Elder McNew: January 2011

Becoming a Missionary

My beloved brethren, you and I, today and always, are to bless all peoples in all the nations of the earth. You and I, today and always, are to bear witness of Jesus Christ and declare the message of the Restoration. You and I, today and always, are to invite all to receive the ordinances of salvation. Proclaiming the gospel is not a part-time priesthood obligation. It is not simply an activity in which we engage for a limited time or an assignment we must complete as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Rather, missionary work is a manifestation of our spiritual identity and heritage. We were foreordained in the premortal existence and born into mortality to fulfill the covenant and promise God made to Abraham. We are here upon the earth at this time to magnify the priesthood and to preach the gospel. That is who we are, and that is why we are here--today and always.
- by Elder David A. Bednar
From The Ensign, Nov. 2005, Page 47

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Loving the People and the Work

I got an SD card from Justin today but it was bad! :( I'm so sad because I was looking forward to more pictures. I'm hoping he accidentally sent the wrong one. Anyway, I wanted to share what Elder McNew thinks of missionary work so far. He sent us this letter this week and I felt it was worth sharing! Enjoy.

Dear Mom and all,

I am doing so good! You would be proud of me I think. I have developed a love for the people here in California. Last week was so good! The weather was better and my companion was not sick and so just worked harder, I think.

When I first came to the mission field it kinda felt like a dream, but now it seems more real and like back home is a dream. I don't know how to explain it but I am getting used to doing the work. I have had the opportunity to give blessings and teach lessons to people and its so amazing to see the Lord work through me to say what I need to say for the people to best understand and it touches them! The Spirit gets so strong when you are doing all you can to do the work and then the Holy Ghost steps in and does the rest!

I know that its not my work and I am not the person who is teaching or administering to the people; but its the Lord using me as a tool in his hands! :) I love it and it's so rewarding when you are at some one's house teaching them or giving them a blessing and the Spirit just rushes in and fills the room!

I know that I have been sent to the place where I needed to be sent and that I am spending my time in the best possible way at this time in my life, because I am helping those who I can help, serving those who I can serve, and getting through to those who maybe no one else could relate to. I'm the one who the Lord is using to get through to those people. I am doing well!

I'm so thankful that I have the opportunity to work as a tool in the Lords hands. That's ultimately what its all about! I have seen myself grow but I know that there is so much more room for me to grow!