Week 40: The Refiner's Fire

Hey everyone!

You know what I said about every week being a short week and seeming to fly by??? .... I spoke too soon. :P This week was definitely a long week. Elder Viana and I tried really hard to meet new people and get in to teach people. And nothing seemed to go our way. Definitely a slow week on the teaching aspect.

It’s weeks like these that really humble me and make me realize how much missionaries rely on the Lord for EVERYTHING. It talks in the scriptures about how we are unprofitable servants. Because God has given us everything we have ever had, have now, and will ever have. Every breath, every step, every heartbeat is from him. That alone makes us in his debt for forever, and then you add on the fact that every time we do anything good, he immediately pays us back in blessings. That is such a wonderful and discouraging principle! What can we give, what can we do to ever show how grateful we are for such a gift??? My District Leader, Elder Rabe, from Chandler, AZ (who worked for Ned's, still trying to see past that ;) ) gave me a talk about being a consecrated missionary. It’s a really great talk. In it, it says that the one thing we can give God, that he doesn't already have, is our Will. Humbling ourselves and saying "I'll go where you want me to go, I'll say what you want me to say, and I'll BE what you want me to be." Humility is so hard! But if you ever want to joyfully look your Savior in the eye, it has to be done.

This week has definitely been the refiner's fire. It's helped me to see my imperfections, and boy is there a TON. It's helped me to see on what I need to improve on, and also shown me that there is no way on this Earth that I can do this alone. Heavenly Father MUST be with this Church, if not, 19 year old boys would have messed it up long ago!!

It is my Testimony that our Savior died for us. But even more amazing is the fact that He Lives for us! When Jesus appeared to the People in the Book of Mormon, He invited all to feel the nail prints in His hands and feet. One by One they came up and felt. The Atonement of Jesus Christ for His People was a profoundly personal experience. There was a moment in His suffering when He thought of only you, only me. And He gave us that gift, not because He was forced to, but because He submitted His will to his Father's will. I know that the Scriptures are true. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the restored Church of God. Not because that's what I’m supposed to say, not because that is how I was raised. But because I have felt the Holy Ghost testify of its truth. I have felt of the Saviors love for me. And that is why I have to share this message with everyone I meet. I invite everyone who reads this to experiment. If you don't believe what I say, or if you aren't sure, try it. Read the Book, pray to God in the name of Jesus Christ. Have faith in Him, and He will tell you.

I love you and pray for you guys. I thank you for your prayers in my behalf.

God Lives!

Elder Rash