It has been a good week full of great experiences, learning, and growth. Every day out here is a blessing. That is something that I really am trying to focus on. I can't think of anything else that I would rather be doing that this. There is nothing more important in this life than the gospel. It is what links us all together. To me the gospel is love. If I had to describe it in its simplest form I would say love. The gospel teaches what love is, teaches us how to love, and teaches us that we are all loved. Heavenly Fathers Plan of Happiness was created out of love for us, His children. Our Savior, out of love, willingly volunteered to give His life for our happiness. In turn, we to have a special opportunity to express our love, by following our Heavenly Fathers commandments, by using the gift of the atonement in our daily lives, and by sharing this message with others. As we live and share the gospel we feel the love of our Heavenly Father and our Savior in our lives, and we helped others feel their love as well. Everything about the gospel is love.
This week we had a cool opportunity to continue teaching one of our investigators who I would say kind of was slipping under the radar... we hadn't really noticed her desire for the gospel until this week when she called us to set up the next appointment. haha! We got there and asked her if she has been reading in the Book of Mormon. (most investigators really struggle with that) we were expecting the usual answer... "a little... " but to our surprise she confidently said Yes. So we asked her what her thoughts were about the things she had read. She went on ... (with specific question). This was amazing news!! haha because most people here don't even get that far and if they do, they don't really seem to care. This showed me her desire to learn about this gospel. We helped her realize that Heavenly Father loves all of His children and is willing to do what is necessary for the safety of their souls. It was really cool. The next time we met with her she opened up her scriptures and they were all marked up! haha it was awesome!! She has a goal set for after Chinese New Year. She is really solid and will hit that.
As for our other investigators... they are struggling a bit with their desire. They just don't seem to have the desire. They don't want to be pushed... that is hard. We really have to make a conscious effort to get out of our comfort zone if we want to progress and change. We really have to put of the natural man. Putting off the natural man is not easy, and it is not comfortable at first. It really is a step of faith. So right now we are really trying to help them realize the blessings that await them through their faith. It is kind of a tough situation, and we are just trying to love them the way the Savior would.
Every day is a great opportunity for us to learn and grow and put of the natural man a little bit more. I am grateful that I get to do this every day. It isn't always easy, and isn't always comfortable. However, at the end of the day when I have done my very best I can always feel the love and peace of my Savior. I know that what I have done is right and I know that my efforts every day do not go unnoticed.
I love you all!! Have a great week!!
Love,
Elder Redding
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