This is a copy of a letter given to me by a very close friend when a I left, Scott. I still have the original. I then modified when Nathan, Anziano Eads left and he has since modified it some. So it is offered as a letter to any Anziano or Sorella leaving to any mission in the world. As it says, happiness. Active service in the lives of others does bring so much happiness.
Dears Elder or Sister,
Welcome to another month, but this month is unlike any other month in your life, for it is the month in which you labor as an ambassador for our Savior Jesus Christ. Never will you feel so important than in sincere service to our fellow man, to bring them into the fold, so share the happiness that come from the love of our Heavenly Father. The Spirit will be with you always, like you have never experienced before. Therein lays the gift of tongues. You will say things that you never knew, as you teach by the Spirit, and your testimony will grow as does those of the families and individuals you teach.
Times will become difficult, companions may not always be what they should; the harvest, although ripe, may often appear as a drought, and Satan works harder on you than he has ever done before. However, the Lord is very close to you. As you serve diligently, the Lord provides many blessings, even more than you thought possible. Companions and personal weaknesses are changed through prayer, and the Lord will send rains in His season to liven the harvest after you have proven you are worthy of those rains. Above all beloved missionary, you will grow from all these things.
Now because the Lord is nearby, when you resist temptations, Satan cannot touch you! You will feel so clean, so worthy, and that to brings happiness. The mission you are embarked on will please you Elder or Sister, and give you enough joy to last the eternities if you let it. If your desires are righteous and pure, the Lord will bless you to fulfill your righteous desires.
THIS is the time of YOUR life! Work hard, be obedient, follow the Spirit, forget yourself and look to others and their needs and you will find out the purpose of life, for each of us to live in such a way that we become as the Savior is (3Nephi 27:27).
So, is your mission a sacrifice? Each missionary has to decide this for himself/herself, but in my case I will tell you my answer. I have received so many blessings, have overcome so many personal weaknesses, have learned to love everyone, and I do not mean this as a cliche, but I truly learned to love everyone, and I went home so much happier than I ever imagined I could be. See, I learned where such happiness lies and it is in service to others. That is what it means to be Christlike, to place the needs of others above your own. So again was this a sacrifice? NO WAY! Is it a sacrifice to be blessed, to become closer to our Savior, to become more like Him, and to bring my fellow brothers and sisters to the Gospel and Church? To find the eternal joy of service and love toward others; no, this was/is not a sacrifice though others may view it as such.
All that you learn will come one day at a time, so look for those spiritual experiences, sometimes they can go by unnoticed. So you will need to recognize the Spirit as He works, and as you do so, you will see the marvelous works and wonders of our Lord. Stay close to the Savior through scripture study, companion study, training's and listening to the counsel of your mission president.
So Elder/Sister, go forth each day to teach, love, endure, sacrifice, obey, overcome, baptize, cry, and love some more. Happiness Elder or Sister, I'm telling you it brings so much happiness. One last thing, ALWAYS, in ALL conditions, good or difficult, ALWAYS remember that our Savior loves you and watches over you at all times. Your are His servant and He is ever so mindful of His missionaries. They have a very close place in His heart. Your blessings from this mission will continue the rest of your life, growing, increasing, as your capacity for love and service increases. Happiness, this will bring you so much eternal happiness.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
Weekly Email March 10th, 2014
Welp, there are plenty of stuff to address, and we'll take care of the things at home first.
Sorry, I forgot the card reader again! I've just started getting use to carrying the camera around, and I just have to arry the card reader too, from now on. Next week for sure there will be pictures!
I am glad that I am loved back home. Please tell the ward that I miss them, and that things are good, as always. Yes, I remember Mandy, but I wasn't good friends with her, so meh.
HAPPY BIRHTDAY TO MY SISTER! Tell her I'm going to be writing her an email.
Yes, I bought my hardrive. I also bought a new suit! Pictures next week!
As for me, I don't know how I feel about this last week. Things just did not seem to work out for us.
