Hello there!
The work was kinda slow this past week in terms of finding people, but we had some great appointments to make up for it, especially member appointments.
We had lots of lessons centered around Love, Share, Invite, for instance. We usually talk first about a principle of the gospel like Love or Enduring to the End or so forth and discuss with members how that principle has blessed our lives and brought us joy. We then ask who they think they could share those blessings with. There are a few things we try to emphasize when extending these invitations.
1. Everything we do comes from love and sincere concern for our friends.
2. It can be small and simple things, especially because we are trying to be normal and natural (the missionaries already take care of the random and unnatural inviting 😂)
3. As missionaries, we're here to help in whatever way members need/want. I love Elder Rasband's comparison of missionaries and members to the two rivers that make up the Amazon River. We're strong apart, but so much more powerful together.
Another cool experience this past week was meeting with a visiting member from Africa. He shared his experience investigating the Church for several years before being able to join. He has such a powerful testimony of modern prophets. He shared how when covid first hit, our church was the first in his country to close down. Members were laughed at for the "extreme" measures that were taken. However, it wasn't very long before all the other churches in the country closed as well.
Speaking of prophetic measures in preparation for Covid, I'm trying to commit more to Come Follow Me this year. Moses 7 was a cool chapter to study last week, especially Enoch's vision where the Lord showed him all things.
It's interesting to me how every time a prophet is shown all things by the Lord, they focus on different aspects of the vision. Nephi focuses on things pertaining to the promised land, or the American continent. John seems to focus a lot on the latter days. I have no clue what Isaiah is focusing on, but Enoch seems to focus on the state of the people under Satan's influence, which is in stark contrast to the city of Zion Enoch founded with the strength of the Lord.
His people "were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness" (Moses 7:18). Enoch rejoiced in his beloved brethren who were so righteous they were taken up to God. Nevertheless, when he saw all other nations, he "looked upon their wickedness, and their misery, and wept" (Moses 7:41). It's a good reminder that building Zion takes both building ourselves, and striving to build up others, strengthening our light, while always letting it shine for others.
Hope you all have a great rest of the week!
Sincerely,
Elder Brown the elder
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