October 8, 2012

Missionary Slim finds a Golden Contact (Week 35 in Pennsylvania, Week 17 in Pittsburgh, PA)

Whew. Where to start. I think I'd better start at the end, and go backwards.
General Conference. Wow. Wasn't that great? If you didn't get the chance to watch it, make sure you do. Digest it in some way, whether it be though the text, audio, or video. It really was excellent, and answered many of my questions.
I suppose one thing that would be best to cover right away is my thoughts on the new policy change for missionaries. I can tell you, when me, and the 9 other missionaries sitting around me heard the announcement, we were cheering (as reverently as we could in the chapel). We all knew and could feel the truth, and the implications, of the announcement. What implications?
Well, for one, it means that very soon (within 6 months) the missionary force in the world will double. Think about it. Twice as many missionaries sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Think about what this means for the world. Crazy cool things are going to happen.
Secondly, it means that going on a mission is much more of a choice, for both Elders and Sisters. I've known sisters who were half-planning on going on a mission. "If I don't get engaged when I'm 21," they think, "then I'll serve a mission." But now, sisters have the opportunity to choose to go on a mission much sooner. This also means that those who already were choosing to go on a mission when they turn 21 have the ability to go much sooner. I know there are many of you who are reading my words right now who fall into that category. I would love to hear from those of you who are now putting in your papers, or will be putting in your papers soon. Let me know where you get your mission call to. As always, I can be reached at the mailing addresses to the right. I'll be sure to reply quickly.
Finally, it means that missionaries have to be preparing much sooner to go on a mission. You can no longer wait until right before you go to say "Oh, I'd better get a testimony." As Elder Holland said, we have to get a testimony, and then stick with it.  Halving half a conviction will get us nowhere. We need to know the truth, and we cannot afford to know it any later than now. (Note of interest: Elder Holland gave a talk in the MTC 20 months ago about the very same topic. In fact, that same talk has been distributed to missionaries in our mission via DVD. I have one. I knew what he was going to say before he said it, except he said it more forcefully in the MTC devotional. Kinda cool.)
Something I noticed from conference were how many times the speakers said "My testimony is my greatest possession." What a cheesy thing to say. (It makes me think of the line in the Sons of Provo song where they say "My testimony will keep me warm at night.") But it's true. Nothing will protect us more in the places that need protection the most than our testimony. Remember, in the whole armor of God, our loins are gird about with truth, which I take to mean our testimony of the truth. And I don't know about you, but it seems to me that it is a vital protection to have. Paul didn't choose to liken our testimony to our loin protection for no reason.
Brenda came to conference, and she loved it. She came to the very last session of conference, (was super confused about Elder Scott's talk about family history and temple ordinances - it went way over her head) and had a ton of questions at the end. Throughout the course of our conversation, we boldly told her to give up all of the false things in her life. Namely, her church. (Again, her church does much good, and credit should be given where credit is due. Regardless, however, it is false) She actually took it rather well, and basically agreed, even supported, what we were saying. She is so much closer to baptism, but even more importantly, she is closer to full activity in the church which will lead her to temple covenants and blessings. :D
We were walking down the street on Tuesday. We had just left our apartment and were looking for someone to teach. A woman came right at us, stopped us and said, "Who are you guys?" We introduced ourselves. "I thought so. I need someone to pray with." She told us about some of the hardships of her life, being a single mother. As we talk, conversation drifted to her eight year old daughter. She told us this girl had some of the most incredible spiritual experiences. She basically explained that her daughter already understood and taught her mom the principles of the three degrees of glory, pre-mortality, what the spirit felt like, and baptism. In fact, (get this) when the girl turned 8, she told her mom "I'm ready to be baptized now." Wow. We had to teach this family.
We have yet to actually sit down and teach them, but we did stop by. The mom was absolutely thrilled to see us, and told her daughter "See, these are the missionaries that are going to teach us." We actually gave them cookies that a member had baked for us, which they really enjoyed. Other than a bright glow in her eyes, this little girl is just like any other little girl. But I have no doubt that the Restored Gospel will ring true to her and her mom as it does to everyone else who opens their hearts. (Oh, by the way. Today I was reading Mosiah 9 through 15 ish. Notice how many times it mentions the heart in those chapters. Yes, I will bake cookies for whoever does this.)
I'll finish with a pretty hard topic. Death. I talk about this because the gentleman who we blessed last week died that night. The family called us and invited us to the funeral. It was very Catholic, but there was still a very special spirit there. A spirit of peace. The father continually mentioned the fact of the immortality of the soul and the reality of the resurrection. This brought my mind back to a good friend of mine who passed away this summer. I received word of it and was completely stunned. Not only did I realize that I now had a good friend who was living in the spirit world (a cool prospect), but also that life is very fragile. He was only 19 - he even had his mission call. It was heartbreaking, and I wish to offer my condolences to the family and friends. But I also want to testify of the truthfulness of the doctrine which that Catholic priest taught. We will rise again. This life is only the beginning, the preparation. Eternal life is real, and through Christ, we will all be made alive again. I know it is true. And I love that truth.

Have a wonderful week, all!
Love,
Elder Alex Anderson, AKA Missionary Slim

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