We have tried so lovingly to help members catch the vision. I don't know that it has reached any of them but that it has perhaps touched the bishop as he will teach a lesson with us tonight.

We held an activity Saturday, that was supposed to be a night of integration between the members and the investigators. None of the members went, and I think rather than being negative it's illustrative in showing our challenges. We had 40+ investigators, and 3 members, two cleaning the chapel. We had complete families show up at the activity, planned on a fast Sunday weekend, to show a movie. That seems planting to me, for the least, possible harvest of integration. Our efforts here are continually whittled down to faith only, by the consistent inability to think outside the proverbial box. Be creative!! And most important be happy : )

One unexpected bright spot was the help of one sister recently called as ward missionary who took it upon herself to fellowship the mother of one family we brought to church. She invited them to sit with her, she helped care for the newborn child the mother was attentively worrying over, and she took the initiative to guide this first time visitor throughout the church services. How I loved that sister! What simple things I had prayed for and fasted for, and she was the living answer to my prayer. I am thankful for small but consistent demonstrations that feed my faith's flame and show me that yes, the gospel is real and that what at times feels like abstract theories not put to practice are really basic principles that do work. I had the opportunity to give a training to the elders quorum and lead them in a more practical discussion of how they could both share the gospel, fulfill priesthood responsibilities and help their ward grow.

Well, in all this, I have pondered deeply these things and many others. This pondering has led me to know, even to exclaim, "I know my Redeemer Lives!" I know that, as Pres. Monson said, the Lord is in the details of our lives. He hears and answers prayers. He metes needed strength to His children. He cares and calls each one of us to come unto Him once again. To be a part of His great Eternal Family!

I read in Alma 5 this week, and was struck once again by Alma's declaration to the members of the church in Zarahemla, which declaration is now my own: "And this is not all. Do ye not suppose that I know of these things myself? Behold, I testify unto you that I do know that these things whereof I have spoken are true. And how do ye suppose that I know of their surety?

Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me.

I love you all, and I love this gospel. I love receiving your letters and feel your prayers. Let us go forth! and run the errands of the Lord: )

Love,

Tanner

p.s.- Sorry no pictures today ; ) more the week to come for sure!