The first half of the week went good. Tuesday we met with an investigator and talked about many things, including church organization, and things went well, and he did pray for us at the end. English was good, as we invited all of the course to pray to know if God loved them as part of the spiritual thought.
Wednesday we taught Issac the Gospel of Jesus Christ again, and he actually understood it. He did ask us this one question about a prophet being baptized without water, and he said it was in the Old Testament. I couldn't find it and neither could Anziano Calchera, so we're not sure if it exists, and we both have a pretty good grsp on the scriptures.
Thursday we met with Andreà, an investigator from English Course that we both felt was ready to start the lessons. We realized, however, that he is quite a way out from the truths of the gospel, and doesn't really have a Christian background. However, we are going to continue to meet with him and try our absolute best to get him going. He's a really cool person, and we both feel that he would be a strong member.
After that, however, things just did not seem to work out. When we got back from Specialized Training, things did not come together. We tried to schedule an appointment with Rosa, but she was occupied with the day of the women festa, and her son was in the city as well, which unfortunately meant that she was occupied. She didn't come to Church either, which was strange.
Anyways, we have decided that our lack of planning was the cause of the lack of work, and this week, we're definitely planning a lot more to get some more items done. We have appointments scheduled for today, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and we're working on getting a lunch appointment with Rosa as well. We have three investigators that we are going to be getting baptismal dates for this week. We're jumping into getting those 40 baptisms as well!
Well, new week, new start. Things can only go up from here! Can't wait to see what's going to be happening in regards to the mission tour thingy. Let you know what's up! Love you all!
NaNa
Sorry, I forgot the card reader again! I've just started getting use to carrying the camera around, and I just have to arry the card reader too, from now on. Next week for sure there will be pictures!
I am glad that I am loved back home. Please tell the ward that I miss them, and that things are good, as always. Yes, I remember Mandy, but I wasn't good friends with her, so meh.
HAPPY BIRHTDAY TO MY SISTER! Tell her I'm going to be writing her an email.
Yes, I bought my hardrive. I also bought a new suit! Pictures next week!
As for me, I don't know how I feel about this last week. Things just did not seem to work out for us.
The first half of the week went good. Tuesday we met with an investigator and talked about many things, including church organization, and things went well, and he did pray for us at the end. English was good, as we invited all of the course to pray to know if God loved them as part of the spiritual thought.
Wednesday we taught Issac the Gospel of Jesus Christ again, and he actually understood it. He did ask us this one question about a prophet being baptized without water, and he said it was in the Old Testament. I couldn't find it and neither could Anziano Calchera, so we're not sure if it exists, and we both have a pretty good grsp on the scriptures.
Thursday we met with Andreà, an investigator from English Course that we both felt was ready to start the lessons. We realized, however, that he is quite a way out from the truths of the gospel, and doesn't really have a Christian background. However, we are going to continue to meet with him and try our absolute best to get him going. He's a really cool person, and we both feel that he would be a strong member.
After that, however, things just did not seem to work out. When we got back from Specialized Training, things did not come together. We tried to schedule an appointment with Rosa, but she was occupied with the day of the women festa, and her son was in the city as well, which unfortunately meant that she was occupied. She didn't come to Church either, which was strange.
Anyways, we have decided that our lack of planning was the cause of the lack of work, and this week, we're definitely planning a lot more to get some more items done. We have appointments scheduled for today, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and we're working on getting a lunch appointment with Rosa as well. We have three investigators that we are going to be getting baptismal dates for this week. We're jumping into getting those 40 baptisms as well!
Well, new week, new start. Things can only go up from here! Can't wait to see what's going to be happening in regards to the mission tour thingy. Let you know what's up! Love you all!
NaNa
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Anziano Eads at Catania Specialized Training Friday March 7th, 2014
Here are some pictures of Anziano Eads from his specialized training that he was at on Friday, March 7th, 2014. So here we go.
Anziano Eads with the other missionary and his Mission President leading the group in the Standard of Truth as they recite it.
