General Epistle the Second

August 12, 2013

 

Hello, y'all!

I missed my new niece being born last night. She looks wonderful from the pics that were sent to me today. I can't wait to meet her in 22 months.

The weeks fly by out here. I realized that my second transfer is almost up, which means I may be going to a new area soon. It got me thinking about whether I feel I'm being effective or not. I don't think I am being as effective as I hoped I would be. I'm trying to reapply myself to the work and not focus so much on other things. The missionary handbook says that I'm expected to leave behind all other personal affairs and focus on the work of the Lord. I woke up this morning with a determination to do just that. My morning workout was the best I've had in the field. Today has not been very stressful (although it is P-day). I'm looking ahead and trying to focus on how I want to feel after this is all over. I want to fell like I did my part to help build the kingdom, and that the Lord will accept my offering.

We had an investigator text us this last week and let us know he finally started the Book of Mormon. He was in Jacob by the time we met with him two days later. He is just cruising through it. Plus he just found out that his wife is pregnant. Time to teach the Plan of Salvation. =)

I'll admit that I'm not a fan of tracting. In fact, I would rather sit at the apartment and feel useless than go out and tract. That is a real problem. I'm trying to learn to at least tolerate it. I have a desire to love and know the people here in Katy. I can't get a real feel for them unless I try to meet them. Even in the stores and in public I have been afraid to open my mouth.

President Pingree can to our stake conference here in Katy just yesterday. He spoke to the members about opening their mouths to spread the word. He read the promise that our mouths would be filled. He also talked about blessings that come from opening out mouths. He explained that the promises weren't to those who opened their mouths and had success, but to everyone who at least tried by opening their mouths. So I encourage everyone back home to open their mouths. Don't be afraid. I'm overcoming my fear of it, and you can, too. The Lord will bless regardless of whether the person accepts or declines. And you never but that you might be the means of bringing salvation to somebody just by asking them if they are interested.

I hope all is moving forward in that corner of the vineyard. Please help the missionaries any way you can. Invite friends, coworkers, neighbors, and even strangers to hear the word of God. Everyone needs to hear it. Please set up to have the missionaries come to your homes and teach, or to give them rides as they need, or to approach them at church and just become their friends. Treat the elders and sisters there as though they were your own daughters and sons serving far away. They want to feel loved and want to know the members. They want to teach.

If you haven't yet, please take time to check out Hastening the Work on LDS.org. It has great ideas and training for members and leaders on how to best use the missionaries and bring people into the church. We need now more than ever every member involved in the work -- not just on Sundays, but everyday. Do what you can, please.

Well, I've been long-winded enough. I hope Heavenly Father will bless that portion of His vineyard with success and the Spirit.

Have a wonderful summer, y'all.

Elder Murdock

General Epistle the First

Aug 5, 2013

 

Hi everybody!

Life out here in Houston is just what you would think: hot and humid. I've never liked being sticky, and out here I'm sticky every time I step outside. It's not as bad I thought it would be, though. In fact, this summer has been pretty dry thus far. Maybe we'll get a hurricane this season to shake things up and get some moisture.

What do missionaries generally write about in these things? I guess I could talk about the experiences I'm having.

It seems like there are miracles every day, though most of them are small. It might be like the one today, when we met a member who has not been to church since 1991. He saw us as we came out of the medical towers and we talked to him for a moment. We got his address and will send the missionaries to go rescue him.

Another miracle that happened recently was that a long-time investigator who does not like to impose on people actually asked us to help him with his garage. It was good to know that we've gained his trust and that he is slowly progressing. He is basically a dry Mormon, so we hope to baptize him soon.

The Lord uses various means to bring about him purposes. Sometimes it's small. Sometimes it's us giving a compliment, smiling at a person, or inviting someone to hang out. It may be a small gesture of kindness, but that's how miracles happen. There is no blinding flash of light and rolling thunder when all it takes is someone being nice.

The best thing we can do to build up the Lord's kingdom is to love. That could be loving God, others, or yourself. Just love and things will happen that will build your faith and the faith of your associates. Just love and miracles will happen.

I used to read books and play games about heroic people going out to save the world while the world was oblivious to their actions on their behalves. I don't feel like the hero, because the real Hero is Jesus Christ. I feel like one of the support characters or sidekicks, who is there and useful, but not the focus of the story. I'm just here to help move the kingdom along. Truly this companionship has and should have a third member: the Holy Ghost. Together, we are saving the world one person or family at a time. I may not even baptize anyone while I'm here, but I've been an instrument in helping others come closer to Christ and be more prepared for His coming. I'm being his sidekick, and that feels awesome.

This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is what can save the world from the darkness that covers it. This is the doctrine that we can be relieved of pain, guilt and shame through the blood of Christ, and therefore be found worthy to take a place with Him in eternity. We can be joint-heirs with Him.

We have the fullness of the gospel. Let's take it to all the world. Let's love like the Lord does. Let's be His sidekick and accomplish His purposes.

Have a wonderful summer, y'all.

Elder Murdock