Homecoming Report

Well, here are the notes from my talk given in Sacrament Meeting on Jan. 26th, 2014. This is my last post on this blog. I still miss the mission, but I know I'm home for a reason, and I am trying my best to adjust.

The Book of Mormon in Conversion

I pray that the Holy Ghost will be with us all as I speak today, and that He will testify to you that what I say is true.

Let's start in the introduction to the Book.

The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel. We hear that phrase in often the church: “The fullness of the Gospel,” or “the restoration of the Gospel” but do we understand what that means?

In the Missionary Training Center, I began to comprehend in part what the Gospel of Jesus Christ really is. I began to gain a knowledge of it. However, while in the field, I came to really understand and internalize the Gospel of Jesus Christ through living it.

The Gospel is Faith in Christ, Repentance, Baptism by full immersion for the remission of sins, and the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Once we have entered this path that leads each of us back to our Heavenly Father, we must press forward and endure to the end of our lives. This is the Doctrine of Christ, or the Gospel of Christ. If we pursue this path until death, we shall receive Eternal Life, the greatest of all the gifts of God. I invite you all to read and think about 2^nd Nephi chapter 31 to gain a better understanding of the Doctrine of Christ.

It was these precious truths of Faith, Repentance, Baptism, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost that were lost or distorted after the original Apostles died. And so, when the Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God given to Joseph Smith, these truths were restored to the Earth. Now men could understand and follow the path that leads back to Heavenly Father. You see why the Book is so important! We needed those truths to understand why we're alive and on the Earth, and where we're going after this life. We needed to know how to return to God through Jesus Christ, and the Book of Mormon reveals that path to us.

In the introduction, the Book reads

We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost.

My invitation to y'all is the same. Will you read the Book of Mormon and ask God if it's true?

*Pause

I know it is true. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that is testifies of Jesus Christ as our Savior. I know because the Holy Ghost has testified to me that it is from God.

I want to relate to you my experience coming to know that the Book of Mormon is really from God, and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the Lord Jesus Christ.

When I around 15, I was in seminary and Sunday School and I kept hearing that I needed to gain my own testimony of the church and of Joseph Smith. I knew I could not rely on the testimonies of others; I had to know for myself if I wanted to really continue in this church. Finally, one evening, I set aside the time and decided to really study and read the account of Joseph Smith when he saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. I prayed as I read and studied, really wanting to know for myself if he did. After I had read the words of verse 17, I said a prayer aloud and asked if it really was true. My response I received came a little unexpectedly as a thought to my mind that said “Of course it is!” I sat back and reflected on that answer. I realized that I did know it was true already. I felt the Holy Ghost in the room and my heart felt like rejoicing at the answer I'd received. It was true! Joseph saw God and Jess Christ!

I have since felt the confirmations from the Holy Ghost that this is indeed the Lord's church, that the Book of Mormon is scripture from God, and, most of all, that Jesus Christ is my Redeemer and Savior. All these things had fallen into place when I first got my answer about Joseph Smith. If he really was a prophet, as the Spirit had confirmed to me, then he really translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God in him. The fullness of the gospel really was restored to the earth, along with priesthood authority to administer the gospel. And this is the Church of Jesus Christ, the only true and living church on earth, with revelation to guide us in these last days before the second coming of Jesus Christ.

So that is my story of coming to know the veracity of Joseph as a prophet of God, as well as the veracity of the Book of Mormon. They cannot be separated; the Holy Ghost will witness of one as He does the other. He will witness of Christ as he does of this great work of salvation.

In the field, I saw the effect that studying the Book of Mormon had on people, myself included. I saw it help a woman, who had not been to church for some years, to come back to church as we read with her in her home each week. It helped her face the challenges of unemployment and financial hardships. It strengthened her faith as she watched her 6-year-old nephew undergo cancer treatments and become weaker. The Book of Mormon was the tool the Lord had us as missionaries use to help her pay her tithing and get back to the temple. I got to be there when she went back to the temple for an endowment session, and I will always remember that event.

I restate my personal invitation to you all: Will you read, ponder, and pray about the Book of Mormon? The Holy Ghost will testify to you that it is from God, just as He has to me. If you have questions, do what Joseph Smith did and ask of God.

The following story is from Elder Russell M. Nelson from the October 2010 general conference.

