email dated 1/25/10
So one of our current investigators is in the hospital right now-she's been there for a couple of weeks with a strange skin infection. She's been on heavy antibiotics and the doctors are puzzled as to why they weren't working. We visited her again this last Friday night, and gave her a priesthood blessing, and read to her from the Book of Mormon. As we revisited her the next day, she told us that the second we left, she felt 'hot'- she said she couldn't explain the feeling, but that she just felt so warm, like her 'heart was on fire' (her words, not mine) and that she was feeling better. She knew that what we had told her was true, and she had tons of questions about the purpose of life, why we're here, and what happens after we die. She's always been really quiet, but she opened up to us as she felt our love for her and the spirits confirming witness that what we taught her was true. The gift and privilege to hold the priesthood is such a blessing. It's a sacred trust that God has in us to do His work, and he blesses us with His power to do it.
As I was reading in the Book of Mormon this week, I read a familiar passage of scripture that touches my heart more and more as I experience and learn about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It's in 3 Nephi chapter 22. The whole chapter is beautiful, but I particularly love several verses. Verse 7-8 the Lord says, "For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer." Only for a brief moment do we suffer. Only for a brief moment does He let our faith be tried so that we can learn in whom we must trust and strengthen our dependence in Him. The most powerful promise is in verse 10: "For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, (and the valleys shall be lost beneath the sea), but my kindness shall not depart from thee..." I am reminded similar promises made throughout the scriptures ("Though the very jaws of hell gape open after thee, I am with thee..." "Peace, thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment...") He is with us. His kindness will NEVER depart from us. Though for a brief moment, our faith be tried with fire, He will ALWAYS regather us in His infinite mercy, and He is ALWAYS waiting for our return to Him with outstretched arms. He is the gate and passage to our relief, our peace and solace from a troubled and chaotic world, and He stands at the door, waiting for us to open it. If all you had to do was open the door, wouldn't you? He's not leaving! He's not going anywhere, He promised He wouldn't! The mountains shall be removed, and valleys shall be covered by the sea, but He will NEVER leave the door-He waits for you to open it. His kindness will never depart from you.
What a beautiful promise. More than being poetic, it's a true promise. I testify of it's truthfulness. I testify of God's incomprehensible love for His children, insomuch that He gave His only begotten son. How it must have hurt him to watch Christ suffer! How he must have wept at the sight of His rejection and crucifixion; and yet, how He must love us beyond our ability to comprehend. He weeps for our pains and sins, and rejoices in our triumphs. He truly will never forsake us-He will regather us in His compassion, mercy, and love.
The scriptures inspire us-they inspire me everyday to work a little harder, walk a little taller, and testify with even more boldness and faith of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His church to the earth.I hope you are all doing well and I pray for you every day. Don't forget to open the door and let God help you. I promise He won't leave you comfortless.
I love you!
-Elder Shepherd
Friday, January 29, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
MLK Day
email dated 1/19/10
Yesterday was Martin Luther King Jr. day, and as a result, all the libraries were closed and we didn't have a computer to email. Our president gave us permission to do our email today, so I don't have much time, but I'm glad to hear that everyone is doing well and is healthy.
I just love my companion, Elder Beals. We are both pretty young missionaries (This is his 2nd transfer and this is my 3rd), but we are both strong willed and determined to do our best. We grow together, learn from one another, and lift each other up on one of us is down. I have a long time before I can even think of marriage, but I imagine that that's one of the beautiful things about having a 'companion': you have someone to turn to, to share everything with, and to rely on.