Not sure what he is doing here.
Anziano Eads in the background practicing and listening.
Anziano Eads practicing
Anziano Eads sining or smiling; you decide.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Weekly Email March 3, 2014
Sorry this week was so boring for everyone at home. I'm sorry to hear about Kim, and I'll begin praying for her as well, hoping the tumors can be healed or her passing can be eased, and continue to pray to Grandma as well. I'm working on buying the stamps I need to send the letter, but I'll get that taken care of today.
Pics: Next week for sure! I forgot again this week....sorry!
So, let's see, what's happened this week. Just a brief rundown:
The Tuesday we got back we had English course and that went really well actually. We talked to one of the people we wanted to start working with, and we got to meet with him on Friday. He's been having some personal problems, and we felt inspired to share with him the talk from President Uchtdorf, "Of Regrets and Resolutions", and he enjoyed the talk. We're going to be scheduling an appointment with him soon and share with him the Plan of Salvation, as he expressed interest in this.
On Wednesday, we met with Issac and explained the Restoration again, and he understood it this time, and promised us that he would pray to know the truthfulness of our message. After that, we learned that the Sorelle (Sister Missionaries) were coming and then we did some unplanned service with Fratello Chines getting their house a little ready.
On Thursday the sorelle came into the city, and like always, the ward loved them. The sorelle here are pretty cool, and I think we'll work together all right. I haven't had problems working with any sister yet, so I'm not worried about it.
On Saturday we had a full day. In the morning we met with Barbera, an investigator and talked a little about the Plan of Salvation, and recommitted him to coming to church. We've been meeting with him for a while now, and he still hasn't come. We're wondering if something is holding him back. We're going to try and build his faith in another aspect of the Gospel and hope that works.
We taught Valentina about families, and committed her to asking her mother to come to church. She didn't, but the mom did say that if she had time to prepare she would, which is a good sign.
Then we taught Rosa, and we talked about the Book of Mormon and praying to know if it's true. It was a fantastic lesson! Rosa read the Book of Mormon and came to church this week. Her progress is astoudning. We'll be teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ this week, and I feel that she could easily have a baptismal date.
Okay, so that's been my week. We have specialized training on Friday, so I'll let you know how that goes. Hopefully all works well.
Next week, with a longer email!
NaNa
Pics: Next week for sure! I forgot again this week....sorry!
So, let's see, what's happened this week. Just a brief rundown:
The Tuesday we got back we had English course and that went really well actually. We talked to one of the people we wanted to start working with, and we got to meet with him on Friday. He's been having some personal problems, and we felt inspired to share with him the talk from President Uchtdorf, "Of Regrets and Resolutions", and he enjoyed the talk. We're going to be scheduling an appointment with him soon and share with him the Plan of Salvation, as he expressed interest in this.
On Wednesday, we met with Issac and explained the Restoration again, and he understood it this time, and promised us that he would pray to know the truthfulness of our message. After that, we learned that the Sorelle (Sister Missionaries) were coming and then we did some unplanned service with Fratello Chines getting their house a little ready.
On Thursday the sorelle came into the city, and like always, the ward loved them. The sorelle here are pretty cool, and I think we'll work together all right. I haven't had problems working with any sister yet, so I'm not worried about it.
On Saturday we had a full day. In the morning we met with Barbera, an investigator and talked a little about the Plan of Salvation, and recommitted him to coming to church. We've been meeting with him for a while now, and he still hasn't come. We're wondering if something is holding him back. We're going to try and build his faith in another aspect of the Gospel and hope that works.
We taught Valentina about families, and committed her to asking her mother to come to church. She didn't, but the mom did say that if she had time to prepare she would, which is a good sign.
Then we taught Rosa, and we talked about the Book of Mormon and praying to know if it's true. It was a fantastic lesson! Rosa read the Book of Mormon and came to church this week. Her progress is astoudning. We'll be teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ this week, and I feel that she could easily have a baptismal date.
