Week 14

Dear everyone,

Things out here are going really well. We're doing our best to work hard and get better. I can't believe it's almost the end of my second transfer out in the mission field. I'm a week away from being in this area for three months. This Saturday I'll find out if I stay in this area or not. I want to stay and keep working with the people I've met but at the end of the day I'll go to wherever Heavenly Father wants me to go.

On Friday I got a little glimpse into the feelings of leaving because we helped two of our investigators pack their apartment into a Uhaul so they could move to Las Vegas. It was really sad to see them and their kids go but we were able to give the missionaries in Las Vegas their information and we're hoping and praying they have a desire to continue strengthening their relationship with Christ. Something that has stuck out to me this week is that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us and His timing isn't always the timing we're hoping or expecting. A quote I read this week was that "Faith in God includes faith in God's timing". The entire Gospel of Jesus Christ is centered on the sacrifice He made for us and our part begins with having faith in Jesus Christ. Having a strong faith in Jesus Christ leads us to action. As we increase our faith we have a stronger desire to follow His example and become more like Him. And there has never been a better example to follow. While we are doing our best to follow the example of Jesus Christ we know from the scriptures that we will be tried. Abraham 3:25 says "and we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them." We will experience trials of our faith in this life. They're opportunities for us to learn and grow and prove our faith and trust in God and His promises. We can talk the talk but we are also required to walk the walk. Heavenly Father tested Abraham's faith, we know that. We read about many prophets who's faith was tested. But the Abrahamic test did not end with Abraham. (That is not my insight I heard that at zone conference). Everyday we can make choices that strengthen our faith. That's exciting, and I'm so thankful for the example of Jesus Christ and for the Gospel that He has revealed to us through prophets and that He himself taught when He was on the Earth. My testimony of my Savior and Redeemer has grown so much from being here. Sometimes I cant believe that I'm out here but I'm so glad that I am. I'm so thankful for everyone who helped me get to where I am today and if you're reading this, thank you so much! It has changed my life.

Elder Anderson