I continue to see daily miracles out here. Some days it can be something small, and some days I see very grand miracles. Whatever the case, I'm convinced that our lives are full of miracles and tender mercies that often go unnoticed by us. We don't realize how involved God really is in our personal lives and in many intimate ways. How many times have we prayed after an activity that everyone would go home safely and they did? That's an answer to a prayer, a miracle, even if it is a small thing. I've seen how God has answered my prayers in very big ways too, like my decision to serve a mission, go to college, select a career or friends, etc. That's the wonderful thing about our Heavenly Father, no matter how insignificant our problems our individual struggles may seem, He cares and desires with ALL His heart to bless and help us and see us succeed. How many things has He blessed you with that you didn't even specifically pray or work for? I know I've been richly blessed with so many things that I can't attribute to my own abilities. I have things that I can't merit, things that I don't even deserve, but things that a loving Father in Heaven has bestowed upon His son. Take some time to reflect on the 'tender mercies' of the Lord, and take a good look at what you have. You've been blessed with many things that you can't merit to your own goodness. Does your Father in Heaven not deserve your love or devotion? Will you find the time to pray and thank Him, and go to His church, and serve His other children? We are so blessed, and so loved. Love Him back.I don't have much more time, but I love you all. I wouldn't be spending my time out here in Connecticut if this church wasn't true, and I didn't know it with all my heart.
-Elder Shepherd
Yesterday was Martin Luther King Jr. day, and as a result, all the libraries were closed and we didn't have a computer to email. Our president gave us permission to do our email today, so I don't have much time, but I'm glad to hear that everyone is doing well and is healthy.
I just love my companion, Elder Beals. We are both pretty young missionaries (This is his 2nd transfer and this is my 3rd), but we are both strong willed and determined to do our best. We grow together, learn from one another, and lift each other up on one of us is down. I have a long time before I can even think of marriage, but I imagine that that's one of the beautiful things about having a 'companion': you have someone to turn to, to share everything with, and to rely on.
I continue to see daily miracles out here. Some days it can be something small, and some days I see very grand miracles. Whatever the case, I'm convinced that our lives are full of miracles and tender mercies that often go unnoticed by us. We don't realize how involved God really is in our personal lives and in many intimate ways. How many times have we prayed after an activity that everyone would go home safely and they did? That's an answer to a prayer, a miracle, even if it is a small thing. I've seen how God has answered my prayers in very big ways too, like my decision to serve a mission, go to college, select a career or friends, etc. That's the wonderful thing about our Heavenly Father, no matter how insignificant our problems our individual struggles may seem, He cares and desires with ALL His heart to bless and help us and see us succeed. How many things has He blessed you with that you didn't even specifically pray or work for? I know I've been richly blessed with so many things that I can't attribute to my own abilities. I have things that I can't merit, things that I don't even deserve, but things that a loving Father in Heaven has bestowed upon His son. Take some time to reflect on the 'tender mercies' of the Lord, and take a good look at what you have. You've been blessed with many things that you can't merit to your own goodness. Does your Father in Heaven not deserve your love or devotion? Will you find the time to pray and thank Him, and go to His church, and serve His other children? We are so blessed, and so loved. Love Him back.I don't have much more time, but I love you all. I wouldn't be spending my time out here in Connecticut if this church wasn't true, and I didn't know it with all my heart.
-Elder Shepherd
Monday, January 11, 2010
Tithing+Church=Blessings?
email dated 1/11/10
This week was full of great stuff. I saw a lot of miracles and prayers answered this week.
So I was visiting a woman who has been more or less inactive for the past year. She lost her job and has been selling products for Mary Kay, but she lost her apartment is now living in a 6x7 room in a basement with a mattress on the floor with her 15 year old daughter. She's a single mom, and she literally has nothing. She had a gallon of milk and a carton of eggs, and is living a cramped, cold room with her 15 year old daughter. They have NOTHING. I found myself at a complete loss for words. I didn't know what to say to her-I didn't know what kind of help I could offer her. Then I felt a powerful prompting that I couldn't deny. It was telling me to promise her that if she would come to church every Sunday and pay her tithing that the Lord would improve her circumstances, insomuch that she would have a place to live and food to feed her and her daughter. The temptation to keep my mouth shut was great, but I couldn't quench the spirit. I boldly promised her that if she would come to church and pay her tithing that she would have a place to live and food to feed herself and her daughter. The confirming witness of the spirit was intense as the spirit flooded the room and brought tears to her eyes. I know at least one persons conversion was challenged and strengthened by that experience-it was mine. After that appointment, I thought to myself how bold what I said was, and, in a way, challenged my own faith in the promise I had given her. My faith in the law of tithing and of regular sabbath day observance were both challenged. I was grateful for the times in my life when I had seen the blessings of paying my tithing and attending church, and I was able to recall these past miracles to my mind. Then the spirit confirmed again to me that I did indeed have faith in these things, and that by following the prompting I received and by being bold, my faith was strengthened, and my testimony made firm.
