Week 6

So this week we had a Zone Conference. That's where all the missionaries in a particular zone of the mission get together and the Mission President teaches us and we get to learn a bunch of good stuff. We learned how to determine what doctrines, correctly understood, can help each investigator we teach come closer to Christ and increase their faith. And something that is amazing is that everyone is so different. As we talk with new people everyday (or sometimes the same people because I'm serving in a super small town) we are able to get to know them and we can be prompted by the Spirit as to how help that person. That's why I'm out here. I want to help people. As I was living my life back in Katy I was really happy, I had so many blessings there and I loved where I was in life. I thought I was content. But I realized I couldn't go a day without wondering if there were people waiting for me to come on a mission and help them. I thought about it so much. It was almost nagging and kind of annoying haha but looking back I know it was the Spirit. Moroni 7:16 says "for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ". I knew that going on a mission was a good thing and so I couldn't bring myself to move on with my life without at least giving it a try. And now that I'm out here I know I'm out here to help people, but I'm also out here to be helped a lot. I'm not the most comfortable with relying on other people and a mission is basically impossible without help. So I'm learning to rely and trust in other people and in the Spirit.

Something I want to share that has stood out to me this week is how the Gospel makes sense. Doctrine and Covenants section 130 verses 20 and 21 says "There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated-And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated." We receive blessings when we obey the commandments. Heavenly Father has given us commandments because by following those commandments allows us to return to live with Him after this life. But He is also ready and waiting to give us blessings in this life. In Mosiah chapter 2 King Benjamin teaches the people that "all that (God) requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you. And now, in the first place, he hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye are indebted unto him. And secondly, he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you". I know that this is true. I also know that there are times we are living the Gospel the best we can and it may seem like we aren't being blessed. I know I've felt that way before. If you find yourself in that situation I'd encourage you to look a little harder. You might find the harder you look for the blessings that Heavenly Father has given you the more you will find.

I'm sorry that this email is a little short and lacking in jokes or stories, as a missionary I've feel like making jokes isn't appropriate. HAHA that's a joke I love making jokes but I juts haven't had the most time today. Thank you for all of the letters, packages, and prayers that have been sent my way. I really appreciate everything so much! I hope everyone has a great week!

Love,

Elder Anderson