“Many years ago two colleagues of mine—a nurse and her doctor husband—asked me why I lived the way I did. I answered, “Because I know the Book of Mormon is true.” I let them borrow my copy of the book, inviting them to read it. A week later they returned my book with a polite “thanks a lot.”

I responded, “What do you mean, thanks a lot? That’s a totally inappropriate response for one who has read this book. You didn’t read it, did you! Please take it back and read it; then I would like my book back.”

Admitting that they had only turned its pages, they accepted my invitation. When they returned, they said tearfully, “We have read the Book of Mormon. We know it is true! We want to know more.” They learned more, and it was my privilege to baptize both of them.”

I testify that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I testify that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the Lord, and that he translated it through the gift and power of God. I know the Book testifies of Jesus Christ as the Redeemer of the world. I know Jesus Christ lives today, with a resurrected body of flesh and bone. I know He will come again, and that this is His church and His kingdom preparing for His coming.

The Final Epistle

Hi, y'all!

I guess this is it. I got the call this morning that I'll be going home. It's a strange feeling. It almost seems like the last 7 1/2 months have been a dream. It's what I worked toward for so long, and now it's gone in a flash.

Yeah, I have regrets. I probably shouldn't, but I do. However, I know the Lord has plans for me ahead. I know alot of people go less-active or have their testimonies damaged by coming home early. It will be hard, but it hasn't phased my conversion. I know what I know and I'll live it, even at the risk of having others wonder about me. Besides, I knew this was most likely going to happen. It seems I won't be getting to use an iPad out here :)

Thank you for all the support and prayers. There have been miracles here, even when I've been too blind to see many of them. There have been great opportunities for me to grow and for me to help others grow closer to Jesus Christ. And now I know what the work is like, I can help push it forward with greater haste and understanding at home.

I know this is the Lord's work. His hand is in it all. I know His desire is our Eternal Life and Happiness with our families and with Him. All Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ do is for our benefit. If we can no more than desire to believe, we should let this desire work in us. The relief I've felt and joy I've felt from knowing who I am, where I'm going, and what waits after tshi life has strengthened and comforted me and given me purpose in life.

I came out as a child, but hopefully I've grown into what the Lord needs me to be: a man of God and a worthy priesthood holder.

And I've learned some things about myself. I've also learned what I can improve on. Perhaps the greatest thing I've learned is that Charity and Love are healing, and they give us the clearest sight.

I know Jesus Christ lives, and that He atoned for our sins and heals us from our pains. I know Heavenly Father loves us, and that love motivates everything He does. I know we are His children, and we have a divine potential to be like Him someday. I know that through faith, repepntance, baptism, and receving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, we can receive all that the Father has.

I know Jospeh Smith was called as a prophet and that it was through him that Christ restored His true church and authority to this earth.

Shall we not go on in so great a cause? Brethren, Adieu.

In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Elder Murdock

General Epistle the Twenty-Third

Hello, all!

Well, I woke up with a fever this morning. It was running around 103.2 degrees. No fun. I'm still pretty under the weather, though it has gotten better. Hopefully it will be gone by the time we have dinner tonight.

This area is an interesting one. I'm not enjoying the biking. I thought it wouldn't be bad, but it seems like every time we go out on our bikes, the wind is against us; there's always a headwind. I have not biked this much since elementary school, so my legs are super sore, to the point where I can barely walk.

We visited a woman in the ward this week who has cancer. She is on medications and they have caused her to swell up and gain a lot of weight. She is shut-in, so we walked into her house through her garage. She was so kind, but you could see she was exhausted. It made me realize that there is always someone who has it worse than me, and that I should be grateful for the trials I don't have to endure.

It has been difficult to focus on the work lately. With all the health things going on, my life seems to be focused on that and not on bringing souls to Christ. I know the council to forget myself and go to work, and I want to, but I also have to maintain my kidney function if I want to stay out here. It's a balancing act for sure.

There's so much going on in my head right now, and I can't seem to organize any of it. This is definitely an opportunity to rely of the Lord as I work through it all and try to make sense of my life.

I know He will grant me revelation for my life as I pray and study and try my best to get into the work in this new area.

Remember that there is a greater picture. We are creating our own eternities with every choice and at every turn. May we each use the Atonement of Christ to change our hearts and bring us closer to our Heavenly Father and an eternity with Him. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

With Love,

Elder Murdock

General Epistle the Twenty-Second

Hello, all!

I did not write a general epistle last week, so I'll update everyone this week.