It is in the trial of our faith that we are made strong. It is only when faith is tried do we become firm and steadfast in what we believe. It is only in the trial of our faith can we truly exhibit faith. When your faith is tried, beware the temptation to back down when the pressure mounts. If it was right when you prayed about it and had a testimony of it and lived it, it is still right now. It hasn't changed. Beware the temptation to back down from a good thing, just because it gets hard or you have doubts. It isn't until you take a step into the dark and take a couple hits that your faith becomes strong and is confirmed by the spirit. Give God the time He needs to mold you into the person you need to be. Let it be according to His timetable, and His plans. Don't waste your life asking 'WHY? why me? why this? why now?' - rather, ask Him 'WHAT do you want me to do? HOW do you want me to do it?'. I am convinced that as we approach life's difficulties with a 'what' and 'how' attitude rather than a 'why' mentality, we will see our dreams fulfilled, our goals achieved, and our grand potential more fully realized.
Just do what it is right, and stop fighting the Lord and His path. He knows whats best for you better than you do.I love you all so much. I am learning and growing so much through my trials and experiences. I thank God for my many blessings and for the wonderful life He has blessed me with. It's certainly not because I deserve it, or merit such love and blessings, but because I am His son, and He loves me in a way that I can't possibly understand.
Take care! Don't forget what your knees are really for...
-Elder Shepherd
This week was full of great stuff. I saw a lot of miracles and prayers answered this week.
So I was visiting a woman who has been more or less inactive for the past year. She lost her job and has been selling products for Mary Kay, but she lost her apartment is now living in a 6x7 room in a basement with a mattress on the floor with her 15 year old daughter. She's a single mom, and she literally has nothing. She had a gallon of milk and a carton of eggs, and is living a cramped, cold room with her 15 year old daughter. They have NOTHING. I found myself at a complete loss for words. I didn't know what to say to her-I didn't know what kind of help I could offer her. Then I felt a powerful prompting that I couldn't deny. It was telling me to promise her that if she would come to church every Sunday and pay her tithing that the Lord would improve her circumstances, insomuch that she would have a place to live and food to feed her and her daughter. The temptation to keep my mouth shut was great, but I couldn't quench the spirit. I boldly promised her that if she would come to church and pay her tithing that she would have a place to live and food to feed herself and her daughter. The confirming witness of the spirit was intense as the spirit flooded the room and brought tears to her eyes. I know at least one persons conversion was challenged and strengthened by that experience-it was mine. After that appointment, I thought to myself how bold what I said was, and, in a way, challenged my own faith in the promise I had given her. My faith in the law of tithing and of regular sabbath day observance were both challenged. I was grateful for the times in my life when I had seen the blessings of paying my tithing and attending church, and I was able to recall these past miracles to my mind. Then the spirit confirmed again to me that I did indeed have faith in these things, and that by following the prompting I received and by being bold, my faith was strengthened, and my testimony made firm.
It is in the trial of our faith that we are made strong. It is only when faith is tried do we become firm and steadfast in what we believe. It is only in the trial of our faith can we truly exhibit faith. When your faith is tried, beware the temptation to back down when the pressure mounts. If it was right when you prayed about it and had a testimony of it and lived it, it is still right now. It hasn't changed. Beware the temptation to back down from a good thing, just because it gets hard or you have doubts. It isn't until you take a step into the dark and take a couple hits that your faith becomes strong and is confirmed by the spirit. Give God the time He needs to mold you into the person you need to be. Let it be according to His timetable, and His plans. Don't waste your life asking 'WHY? why me? why this? why now?' - rather, ask Him 'WHAT do you want me to do? HOW do you want me to do it?'. I am convinced that as we approach life's difficulties with a 'what' and 'how' attitude rather than a 'why' mentality, we will see our dreams fulfilled, our goals achieved, and our grand potential more fully realized.
