General Epistle the Twenty-First

Good Morning!

Let me tell you all about Sam and Matt. They are husband and wife (Sam is the girl) and they were a referral from a member in the ward next to ours. The member, Lori, met Sam in class at college this past semester. They got to know each other and became friends. Lori would even hang out at their house, which is in our area. She is preparing for a mission, and so would talk to Sam about religion. Eventually, she invited them to meet with us, the missionaries.

So, we met with them and Lori on Friday. It went amazingly well. We were there a bit long (2 hours)  but there were many questions for us and much interest. Sam's sister, Alicia, came in about half way and had questions and wanted to know more. Lori bore testimony when prompted and was very involved in the conversation. We gave away a copy of the Book of Mormon to everyone and invited them to church. They had to miss this week for something with their family, but next week they'll be there for sure. Matt works with a few Mormons, and he said that one you could tell was a really good guy. The other seemed to be obsessed with money. It's amazing what others notice about members, so we always have to be the example of a disciple of Christ.

We have set up to go back on Sunday after church for dinner with them and Lori! Hooray! This is such a perfect example of how things can work when members get involved in the work of salvation. We will be inviting them to baptism this next lesson if they have been reading and praying.

I know I've invited you all to watch the videos and broadcast before, but the website again is HasteningtheWork.lds.org. Please take time to watch the videos and pray about people you can reach out to to share the gospel. You never know but you will find a Sam.

This is an exciting time to be a part of the Lord's work. The Lord is preparing people more than ever to receive the message of the Restoration of the Gospel. The question is, are we prepared to receive them?

Here are some suggestions to help your families prepare to share:

-Read and study Preach My Gospel Chapter 3.

-Watch the Hastening of the Work Broadcast.

-Create a family game plan, as Elder Gifford Nielsen talked about this last conference.

-Pray each morning and night as a family for people by name and opportunities to share with them, whether they are nonmembers, less-active, or new members.

-Then, go and Do It! Planning is fine, but without action, it is nothing more than hopes and wishes.

There are two main motivations my companion and I recently discovered for anything we do in the gospel: Love and Faith. I invite you all to read chapter 12 of Ether and study it out. Faith and Love motivate us to act on the doctrines we know are true and practice the principles.

Love is the motivation behind all Heavenly Father does. He loves us and wants only the best for us. He does not want us to feel guilty or afraid. He gives us hope, faith, love, and charity. He will give us what we ask in righteousness. Remember the story President Uchtdorf told of the man on the cruise ship? There is so much the Lord has promised us. Our obedience will bring the power to accomplish His will. 

There are still a few days till Christmas as I type this. I hope we can take the time to reach out to others in ways we haven't before, ways that will uplift and inspire and encourage. God is Love, and He loved us so much, He sent His Son to atone for our sins and suffer our pains. Let us remember Him this season by reaching out in love to others.

I love you all. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Be of good cheer and may love and joy fill your hearts and your homes.

In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Elder Murdock