Christmas was a lot of fun. I got to Facetime my family on Christmas Eve. It was great to see everyone. It does not seem like it has been seven months, but it has. I know this next year is going feel longer.

I got to be Santa for a family in another area on Christmas morning. It was great to act the part and I had fun with it. Afterward, we went to a member's home and had breakfast and lunch with him and his family. They have a son who is about to leave the MTC for Vancouver, Mandarin-speaking. I watched a movie called "The 5000 Day Project: Two Brothers." It was really cool and got me thinking about my mission and what I want to become from it.

The evening was spent at the Eldredge's, a really awesome family who is strong in the gospel and who love sharing it. They also have a son on a mission in Pocatello, who we got to meet over Skype for a moment. We had dinner and finished the evening off by singing carols around the piano as I played it.

Skipping ahead a bit, we were at Matt and Sam's house on Sunday when we received transfer calls. I got transferred. This makes me sad, because I love Legends and the people here. Things are just picking up, too, and it was exciting.

I got to transfer meeting on Tuesday and found out who my new companion is. I'm now back with Elder Ririe, though this time we are serving in an area called Klein Oak. I've never heard of someone going to be with the same companion twice, but it just happened to us. So now I'm here in Klein Oak, adjusting to riding a bike in the bitter cold. I'm not sure why I was brought here, but I want to learn and grow from the experience, and help Elder Ririe grow, too.

My specialist appointment was on Friday. I learned that the treatment I'm on is not working, so they are considering a more aggressive medication. Odds are, I'm not going to complete a full two years out here unless the Lord sees fit to bestow some miracles on me.

It has gotten me thinking a lot and praying a lot. I've decided that charity and love are my themes for my mission and my life, because these are the reasons God does what He does for us. They should be the reason and motivation behind all we do in this life.

I have learned to love the people of my last area. Now I have the opportunity to love the people here and my companion here. I get to increase in charity as I pray for it and try to practice it. I invite us all to pray for the love of God to enter our hearts and motivate our actions.

I know this is the Lord's work. We are all a part of His plan to bring us back into the presence of Heavenly Father. We have the Savior who has made this possible, if we will follow the Gospel Plan.

I share this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

God Bless.

Elder Murdock

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

General Epistle the Twentieth

Hello, all!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas season. We had a stake Noel Concert last night. It was good, and the Spirit was definitely felt there. They sang an awesome song called "Betelehemu". You can check it out on YouTube. There were also some group and solo pieces that were great.

The night before was our ward Christmas party. That also went well. It was rather short, but the food was good and there were some people there we didn't expect to see. It's so wonderful to see the Holy Ghost working in the hearts of people during this time of year. 

I don't think this epistle will be very long; we have to go soon. However, I want to share with you my testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ.

He is our Savior. No matter the choices we've made, no matter the pain we suffer, no matter our station in life or the circumstances we find ourselves in, He loves us. Jesus Christ felt in the Garden of Gethsemane all the weight of eternity. He is the only One who knows exactly what you go through each day of your life. He knows perfectly how to run to your aid, lift you, and eventually, exalt you. He does not give up on us, we give up on Him. 

If you have felt alone, abandoned, or afraid, rely on His strength. Do not wallow in the pain of the past; Satan would have you believe that, since you've been there before, you may as well return to past pain. Don't. Keep an eye focused on what can be, what is ahead, and what the Lord has promised to those who truly love Him and desire to follow Him. 

My testimony is that Jesus Christ lives. He stands at the head of this great work to save the souls of all mankind. He is our Maker, our Redeemer, and the Hope of all the world. If you have forgotten that or have long ignored it, then my invitation, prayer, and hope for you is that you will remember how merciful the Lord has been to the children of men, even from Adam until now. He has always reached out in love, even when that love required Him to chastise His people because of their choices. All he has ever done for us in this world has been done to the purpose of saving and exalting us. His whole purpose truly is to bring to pas our immortality and Eternal Life.

So again, rely on the Lord Jesus Christ. He is there. He is real. He is your Hope and mine. Pray to the Father in the name of Christ, and He will hear you. 

I love you all. I know this work I'm engaged in is the greatest of all duties and privileges available to us. 

Merry Christmas. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Elder Murdock

General Epistle the Nineteenth

Hello, everybody! (Hello, Dr. Nick!)

We got to go to the temple this week! I love going there, because it usually recharges my spiritual batteries and helps me keep going. For some reason, I didn't feel as recharged as I normally do, and I have since been kind of moody. However, it's Christmas time, so I'm trying to remember that and get excited.