Just do what it is right, and stop fighting the Lord and His path. He knows whats best for you better than you do.I love you all so much. I am learning and growing so much through my trials and experiences. I thank God for my many blessings and for the wonderful life He has blessed me with. It's certainly not because I deserve it, or merit such love and blessings, but because I am His son, and He loves me in a way that I can't possibly understand.
Take care! Don't forget what your knees are really for...
-Elder Shepherd
Monday, January 4, 2010
2010
email dated 1/4/10
So this week, someone who I spoke to on the street was deathly afraid that December 21st, 2012, was going to be the end of the world, and they wanted to know how to prepare for it. We've gotten that a lot lately-have any of you seen the movie "2012"? We've gotten questions about it, but we're not allowed to watch it. I know that we're in the 'last days', but I also know that "no man knoweth the hour in which the son of man will appear..." And so I can't really safely assume anything when it comes to the end of the world, just that it's coming, and we need to prepare every single day of our lives. It was pretty random, but I guess it got her thinking about her life and some of the changes she needs to make. That's fine with me.
It's 2010, and I think that's crazy! It seems like every letter I write talks about how fast time flies by, but that's just because it really flies by.
My new companion, Elder Beals, is super cool. He plays Guitar and Harmonica at the same time-he was telling me how he played "1 year 6 months ago" by yellowcard on guitar, and the violin part on his harmonica. I hereby challenge Andy to figure that one out. You can do it!
I'm learning that missionary work, if it's done right, involves a lot of heartbreak. I understand now a little more what the Sons of Mosiah meant when they said that they couldn't bear to see their brethren perish in unbelief, and when they saw the iniquities of their brethren, it actually caused the Sons of Mosiah pain in the hearts. I yearn for those whom I serve every day that they will open their hearts and do what they know is right. Fear plays a crippling role in every aspect of our life. Fear will destroy faith, families, and opportunity. Fear is the weapon of the adversary, and the poison to our hopes, dreams, and happiness. There is much to fear, but we must not be afraid-we must have faith. Faith will overpower fear. Faith cannot coexist with fear. Where there is fear and doubt, faith cannot take hold to shape our thoughts into actions, and our actions into our destiny. Faith is the principle of power and action that leads us through the darkest of times. Do what you know is right and be not afraid. Have the faith to stand up for what you believe in.
I'm running out of time to type right now, so I'll have to sign off once again. I love you all! Keep the faith!
-Elder Shepherd
So this week, someone who I spoke to on the street was deathly afraid that December 21st, 2012, was going to be the end of the world, and they wanted to know how to prepare for it. We've gotten that a lot lately-have any of you seen the movie "2012"? We've gotten questions about it, but we're not allowed to watch it. I know that we're in the 'last days', but I also know that "no man knoweth the hour in which the son of man will appear..." And so I can't really safely assume anything when it comes to the end of the world, just that it's coming, and we need to prepare every single day of our lives. It was pretty random, but I guess it got her thinking about her life and some of the changes she needs to make. That's fine with me.
It's 2010, and I think that's crazy! It seems like every letter I write talks about how fast time flies by, but that's just because it really flies by.
My new companion, Elder Beals, is super cool. He plays Guitar and Harmonica at the same time-he was telling me how he played "1 year 6 months ago" by yellowcard on guitar, and the violin part on his harmonica. I hereby challenge Andy to figure that one out. You can do it!
I'm learning that missionary work, if it's done right, involves a lot of heartbreak. I understand now a little more what the Sons of Mosiah meant when they said that they couldn't bear to see their brethren perish in unbelief, and when they saw the iniquities of their brethren, it actually caused the Sons of Mosiah pain in the hearts. I yearn for those whom I serve every day that they will open their hearts and do what they know is right. Fear plays a crippling role in every aspect of our life. Fear will destroy faith, families, and opportunity. Fear is the weapon of the adversary, and the poison to our hopes, dreams, and happiness. There is much to fear, but we must not be afraid-we must have faith. Faith will overpower fear. Faith cannot coexist with fear. Where there is fear and doubt, faith cannot take hold to shape our thoughts into actions, and our actions into our destiny. Faith is the principle of power and action that leads us through the darkest of times. Do what you know is right and be not afraid. Have the faith to stand up for what you believe in.