Okay, so that's been my week. We have specialized training on Friday, so I'll let you know how that goes. Hopefully all works well.
Next week, with a longer email!
NaNa
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Rome Italy Temple Pictures
Nathan shared some pictures or the Rome, Italy Temple. Here they are. I think the colored reflections are just beautiful.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Weekly Email February 24th 2014
Okay, home things first as always, before I get to my week.
Firstly: Mom: I am sorry that work has become hard. Things can be really hard at times, I've seen that aspect of life a lot out here in the field, when it just seems like everything is working against you. But remember 2 Nephi 2: 11. There must be an opposition in all things, because then we know the greatest joy. BUt I'm glad that you are going to be staying, as it sounds that you really like the work.
And as for the Stake things: Don't worry, it's just a stake thing.
Marcus is now playing guitar? Well, that's interesting, but it's good that he's going to be a manager. He always had it in him.
I finished that letter to Grandma, and I just need to buy the stamps to send it, which should be sson. Along with the postcards to Grandma Eads.
Thanks, tell the Williams that will be nice. Even if I'm no where near the city, I can at least have other missionaries help out with that work.
Well, it's an interesting day for the start of the transfer. I'm in Catania, waiting for the arrivfal of Anziano Bryant, and Anziano Calchera, who had to go and get his permesso from Bari. So it was interesting, missing church in Ragusa, and being here in Catania, but it's not bad.
So this week was nice. We had plenty of teaching opportunities which really made the week, even with the surprise on Friday about leaving the city alone for a few days.
We started out the week by talking with Rosa, the girlfriend of one of our members, the Plan of Salvation. It was a really, really good lesson. Rosa literally asked all the right questions right at the very beginning, about where do we come from, where are we going to go? It was just the perfect lead in to the lesson we had planned. She accepted everything, and is keeping her commitment to read 2 Nephi 2, and Alma 41-42.
We also taught one of our recent converts about prayer, which was funny, because it turned around into him teaching us. Issac is the teacher for the gospel principles class and he really has tried to teach well. Well, he ended up preaching to us about how powerful prayer is, and how it has blessed his life. He's a great example of faith in the Lord.
We taught our investigator named Issac as well, about the Ten Commandments, which was pretty routine. He already knew about them and was willing to follow them without any problem. He hasn't been reading lately, and this week, to remedy that, we're going to be reading from 1 Nephi chapter 1, and helping him to get started in the scriptures.
We finished the new convert lessons with Valentina with her home teacher. We taught her the laws and ordinances, and she was really excited about the aspect of the temple. She has this strong desire to go when she has some free time and participate in the ordinances of salvation for her ancestors.
Besides that, it's been a normal week, except for the weekend, which was completely different. Still, things are good, and getting better. I have a really good feeling for this transfer, and that things are going to be getting good. All in all, I'm content. Hard to believe I'm nearly at my year mark. I'll be sending home a special picture that week.
It'll be one of me in the same suit I was wearing the day I went into the MTC, a year later. Can't wait to see the weight lost.
Next week, mia famiglia!
Nathan
Firstly: Mom: I am sorry that work has become hard. Things can be really hard at times, I've seen that aspect of life a lot out here in the field, when it just seems like everything is working against you. But remember 2 Nephi 2: 11. There must be an opposition in all things, because then we know the greatest joy. BUt I'm glad that you are going to be staying, as it sounds that you really like the work.
And as for the Stake things: Don't worry, it's just a stake thing.
Marcus is now playing guitar? Well, that's interesting, but it's good that he's going to be a manager. He always had it in him.
I finished that letter to Grandma, and I just need to buy the stamps to send it, which should be sson. Along with the postcards to Grandma Eads.
Thanks, tell the Williams that will be nice. Even if I'm no where near the city, I can at least have other missionaries help out with that work.