Speaking of Christmas, I hope you all were able to catch the Christmas Devotional last night. It wasn't just the First Presidency speaking; they asked other general authorities to speak, too.

This is a truly wonderful time of the year. We get to celebrate the birth of the most important person to ever live: Jesus Christ. We not only focus on his birth, but also His life, His Atonement, and His death. We celebrate the fact that He has overcome the Fall, allowing us all to live again with the Father. We celebrate that the small babe in Bethlehem became the great Exemplar of all men, and the Savior of the world.

There has been a scripture running around in my mind for the past few weeks. It is Jacob 2:18. Before we seek for the treasures of this world, we ought to seek for the Kingdom of God. During this season, it is so very easy to get caught up in the shopping addictions and gathering of that which does not satisfy. We cannot fill the voids in our lives with objects; such voids are only filled by the pure love of God that is given and received during this season.

This is a time to treasure up relationships with friends and family. This is a time to remember what God has given us in the gift of His Son. This is the time to get away from the loudness of the world and focus on the calm. Unfortunately, Satan works his hardest to make it a season of taking, ingratitude, and strife. We see it every time we enter Walmart at this time. We who know the truth should defend our families from the barrage of worldliness. We can do it with righteous traditions, reminding each other of our love for one another, and putting others before ourselves.

One of my favorite Christmas hymns is found here. Though this version does not have the words, the words speak of the promised Messiah. They are infused with a hope that all the hate, envy, and strife in this world will be done away, and peace will reign on Earth. They inspire the listener to rejoice.

"O come, o come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that waits in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel has come to thee, o Israel!"

The Jews continue to look forward to the Messiah that will deliver them. And though he will come to them, He already has come once before. He came and atoned for us. He came and that is why we celebrate.

I know the Lord has come to earth. I know He has completed what the Father asked of Him. I know we have salvation because of Him. We are all blessed by His life, whether we acknowledge it or not. Let us show Him our gratitude by giving of ourselves this season, and not just of our wallets.

I share this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Elder Murdock

General Epistle the Eighteenth

Aloha, all!

 

It is a beautiful 68 degrees right now with sun. Just felt like boasting.

 

This week was eventful. Monday we got to watch "Ephraim's Rescue" at the stake center. If you haven't seen it, I encourage you to do so. It was wonderful and really made me thing about the gift of healing. That was good, since I had my kidney biopsy the next day.

 

We arrived at St. Luke's at about 9 on Tuesday. Our Elder's Quorum President took us. As I was doing registration, a man walked up and introduced himself as a member. His name was Dave. After registration, we talked with him and I asked him to help administer to me. I was really nervous for the biopsy for some reason. He anointed and Elder Barney sealed.

 

They took me upstairs to a semi-private room and stuck an IV in me, putting me on a saline solution. It was about 11 when they took me downstairs on the bed to do the procedure. They did an ultrasound, then gave me some woozy drugs. They stuck me with some anesthesia, but it wasn't fully in effect when they took the actual sample. So, I heard the click and felt the sting. No fun.

 

I fell asleep after they took me back upstairs. Elder Barney pretty much did nothing the whole day but sit there. The nurses kept coming in and taking blood to measure my hemoglobin and iron and potassium levels. They told me we'd be staying the night because my pee was the color of fruit punch and my levels were off. I ate some dinner, then they sent us to a private room. Elder Barney had a hide-a-bed to sleep on.

 

I couldn't sleep. I was having pains in my side where they stuck me. The nurse gave me a narcotic, and it took about an hour to kick in. Finally, I dozed off for about an hour. I woke up, and the pain was back. I fitfully dozed for another two hours before they could give me another narcotic. It took a half hour to work. I slept for another while, and again woke up in pain. Finally, I asked the nurse if I could get up and walk around. He said yes, so I went to the bathroom. I vomited all the water I had been drinking since the procedure, as well as the dinner. However, the sever pain immediately went away. Not long after, I had to pee, and when I did, it was back to it's normal color. I laid down and was able to sleep at last.

 

It was about 8 when I woke up. The nurse came in and said the doctor would be coming in to talk soon. She also said I would probably be staying another night. I kept praying that it wouldn't be so. They kept taking blood every few hours, but the doctor didn't come. Finally, we called Sister Pingree. She sent President down to talk to us and see if he could release me. It was about 4 when he arrived, and by then I was fine except for the normal soreness on my side. The doctor finally came in at about 5 and spoke with me. Nothing was really new. I figured I had declined in function, which she told me I had. She talked about medications, and decided to put me on Prednisone, again. It was another hour before we got out of there and home. I felt bad for President because he had something with his daughter to get to, and he was late.