I'm running out of time to type right now, so I'll have to sign off once again. I love you all! Keep the faith!
-Elder Shepherd
A New Year
email dated 12/28/09
We're approaching the year 2010! That's a really big number. It's so hard to believe how fast time flies by. I'll have been a missionary for 5 months in 1 week. 2 of those months feel like they don't even count, because I was in the MTC. but I feel as if I've only been here in Connecticut for a week at most.
I get my new companion tomorrow! His name is Elder Biels. He came out the transfer (1 transfer is 6 weeks) after me. What that means is that this will be my 3rd transfer, and his 2nd. Neither of us can speak Spanish very well, so it will be very interesting, but it will be quite an experience. I've already gotten to talk with Elder Biels and get to know him, and I think that I'm going to have a great time with him. He's a hard worker, so all will be well.
I spent the whole morning today cleaning our apartment-it felt really nice to finally be able to relax in an apartment that is clean and doesn't smell like a butt. Living with 4 guys is gross. I just thought I'd throw that out there.
Christmas was a fantastic-I had a breakfast appointment at 10, brunch and 12, dinner at 3, and then another dinner at 6. I'm definitely gaining weight. I was shocked to find out that I'm now the fattest boy in the family, weighing in at 185-190 pounds. I only weighed 165-170 when I entered the MTC... The members here in New Haven keep us very well fed, so I guess I shouldn't complain. The other 2 Elders who I live with have both gained 35-40 pounds so far, and they've both been out for just over a year. What a tough life...
Getting back to Christmas, it was really great. We were really busy all week long, and we were able to get a lot of work done despite the awkward 'threesome' that we were stuck into. I'm excited to have my own companion again and to get back to full-time Spanish work.
Goal-setting is a really big part of missionary work, an important life skill, and it's something that I've come to grow very fond of. L. Tom Perry said that we don't frequently set challenging goals, push ourselves, and re-evaluate and reset our goals, than we'll reach a ripe old age only to realize that we achieved but a fraction of our potential. I'm thoroughly convinced that setting personal goals to better our habits, behaviors, and characters will help us live happier, more successful lives. We will see strengths in areas where we were once weak, and we will tap into potential that we might not have even known that we had. As we approach the New Year and everyone is setting "New Years Resolutions", take some time to ponder about this last year. Think about ways in which you grew, challenges that made you stretch and adapt, and valuable lessons that you learned for the future. Set some goals on what you want to do this year, things you want to accomplish, and the person you want to be by 2011. Find the little things that you can do each day to achieve your great aspirations.
Goal setting sounds dumb sometimes. I know that I thought that it was dumb and boring before I came out on a mission. Now I look back to see a lot of missed opportunity and potential in my youth. The only thing for us to do is look to the future, with a bright faith and hope.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and that you will set your goals for this new year through prayer and careful consideration.
I love you all,
-Elder Shepherd
We're approaching the year 2010! That's a really big number. It's so hard to believe how fast time flies by. I'll have been a missionary for 5 months in 1 week. 2 of those months feel like they don't even count, because I was in the MTC. but I feel as if I've only been here in Connecticut for a week at most.
I get my new companion tomorrow! His name is Elder Biels. He came out the transfer (1 transfer is 6 weeks) after me. What that means is that this will be my 3rd transfer, and his 2nd. Neither of us can speak Spanish very well, so it will be very interesting, but it will be quite an experience. I've already gotten to talk with Elder Biels and get to know him, and I think that I'm going to have a great time with him. He's a hard worker, so all will be well.
I spent the whole morning today cleaning our apartment-it felt really nice to finally be able to relax in an apartment that is clean and doesn't smell like a butt. Living with 4 guys is gross. I just thought I'd throw that out there.
Christmas was a fantastic-I had a breakfast appointment at 10, brunch and 12, dinner at 3, and then another dinner at 6. I'm definitely gaining weight. I was shocked to find out that I'm now the fattest boy in the family, weighing in at 185-190 pounds. I only weighed 165-170 when I entered the MTC... The members here in New Haven keep us very well fed, so I guess I shouldn't complain. The other 2 Elders who I live with have both gained 35-40 pounds so far, and they've both been out for just over a year. What a tough life...
