email 8/16/10
This week was a tough one, but the joy I had and growth I saw was profound. I still wasn't up to full speed at the beginning of the week. and I was using a cane for a couple of days so that I could finally get out of the house and do some work. It was hard not being able to run full speed ahead like I'm so used to, but through perseverance we still accomplished a lot this week.
The puerto rican population of Providence, Rhode Island went nuts this week celebrating what seemed like their equivalent to the 4th of July, except that their country isn't truly independent. There were puerto rican flags everywhere; in the windows of houses and stores, flags off of cars and covering the hoods of some, even some bikes proudly bore the puerto rican banner. It made working kind of difficult, because everyone was partying all weekend, and a good deal of the population was perpetually drunk, which led to lots of crime and less than ideal proselyting. We just had to be extra careful where went walking and to avoid large gatherings of partying hispanics. I did get a free "I love Puerto Rico!" hat, though, so that was pretty cool.
George Hernandez was baptized yesterday! WOO!! George is such a cool kid, and his excitement was absolutely contagious. His mother hasn't been to church in 4 years, but George's example has brought her and her sister back, as well as opened lots of doors for future teaching with his father, friends, and their respective families. 12 year-old George is a perfect example of what standing up for what you believe in and being an example to those around you can really do. Way to go George!
A man that I interviewed for baptism was baptized on Saturday. I felt really blessed to be able to have been at Jim's baptismal service. He married a member of the church 25 years ago but never investigated the church. His wife, Teri, was less-active in the church at the time, but after a couple years of marriage got mack into full fellowship with the church. Ever since then, she has been a loving example to her husband. Jim's baptism on Saturday was the culmination of 20 years of prayers offered by friends and family, 1 year of meeting with the full-time missionaries twice a week, and the faithful perseverance and love of his wife. We learn a lot about example and standing up for what you believe in this story as well, but even more than that, we learn this principle: Never, never, never give up! Keep loving them! It's not through indoctrination or well thought out arguments and standpoints that we are converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We all must experience a spiritual conversion, which comes through very simple steps. Wherever we may be in our own lives and no matter how much we think we know, all of us must rely on faith in the end. God does answer prayers, and anyone who exercises faith and asks with a sincere heart and real intent will receive an answer that the Book of Mormon is true. This spiritual witness cannot be received through lessons, counterpoint, nor doctrinal knowledge, nor can it be duplicated or faked. This witness is real, and it is received through spiritual communication.
We have nothing to be defensive about, nor do we have reason to fear. God has given us all the tools necessary to develop spiritually and experience a true change of heart that will see you through even the darkest of days and the most penetrating of doubts and denial. IF ever you have any doubt, the answer is as simple as "casting your mind upon the night that you cried unto [God] in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things. [Does He] not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?" (D&C 6:22-23)
I boldly testify that God does hear and answer prayers, and that even though we wade through tribulation and suffer and are subject to doubt and despair that "whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.And I would not that ye think that I know of myself—not of the temporal but of the spiritual, not of the carnal mind but of God." (Alma 36:3) Like the Apostle Paul, we can "be troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [we can be] perplexed, but not in despair. Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed". (2 Cor. 4:8-9) God does love you, and no matter what you go through do not doubt that. He will support you, and He will strengthen you in your weakness. I am a living and testifying example of such a promise.
I love you, and I'm grateful for your prayers offered in my behalf. They truly do bolster me up when the going get's tough.
Much love from your favorite elder,
-Elder Shepherd
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