 

Then there was Thanksgiving. We ended up going to a nonmember's home in Katy with 4 other missionaries. They all watched football and I just sat around. We did play some board games. The food was pretty good. It was okay, but I would much rather have stayed in our area and gotten to know our members more.

 

There were things that happened on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The most notable was that my grandma peacefully passed away yesterday.

 

In the end, I felt this week was a wasted week. We got a few lessons with members, but there really was no real work done. I'm looking forward to getting back to work this week.

 

There has been a lot going on. Among companionship drama, the biopsy, my grandma's passing, the lack of work, and other things, I have felt very stressed out this week. Last night I finally just prayed and told Him that I didn't know what to do anymore. I asked for help and revelation. None came then, but I'm looking forward to this week with hope and confidence.

 

What has been on my mind is the story of the people of Alma. They had burdens upon them, greater than they could bear. However, the Lord did not immediately remove those burdens. Rather, he lightened them, making the people strong enough to bear those burdens. Eventually, He did provide relief, but it was in His time.

 

We all go through hard times. When Frodo said "I wish this had never happened to me," Gandalf replied thus:

"So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."

 

So it is. We wish trials didn't come, but all we have to decide is what to do to keep going. Just as I said last week, we must push onward and upward to a better world.

 

I love you all and miss you. Thank you for your prayers and support.

 

I share this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Elder Murdock

 

 

General Epistle the Seventeenth

Hello, all!

It's gotten colder here. In fact, I'm wearing my coat right now. My hands are cold from typing. No snow, but it has been drizzly and wet. I had to buy a beanie to use with my hood. Now I'm thinking it's time for some gloves.

Some weeks there just is not a lot of work to be found. This week was one of those. We couldn't find things to do that were effective uses of time. 

Despite the circumstances I've found myself in, with all that is and is not happening, I'm holding onto hope. Nobody said the work would be easy, but I know it is worth it. I am trying to push forward in faith and find worthwhile activities. Some days it is hard to get up, even out here in the field. There will be trials that come in our lives that we don't desire. There will be times when there are no problems and we slip into being too lax. Indeed, sometimes the trial we face is that we have no opposition to push against, and we get lazy. 

At all times we need to be aware of where we are headed. If we are going down a wrong path, we should not be far down it before we realize where we are going. We should be often rechecking our location on this journey home. 

This is a journey, and a long, arduous one. However, as we rely on the Atonement and help each other, we can make it home. We can get where we all want to be. It requires faith, repentance, and making sacred covenants, but there is a way provided for us. 

Wherever you are on your journey home, I hope you will not let the obstacles and trials keep you from moving forward in faith. We have a celestial goal to attain.

If any have read the Chronicles of Narnia, there is a point in the last book, "The Last Battle," when Aslan and the children have come into a new Narnia, and the old one has passed away. However, even though this new Narnia is better than the old, he says to keep running north. As they do, they find an even more glorious Narnia.

We may have found wonderful things in this gospel and in this world. Let us not forget, however, that there is a greater glory that we are striving to reach. As Jesus Christ as our guide, we can be led to a better life and a better world.

"Onward and Upward! To Narnia and the North!" ~Aslan

Let us press on, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Elder Murdock

General Epistle the Sixteenth

Hola!

It has nearly been six months since I went into the MTC. Can you believe it? Time has flown by so far, and I'm sure December will go just as fast.

We had a baptism this week. Jeremy was baptized on Saturday and I got to confirm him the next day. It was awesome to see him take this step, but I have some worries about him and his progress. We'll keep trying to encourage him to help him understand and grow.

Transfer call were last night. I am staying here in the Legends Ward. Elder Barney is staying with me. I hope to really get the ball rolling this transfer, or at least push it really hard and make it budge. There is potential here, it's just a matter of finding the magnet that will draw out those interested in the gospel.

As missionaries, we help members and nonmembers alike to come closer to the Savior. Our work here in Legends has for a while been encouraging the members, but now we're trying to transition into focusing on investigators and seeking more opportunities to teach nonmembers. Our ward members, many of them, know how to do missionary work and have brought us people to teach. I hope that you all are trying to do the same. It doesn't require going outside of your comfort zone. It ought to be a natural part of your life. You live the gospel, and it shows through your actions. People take notice and when they ask, you have an answer because you have prepared by studying, praying, and going to church. It really should be a natural, conversational way of sharing your beliefs. 