Getting back to Christmas, it was really great. We were really busy all week long, and we were able to get a lot of work done despite the awkward 'threesome' that we were stuck into. I'm excited to have my own companion again and to get back to full-time Spanish work.
Goal-setting is a really big part of missionary work, an important life skill, and it's something that I've come to grow very fond of. L. Tom Perry said that we don't frequently set challenging goals, push ourselves, and re-evaluate and reset our goals, than we'll reach a ripe old age only to realize that we achieved but a fraction of our potential. I'm thoroughly convinced that setting personal goals to better our habits, behaviors, and characters will help us live happier, more successful lives. We will see strengths in areas where we were once weak, and we will tap into potential that we might not have even known that we had. As we approach the New Year and everyone is setting "New Years Resolutions", take some time to ponder about this last year. Think about ways in which you grew, challenges that made you stretch and adapt, and valuable lessons that you learned for the future. Set some goals on what you want to do this year, things you want to accomplish, and the person you want to be by 2011. Find the little things that you can do each day to achieve your great aspirations.
Goal setting sounds dumb sometimes. I know that I thought that it was dumb and boring before I came out on a mission. Now I look back to see a lot of missed opportunity and potential in my youth. The only thing for us to do is look to the future, with a bright faith and hope.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and that you will set your goals for this new year through prayer and careful consideration.
I love you all,
-Elder Shepherd
Christmas Time is here!
email dated 12/21/09
Well, I just said goodbye to my companion, Elder Pawlak. He left for the mission home in Bloomfield, CT about an hour ago, and his flight leaves tomorrow morning at 4AM for Arizona, where he’ll be for about a week before he starts schooling and football practice at BYU in January. It feels really strange to see a companion go home. It's even more strange to have a companion leave and then not get a new one for a week. I'm in a threesome with the 2 English elders here in New Haven for a week. This will be interesting. We will be getting 5 new Spanish speaking missionaries on December 29th, and we had 12 leave today. We're really short on Spanish missionaries-I sure hope I don't have to train a new missionary this transfer. I can barely scrape by with my own Spanish.
This last week was really different, because my companion was gone for 3 days of it. He spent 1 day at the Boston Temple, 1 day on exchanges, and yesterday he had to pack all day, so I split with an English missionary to do work. I have loved living in a 'foursome' (2 companionships in the same apartment). It's so exciting!
It snowed hardcore yesterday, and almost no one came to church. There was only 3 or 4 Spanish people there, and then there were only 15 or so English members. It made for an interesting day.
It really doesn't feel like Christmas is already here. For a missionary, stuff doesn't change too much for us at this time of year. We keep on working, proselyting and tracting, teaching investigators and members, etc. The temperature isn't too bad, but the humidity in the air coupled with a 30 degree wind chill makes everything much colder. It doesn't matter how you bundle up, the wind and humidity cut right through every layer you have on.
I love life as a missionary! This is going to be a really special Christmas for me. I get to spend all my time serving others. I don't have to worry about myself at all, but I get to make others happy. Yesterday, a couple of people from the ward, along with Elder Janssen and I, went caroling at an 'old folks' home for Spanish people. I was the only Spanish speaker there, so I got to be the translator. It was lots of fun, and I got to talk to some really neat people. We're gonna go back there on Christmas to spend some time with them.
Don't forget what the reason for the season really is. Have fun with all the usual Christmas traditions, games, and celebrations, but take the time to remember your Savior and what He did for you. Reflect on His suffering, His infinite atonement, that encircles us in the 'arms of mercy' (Alma 34). The Savior said, "He who loses his life for my sake will find it..." The only true and lasting happiness we experience is in serving others, which love is most often experienced within families. Happiness doesn't come from self-gratification, but in those closest to you, those around you. Tell them that you love them, and do something nice for them. Always remember what is most important.
