Hope this all finds you well, sorry it has been so long since I wrote last, it has been a crazy couple weeks in paradise!
Well, just a small filler in, I've been with Elder Boden for four weeks now! He is only a month in the field and already killer from day one! He is born in Texas, and lived his life all over in America, England, and Germany (sadly he never learned German... till now!)
We have been having a lot of amazing experiences here in St. Pölten. It has truly been a blessing to see the Lord's hand in his work. Our branch is absolutely amazing as well. We have had member come tracting with us on the street at least twice a week the last month. What an amazing opportunity. Their faith has strengthened my own. Last week we had a friend of the church come to church! We also have been blessed to meet a few new people to teach.
Sadly, it hasn't all been sunny and shinny the last while (though it has been in the 30`sC!) We had a really cool family we had started teaching from Iran. They were so prepared for the first lesson and the spirit was so strong. They were ready. But this last week, upon meeting, we learned that they had decided to stay in their own faith and to stop looking into the Church. It was very sad news, but we left on good terms. I'm so grateful for the gospel and what it has brought in my life and that I can share it with others, even if not everyone sees the light it will bring them. I know that we meet people for a reason and we can always learn from others.
Spiritual thought of the week : 2 Nephi 26 : 23-28 & 33
I just wanted to share these scriptures that have come to have great meaning and bring great comfort to me. I found them shortly after discussing with a man about our teachings on Homosexuality. The simple fact of the matter is that God is no respected of Persons. Be we "black and white, bond and free, male and female," we are partakers of the love of God and Christ. They invite us all to come unto them and to feel of the infinate peace of the atonement. Every one of us.
23 For behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you that the Lord God worketh not in darkness.
24 He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.
25 Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price.
26 Behold, hath he commanded any that they should depart out of the synagogues, or out of the houses of worship? Behold, I say unto you, Nay.
27 Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance.
28 Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden.
33 For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.
Just remember to love people and help others this week and the world will be a better place then it was before!😊 I love you all! Have a great week!
Elder Wiser
And a dinosaur!
The district!
The squad with a members son!
A call with all of the new missionaries!
Elder Boden and I!