Well, it's an interesting day for the start of the transfer. I'm in Catania, waiting for the arrivfal of Anziano Bryant, and Anziano Calchera, who had to go and get his permesso from Bari. So it was interesting, missing church in Ragusa, and being here in Catania, but it's not bad.
So this week was nice. We had plenty of teaching opportunities which really made the week, even with the surprise on Friday about leaving the city alone for a few days.
We started out the week by talking with Rosa, the girlfriend of one of our members, the Plan of Salvation. It was a really, really good lesson. Rosa literally asked all the right questions right at the very beginning, about where do we come from, where are we going to go? It was just the perfect lead in to the lesson we had planned. She accepted everything, and is keeping her commitment to read 2 Nephi 2, and Alma 41-42.
We also taught one of our recent converts about prayer, which was funny, because it turned around into him teaching us. Issac is the teacher for the gospel principles class and he really has tried to teach well. Well, he ended up preaching to us about how powerful prayer is, and how it has blessed his life. He's a great example of faith in the Lord.
We taught our investigator named Issac as well, about the Ten Commandments, which was pretty routine. He already knew about them and was willing to follow them without any problem. He hasn't been reading lately, and this week, to remedy that, we're going to be reading from 1 Nephi chapter 1, and helping him to get started in the scriptures.
We finished the new convert lessons with Valentina with her home teacher. We taught her the laws and ordinances, and she was really excited about the aspect of the temple. She has this strong desire to go when she has some free time and participate in the ordinances of salvation for her ancestors.
Besides that, it's been a normal week, except for the weekend, which was completely different. Still, things are good, and getting better. I have a really good feeling for this transfer, and that things are going to be getting good. All in all, I'm content. Hard to believe I'm nearly at my year mark. I'll be sending home a special picture that week.
It'll be one of me in the same suit I was wearing the day I went into the MTC, a year later. Can't wait to see the weight lost.
Next week, mia famiglia!
Nathan
Monday, February 17, 2014
Weekly Email February 17th 2014
Well, I won't bore you over details about things too quickly, so let's get some of the things out of the way.
I'm staying in Ragusa another transfer, and with Anziano Calchera. I have not bought my shirts or a new belt (I don't need a new belt!), but I'm probably going to buy myself my Christmas present soon. I lost my USB for a bit one day, and I realized just how much that little thing has on it. I'm going to buy a hard drive to back it all up.
Sorry that you've all been sick this week with something different. Life just hits us with a left sometimes and then who knows what happens! Still, I'm glad that you are all (hopefully) feeling better, and that Gma is as well. I'll probably finish that letter today and get it sent off sometime soon.
Let's see, Zone Conf. was about receiving personal revelation, some things about commitment, and that's really all I can remember. There was one point during the commitment addrestramento (training) where the Assistants called the three biggest kids up to the front. Obviously I was one of them.
Well, we had this other Anziano whose a bit skinny, and they told him to catch us all in a trust fall. Well, he caught the one in the middle, and one assistant caught the other. As for me, I fell and hit my head on the ground, proving once again, I am hard-headed as I didn't even feel it.
The missionaries are always nice and friendly, and cool. I really don't have a preference on who I serve with, just as long as we get along that's all I care about.
Well, we have had a really good week this time around. The Lord answers prayers.
On Monday we had two wonderful lessons with a current investigating couple about the Law of Castità, and it was okay. They looked down a lot of the time, but they do that normally, but I want to see what happens. Also, they did say that their marriage was coming along, but it's going to take some time.
The other lesson was with a potential simpat that became a new investigator this week. She is the girlfriend of one of our members and we've been trying to meet with her for a while. It was fantastic! Anziano Calchera was talking about prophets and she straight up asked: "But where is this guy now? Where is the prophet today?" I love it when people have been prepared by the Lord to hear the message.
We also taught our new converts. With Issac we've been helping him work on his lesson for the Gospel Principles class, which he teaches. He does a good job, he just wants to ask us some questions for clarity. We help him prepare and share a brief spiritual thought.
