Week 58: Thinking of others with the end in mind

This week has been quite busy! On Tuesday we spent most of the day moving the rest of our zone (3 companionships) to new flats, which also happen to be in the same complex as the rest of us. So now our whole zone stays in the same flat complex. It's quite the party. Elder Siale and I also decided to go see how many other church's worship. So late Tuesday night we went and visited a Jehovah Witness service, as well as an African church named Mountain of Deliverance. It was very interesting to see how others worship, even though it was all in Zulu lol.

On Wednesday we had MLC. It's always a great time to gather with other missionaries and President & Sister Leavitt and discuss how we can improve the Lords work.

On Thursday we met with a couple who were a referral from some members. Their names are Lydia and Russell. They are the nicest people ever! Russell had expressed to the member of the church that he had a lot of questions about the church and Book of Mormon. So she gave him a Book of Mormon and sent us to meet with him and his wife. As we talked and got to know each other they expressed to us how they had just recently left the Jehovah's Witness church due to some reasons. He literally told us he has packed up all of his books and pamphlets and is never going back and is now trying to find what he really believes. He began to hammer us with questions about the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, the Word of Wisdom, scriptures in the Bible, the organization of the church, and much more. We had a great discussion with him and his wife about all of these things and for the most part were able to answer all of his questions. The ones we weren't able to answer gave us a reason for a return appointment ;). The hour we spent with them flew by. I wish we could have spent more time with them but we had another appointment. I love sharing this gospel with people. I especially love when people understand what we are sharing and have a strong desire to find out for themselves through prayer if it is true.

On Friday we had the privilege of attending the temple. I love the temple so much. As I sat in the Temple I couldn't help but think about Russell and Lydia, and many other people we are teaching, being in the temple one day themselves. There is so much more to this life than we know. The Lord has so many blessings in store for us and those come from the temple. As I have began thinking of others with the end in mind (the temple) I have seen those I teach and speak too with a different point of view. My love for them and desire for them to receive the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ has increased. I would invite you as well to see your friends, family members, co-workers, and those you meet in a different way. See them entering the temple, dressed in white, receiving all that the Father has in store for them. I can promise you that your love for them and desire to help them receive the restored gospel will increase.

Also this week was General Conference. We were able to watch the first 3 sessions and will watch the final one this Sunday. Since being on a mission I have come to love and appreciate General Conference . There were many talks that really stood out to me. President Uchtdorf's about fellowshipping and loving those who have left their old lives and the things they were comfortable with to come into the true church of Jesus Christ. Also Elder Holland's talk about forgiveness was powerful! I'll just leave it at that.

I know that we are led and guided by a true living prophet today. That was reaffirmed this past weekend. The church is true. May we all do our part in helping others discover that for themselves as well.

Love, Elder Rash