Well, as of last Saturday, I have officially been a missionary for a month. Crazy huh? It hasn't seemed like a month has it? More like a year.... This has been a super long month full of more growth than I ever imagined. Most people say it flies by. Perhaps it does, but I'm not going to let a single moment pass by me without soaking in what I can. This is the one time in my life that I get to dedicate everything in my life to God. What more can someone ask for?
This week has seen some interesting things such as:
Meeting a shirtless man from the Ivory Coast who told us he was an African Prince, singer, and dancer, who also told us about Jesus for like 30 minutes (he finally got around to understanding that we actually know who Jesus is...)
Teaching two different Chinese women at once, one of whom did not speak English like AT ALL. Thankfully we had a member of the Church there who could speak Chinese and could help us. It was super hard because I've never actually had to explain the concept of God before to someone who has never heard of such an idea. It really reaffirmed my faith that God is real and that He loves each of His children.
Was asked if the Great Flood in the days of the Old Testament prophet Noah was a result of 30 foot tall giants in the land. (Don't really see how that would work.....)
And other things of missionary life. I'm getting used to this work now. I've really had to forget about myself and what I want and change my heart to that of what the Lord wants and how I can help his people. Changing your heart is difficult, impossible without the Atonement of Jesus Christ. But it's so worth it. I have no other desire than to do what the Lord wants me to do. That is my goal and my aim. Because I'm so very far from perfect, I fall down a lot. Every day, in fact. But as I make the effort to think more about the people I'm serving, the Lord raises my spirits and helps me to know that I'm doing right. This week I've been able to appreciate the tender mercies of the Lord. Things that I would other wise take for granted. Like food to eat, a place to rest, the opportunity to exercise, and probably the greatest gift I could ever have, the knowledge that my Heavenly Father loves me, watches over me, and answers my prayers. The knowledge that Jesus Christ is my Savior and suffered not only the penalty for my sins, but also every hard thing that I've ever gone through. He did that for me so that I would never have to be alone. I can't even begin to express that love I have for Him. That's why I'm out here. It's because I love the Lord. I know He lives. I know He is present in our lives if we seek for Him. I know that the message I have to share with people is the best way we can get closer to God in our lives. I know this and I can not deny it. Thank you all for your prayers and support. It blesses me more than you know. Keep moving onward. The Lord can direct your path, but you have to get moving first. Do your best to follow Him and you will see His hand. I love this Gospel. I testify as a representative of Him.
All of my love,
Elder Matt Norton
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