With Valentina we've been teaching her with her home teachers and this week we taught the commandments. She accepted them without a problem.
We had a scambio this week with Gela, and we turned our attention to meno-attivo work. That went really well. We met with a few of them, and one of them actually came to church, which was rather nice, and it was good that we were able to learn a little bit more about the ward list, and be able to update it.
Then we taught our simpat Issac. He's been having troubles with his housing arrangement, and we felt inspired to talk about the story of Alma and his people in Mosiah 24, I think. We shared that the burdens can be hard, but with faith and prayers, God will deliver us from our burdens. We also left him 3 Nephi chapter 1 to read to share another experience about faith and prayer.
We also went out to Modica, with the Clarks. They had a few potentials they wanted us to meet, and so we went, and we met with Giovanni, and he's one interesting person. He lost his seventeen year old son, and has felt abandoned by God. When he met the Clarks however, he began to feel like God was coming back into his life. We're really going to try to head out there every other week next transfer to teach him.
And that's been our work. I have to say that things have been going really well, actually. We're going to be holding our fireside on missionary work this Sunday, which should help the members and us continue to grow in our working together, and it will help to "hasten the work." I can't wait to see what's going to happen next transfer.
Well, I love you guys, stay cool!
NaNa, Nathan, Nate, Anziano Eads, Easy Eads, whatever else I'm called.
I testify that Jesus is the Christ and our Savior. That He bore upon himself each of our sins, each of our sorrows, our disappointments, our griefs, our emotional, physical and spiritual pains. How He did this I don't know, I just know that He did it. He knows us, individually and loves us individually, no one more than another. He is there to comfort us when we are faint. I am asking my Dad to post this image he shared and a video with the song I Know That My Redeemer Lives. I remember each day that I serve, I grow to love others because He first loved me, and I want others to know of His love. In His love and strength we can do anything. I love serving.
The movie clip below is the resurrected Savior appearing first to Mary Madeleine. With no music. This is my mom's favorite story of the Savior.
The hymn, I Know That My Redeemer lives is my Dad's favorite hymn.
I love this next picture that my Dad shared with me.
"And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine be done.
And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
And being in agony, he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
Luke 22: 41-44
"Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit -- and would that I might not drink the bitter cup and shrink--
Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men."
D&C 19:18-19
Words to the Hymn:
1. I know that my Redeemer lives.
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead.
He lives, my ever-living Head.
He lives to bless me with his love.
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed.
He lives to bless in time of need.
2. He lives to grant me rich supply.
He lives to guide me with his eye.
He lives to comfort me when faint.
He lives to hear my soul's complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears.
He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart.
He lives all blessings to impart.
3. He lives, my kind, wise heav'nly Friend.
He lives and loves me to the end.
He lives, and while he lives, I'll sing.
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.
He lives and grants me daily breath.
He lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives my mansion to prepare.
He lives to bring me safely there.
4. He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
"I know that my Redeemer lives!"
He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
"I know that my Redeemer lives!"
I'm staying in Ragusa another transfer, and with Anziano Calchera. I have not bought my shirts or a new belt (I don't need a new belt!), but I'm probably going to buy myself my Christmas present soon. I lost my USB for a bit one day, and I realized just how much that little thing has on it. I'm going to buy a hard drive to back it all up.
Sorry that you've all been sick this week with something different. Life just hits us with a left sometimes and then who knows what happens! Still, I'm glad that you are all (hopefully) feeling better, and that Gma is as well. I'll probably finish that letter today and get it sent off sometime soon.
Let's see, Zone Conf. was about receiving personal revelation, some things about commitment, and that's really all I can remember. There was one point during the commitment addrestramento (training) where the Assistants called the three biggest kids up to the front. Obviously I was one of them.
Well, we had this other Anziano whose a bit skinny, and they told him to catch us all in a trust fall. Well, he caught the one in the middle, and one assistant caught the other. As for me, I fell and hit my head on the ground, proving once again, I am hard-headed as I didn't even feel it.