An example:

You: "You have a cute baby! How old is she?"

Stranger: "Oh, thank you! She's _____. She's a handful, but such a sweetie."

You: "Hi, cutie! Aren't children wonderful?"

Stranger: "Oh yes. . ."

A short conversation ensues about children. Toward the end:

You: "It's such a dangerous world for these kids to grow up in."

Stranger: "For sure. I worry sometimes for her."

You: "I do for mine, too. Our church has a great children's program to supplement what we teach them at home. If you'd like, I can give you the address and you could check it out sometime."

The stranger can then express interest or not. If so, awesome! If not, that's okay, too. You did what you could. Whether they take the address from you or not, you have created a positive experience with the church that could lead to other opportunities later.

Other things can lead into natural invitations to church or just to increase faith in others. We ought to open our eyes to those moments all around us. Complimenting others is a great way to start a conversation. 

I think I've quoted this hymn before, but it keeps coming to mind.

"There are chances for work all around just now,

opportunities right in our way.

Do not let them pass by, saying sometime I'll try,

but go and do something today."

~Have I Done Any Good? Hymn 223

Truly we are all called to labor in the vineyard this last time before the Lord comes. Let us labor with our might, that we may lay up in store for ourselves. Members and missionaries, working together to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of God's children. Now is the time, now is the season. It is the time of thanksgiving for a bounteous harvest, but have we helped with the harvest? There are yet many more sheaves to gather. I hope we all will gather together and thank the Lord for the harvest we have received, but also pray that we may be blessed with more.

In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Elder Murdock

General Epistle the Fifteenth

Greetings and salutations!

What a roller coaster this week! It began on Monday, when I went to the lab to do blood work and give a urine sample. This is just a routine thing so they can monitor my kidney function. I got a call the next day from the doctor's office. My creatinine was at 3.9. Normal levels are anywhere from 0.8 to about 1.5. They were freaking out a bit, but it has been that high in the past. When it has, I was just put on Prednisone again.

So they ordered more labs, which I went on Wednesday to do. Since they had taken 3 vials of blood on Monday, they only took one this time. I have been feeling a little weak since then, but I'm getting better. 

Thursday I received another call from the doctor's office. They wanted me to go in for an ultrasound on my kidneys. I still don't know why they ordered that, but we scheduled it for Monday at 1. I went to the O'Quinn Medical Towers in Downtown Houston, which is outside the mission, to have it done. They put the warm gel on my belly and I got to look over at the screen as they looked inside my organs. It was weird.

One perk about all this was that I got to call my dad and my mom for information and whatnot. That was cool. I also got a chance to call my family on Saturday. My grandmother is going to pass away soon, so I was given special permission to call and talk with her. I spent about 40 minutes communicating with my family and trying to get the video call to work. I can't wait until Christmas to talk with everyone over video call. 

So apart from all the health drama, there has also been missionary work drama. A man who is getting baptized this Saturday is not living currently in our area, but is being baptized into it. He will move down into Old Spring afterward, but still won't be in our area. We dealt with all that this week. 

As for myself, I'm doing a little better than last week. I have a tendency to focus so much on myself. I'm trying to reach out and help others and not judge them. I'm also trying to be more obedient. 

One highlight of my week was when I got to play the piano in primary. I miss doing that. It was fun to be in there with the kids and to play some of those songs again. I got to play a couple Christmas songs, too! 

There were some extra words I once wrote to a song in the Children's Songbook: Samuel Tells of Baby Jesus. They include telling about His life and ministry, as well as how He'll come again. 

After the 2nd verse, it goes like this:

So Jesus lived in Galilee and taught all that was good.

And showed us by the way He lived the right way that we should.

Hosanna! Hosanna! Oh, let us gladly sing. How blessed that our Lord did come;

Let Earth receive her King!

But by His people Jesus was sentenced to be crucified.

And on the cross, below all things, our Lord and Savior died.

Hosanna! Hosanna! Oh, let us gladly sing. How blessed that our Lord did die;

Let Earth receive her King!

Yet on the third day Jesus rose, the chains of death to broke,

ascending to the Father above to sit down on His throne.