I love you all, and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
-Elder Shepherd
Well, I just said goodbye to my companion, Elder Pawlak. He left for the mission home in Bloomfield, CT about an hour ago, and his flight leaves tomorrow morning at 4AM for Arizona, where he’ll be for about a week before he starts schooling and football practice at BYU in January. It feels really strange to see a companion go home. It's even more strange to have a companion leave and then not get a new one for a week. I'm in a threesome with the 2 English elders here in New Haven for a week. This will be interesting. We will be getting 5 new Spanish speaking missionaries on December 29th, and we had 12 leave today. We're really short on Spanish missionaries-I sure hope I don't have to train a new missionary this transfer. I can barely scrape by with my own Spanish.
This last week was really different, because my companion was gone for 3 days of it. He spent 1 day at the Boston Temple, 1 day on exchanges, and yesterday he had to pack all day, so I split with an English missionary to do work. I have loved living in a 'foursome' (2 companionships in the same apartment). It's so exciting!
It snowed hardcore yesterday, and almost no one came to church. There was only 3 or 4 Spanish people there, and then there were only 15 or so English members. It made for an interesting day.
It really doesn't feel like Christmas is already here. For a missionary, stuff doesn't change too much for us at this time of year. We keep on working, proselyting and tracting, teaching investigators and members, etc. The temperature isn't too bad, but the humidity in the air coupled with a 30 degree wind chill makes everything much colder. It doesn't matter how you bundle up, the wind and humidity cut right through every layer you have on.
I love life as a missionary! This is going to be a really special Christmas for me. I get to spend all my time serving others. I don't have to worry about myself at all, but I get to make others happy. Yesterday, a couple of people from the ward, along with Elder Janssen and I, went caroling at an 'old folks' home for Spanish people. I was the only Spanish speaker there, so I got to be the translator. It was lots of fun, and I got to talk to some really neat people. We're gonna go back there on Christmas to spend some time with them.
Don't forget what the reason for the season really is. Have fun with all the usual Christmas traditions, games, and celebrations, but take the time to remember your Savior and what He did for you. Reflect on His suffering, His infinite atonement, that encircles us in the 'arms of mercy' (Alma 34). The Savior said, "He who loses his life for my sake will find it..." The only true and lasting happiness we experience is in serving others, which love is most often experienced within families. Happiness doesn't come from self-gratification, but in those closest to you, those around you. Tell them that you love them, and do something nice for them. Always remember what is most important.
I love you all, and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
-Elder Shepherd
Preaching in the pouring rain
email dated 12/14/09
The work is going super well! We had a ton of Less-actives at church again this Sunday, and we're watching as the Spanish members are beginning to come together as a whole and help each other learn and progress. It's a really cool thing to see. When I first got here, we only had 3 or 4 Spanish members who came to church every week (besides our investigators). Yesterday we had 20 (again, not including our investigators)! I can hardly believe the miracles that are happening all around me. The Lord really does work through His servants to accomplish works and wonders.
This is my companions last week in the mission field (he flies home December 22nd). He's trying super hard not to be trunky and talk about going home for Christmas all the time, but he does anyway. I can't blame him. He's going home to play linebacker for BYU football. I can't wait to see him on ESPN! "That's my companion! woo!"
It got cold really fast this week. It went from being in the 50's a week ago, to having a brutal storm last weekend, and this whole week has now been in the 20's and low 30's.
Awesome experience from last night: Ok, so last night around 8PM we were checking out our weekly goals, and noticed that we were going to either meet or exceed all of our goals except for 2: we needed to place 2 more copies of the Book of Mormon and challenge 3 more people to baptism. My companion said to me "Well Elder, we got really close. It was a good week." I said back to him,"No! We're not done yet! We're gonna walk down this street, and we're gonna place 2 copies of the Book of Mormon, and challenge 3 people to be baptized in the next 20 minutes!" My companion retorted,"It's 8PM at night, it's 35 degrees out, it's raining, it's windy, and there is NO ONE in sight!". I persisted, "The Lord will place people on this street in the next 20 minutes who have been waiting to hear from us. I know He will." So, reluctantly, my companion followed me down the street in the pouring rain... and then a miracle occurred. All of the sudden, a couple came out of nowhere, and we challenged them both to be baptized and gave them a Book of Mormon. Then another young lady appeared, and we gave her a Book of Mormon and challenged her to be baptized as well. 20 minutes later, we had completed all of our weekly goals, and both of our testimonies had been strengthened. It was amazing how the Lord placed people right in our path who were waiting to hear from us. The Lord answers our prayers, and grants unto us the righteous desires of our hearts. I have a sure testimony of that.