The missionaries are always nice and friendly, and cool. I really don't have a preference on who I serve with, just as long as we get along that's all I care about.
Well, we have had a really good week this time around. The Lord answers prayers.
On Monday we had two wonderful lessons with a current investigating couple about the Law of Castità, and it was okay. They looked down a lot of the time, but they do that normally, but I want to see what happens. Also, they did say that their marriage was coming along, but it's going to take some time.
The other lesson was with a potential simpat that became a new investigator this week. She is the girlfriend of one of our members and we've been trying to meet with her for a while. It was fantastic! Anziano Calchera was talking about prophets and she straight up asked: "But where is this guy now? Where is the prophet today?" I love it when people have been prepared by the Lord to hear the message.
We also taught our new converts. With Issac we've been helping him work on his lesson for the Gospel Principles class, which he teaches. He does a good job, he just wants to ask us some questions for clarity. We help him prepare and share a brief spiritual thought.
With Valentina we've been teaching her with her home teachers and this week we taught the commandments. She accepted them without a problem.
We had a scambio this week with Gela, and we turned our attention to meno-attivo work. That went really well. We met with a few of them, and one of them actually came to church, which was rather nice, and it was good that we were able to learn a little bit more about the ward list, and be able to update it.
Then we taught our simpat Issac. He's been having troubles with his housing arrangement, and we felt inspired to talk about the story of Alma and his people in Mosiah 24, I think. We shared that the burdens can be hard, but with faith and prayers, God will deliver us from our burdens. We also left him 3 Nephi chapter 1 to read to share another experience about faith and prayer.
We also went out to Modica, with the Clarks. They had a few potentials they wanted us to meet, and so we went, and we met with Giovanni, and he's one interesting person. He lost his seventeen year old son, and has felt abandoned by God. When he met the Clarks however, he began to feel like God was coming back into his life. We're really going to try to head out there every other week next transfer to teach him.
And that's been our work. I have to say that things have been going really well, actually. We're going to be holding our fireside on missionary work this Sunday, which should help the members and us continue to grow in our working together, and it will help to "hasten the work." I can't wait to see what's going to happen next transfer.
Well, I love you guys, stay cool!
NaNa, Nathan, Nate, Anziano Eads, Easy Eads, whatever else I'm called.
I testify that Jesus is the Christ and our Savior. That He bore upon himself each of our sins, each of our sorrows, our disappointments, our griefs, our emotional, physical and spiritual pains. How He did this I don't know, I just know that He did it. He knows us, individually and loves us individually, no one more than another. He is there to comfort us when we are faint. I am asking my Dad to post this image he shared and a video with the song I Know That My Redeemer Lives. I remember each day that I serve, I grow to love others because He first loved me, and I want others to know of His love. In His love and strength we can do anything. I love serving.
The movie clip below is the resurrected Savior appearing first to Mary Madeleine. With no music. This is my mom's favorite story of the Savior.
The hymn, I Know That My Redeemer lives is my Dad's favorite hymn.
I love this next picture that my Dad shared with me.
"And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine be done.
And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
And being in agony, he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
Luke 22: 41-44
"Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit -- and would that I might not drink the bitter cup and shrink--
Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men."
D&C 19:18-19
Words to the Hymn:
1. I know that my Redeemer lives.
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead.
He lives, my ever-living Head.
He lives to bless me with his love.
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed.
He lives to bless in time of need.
2. He lives to grant me rich supply.
He lives to guide me with his eye.
He lives to comfort me when faint.
He lives to hear my soul's complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears.
He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart.
He lives all blessings to impart.
3. He lives, my kind, wise heav'nly Friend.
He lives and loves me to the end.
He lives, and while he lives, I'll sing.
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.
He lives and grants me daily breath.
He lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives my mansion to prepare.
He lives to bring me safely there.
4. He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
"I know that my Redeemer lives!"
He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
"I know that my Redeemer lives!"
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