The Lord saw it fit to try my faith even in the most adverse of weather conditions. I have a testimony of "preaching in the pouring rain". No matter the circumstance in our life, we must remember that God has a plan for us, that He loves us, and that we are where we are for a reason. Perhaps you need to learn to pick yourself up when you fall, or perhaps you need to have your faith tried in a particular way so you can be strengthened, or perhaps you need to lift the heavy heart of another... Whatever the case, God blesses those who are faithful enough to 'preach, even in the pouring rain'.
I challenge all of you to find those opportunities in your everyday lives, and thank God for each and every one of them. Persevere when the going gets tough, and when you reach the point where you feel that you can't take one more step, that's the point when God will try you the most, and when you're only just beginning to realize your potential. Have the faith to do what you need to do and do what's right and 'preach, even in the pouring rain'.
Well, that's my special message for the week.
I love you all, and I pray that you're having a wonderful Christmas season! God bless!
-Elder Shepherd
The work is going super well! We had a ton of Less-actives at church again this Sunday, and we're watching as the Spanish members are beginning to come together as a whole and help each other learn and progress. It's a really cool thing to see. When I first got here, we only had 3 or 4 Spanish members who came to church every week (besides our investigators). Yesterday we had 20 (again, not including our investigators)! I can hardly believe the miracles that are happening all around me. The Lord really does work through His servants to accomplish works and wonders.
This is my companions last week in the mission field (he flies home December 22nd). He's trying super hard not to be trunky and talk about going home for Christmas all the time, but he does anyway. I can't blame him. He's going home to play linebacker for BYU football. I can't wait to see him on ESPN! "That's my companion! woo!"
It got cold really fast this week. It went from being in the 50's a week ago, to having a brutal storm last weekend, and this whole week has now been in the 20's and low 30's.
Awesome experience from last night: Ok, so last night around 8PM we were checking out our weekly goals, and noticed that we were going to either meet or exceed all of our goals except for 2: we needed to place 2 more copies of the Book of Mormon and challenge 3 more people to baptism. My companion said to me "Well Elder, we got really close. It was a good week." I said back to him,"No! We're not done yet! We're gonna walk down this street, and we're gonna place 2 copies of the Book of Mormon, and challenge 3 people to be baptized in the next 20 minutes!" My companion retorted,"It's 8PM at night, it's 35 degrees out, it's raining, it's windy, and there is NO ONE in sight!". I persisted, "The Lord will place people on this street in the next 20 minutes who have been waiting to hear from us. I know He will." So, reluctantly, my companion followed me down the street in the pouring rain... and then a miracle occurred. All of the sudden, a couple came out of nowhere, and we challenged them both to be baptized and gave them a Book of Mormon. Then another young lady appeared, and we gave her a Book of Mormon and challenged her to be baptized as well. 20 minutes later, we had completed all of our weekly goals, and both of our testimonies had been strengthened. It was amazing how the Lord placed people right in our path who were waiting to hear from us. The Lord answers our prayers, and grants unto us the righteous desires of our hearts. I have a sure testimony of that.
The Lord saw it fit to try my faith even in the most adverse of weather conditions. I have a testimony of "preaching in the pouring rain". No matter the circumstance in our life, we must remember that God has a plan for us, that He loves us, and that we are where we are for a reason. Perhaps you need to learn to pick yourself up when you fall, or perhaps you need to have your faith tried in a particular way so you can be strengthened, or perhaps you need to lift the heavy heart of another... Whatever the case, God blesses those who are faithful enough to 'preach, even in the pouring rain'.
I challenge all of you to find those opportunities in your everyday lives, and thank God for each and every one of them. Persevere when the going gets tough, and when you reach the point where you feel that you can't take one more step, that's the point when God will try you the most, and when you're only just beginning to realize your potential. Have the faith to do what you need to do and do what's right and 'preach, even in the pouring rain'.
Well, that's my special message for the week.
I love you all, and I pray that you're having a wonderful Christmas season! God bless!
-Elder Shepherd
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