Hosanna! Hosanna! Oh, let us gladly sing. How blessed that our Lord now lives;

Let Earth receive her King!

And soon in glory He will appear, with hosts of angels, too,

To rid the world of hate and strife, His enemies, subdue.

Hosanna! Hosanna! Oh, let us gladly sing. How blessed that our Lord will come;

Let Earth receive her King!

There is a difference between testimony and conversion. I know that we must all be converted to the gospel to really be able to stand at the last day with confidence before the Lord. We must use the enabling power of the Atonement to become, not only do, what the Lord would have us become. 

We have so much infinite potential as children of God. We can all do better, yes, but let us not forget how far we have come. This journey is not a lonely one when we have friends and family all on the same quest. We can help each other along by building each other up and supporting each other. You all have helped me along in so many countless ways. You have urged me to be better. Even with all the support, we each have to rely on the Savior to really make it.

Keep pushing forward; we are on a grand adventure to Eternal Life.

I share that in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Elder Murdock 

General Epistle the Fourteenth

Hello, everyone!

This week flew by, but so has every other week.

We played Catch Phrase as a district on Monday for Preparation Day. It was a ton of fun. 

Tuesday we had an appointment with an investigator. His wife has not been to the last 4 lessons, and we are worried that her disinterest is affecting him. He wants to come to church and even get baptized, but he wants his wife to be as interested as he is. Perhaps in a couple weeks, when she no longer has to prepare the music for her class reunion, she will be more involved in the lessons.

Wednesday we helped a less-active woman move from the ward. We painted all morning and afternoon. I didn't get to go to the scouting broadcast, but I heard it was really cool. If you get a chance, check it out Here.

Thursday was more moving all day. We went to a member's home for Halloween and had dinner. I took my bathrobe and a wand to be a Ravenclaw student. IDK if there were pictures, but I'll check.

Friday was Zone Meeting, and it was really good. We talked about referrals and how to get more people to teach. I need that right now, since we only have two investigators, and only one is progressing toward baptism. We need to find more people to teach for sure.

Saturday we got to meet with our bishop. He is a great bishop and is dedicated to the work of salvation. Unfortunately, he told us he is moving soon. My companion is frustrated because he was finally in an area where the bishop cared and the ward mission leader wanted to work. Now we're losing the bishop, and we just hope that the one to replace him will be as dedicated. 

Sunday was church, of course. No investigators could come. Our appointment with our one progressing investigator fell through because he had no fuel to drive. 

I would share a miracle, but I can't seem to really recognize one from this week. However, I do know that reaching out to others helps myself to refocus on what's important. I have been down on myself for not being the kind of missionary I want to be. While I know I can't be perfect, I also know I could be doing better. Focusing so much on myself, I have forgotten to make sure my companion is doing all right. I was reminded of this today when he was angry and I asked him what was up. Sometimes we just need to get outside ourselves and care for others.

During Zone meeting, there were miracles shared with us. Sister Garlick shared a great one that really strengthened my testimony that we are led by the Holy Ghost when we are doing what we know we should. She is an obedient missionary, and I feel that I have not been. Thus, I have not seen miracles, whereas she really has.

There is a bigger picture so many of us miss. We don't realize that we are a blip in eternity. We do not realize that our decision determine our destinies. We forget that we are eternal beings living mortal lives. We focus on the temporal and not the eternal. 

Our goal is Eternal Life. The church and all the commandments and programs in it are there to help us prepare for that goal. They are there to improve us. Do not get caught up in the minutia of life that that greatest of all gifts goes unnoticed and, eventually, given up.

I know we have a savior, Jesus Christ, who has allowed us to partake of Salvation and Eternal Life. I know we must choose now to serve Him and become His disciples. I know we have a greater purpose here: to help bring to pass the Eternal Life of ourselves and our brothers and sisters.

Be strong and of good courage, for He has overcome the world. 

In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Elder Murdock

General Epistle the Thirteenth

Hello, everyone!

This week was a good one, especially this weekend. Our stake here, the Spring Stake, had Stake Conference. The Adult Session was awesome. A recent convert, Sean-Michael, got to speak. He was really funny and yet bore a powerful  testimony. He also dropped the G-word a few times, which made it a little bit awkward. Luckily, the humor made that go away.

We also heard from the mission president, President Pingree.  We gave a great talk on missionary work and how we can do it. We talked about making the effort, even if the person declines. 

Others spoke on how temple work and missionary work are the same thing. They both achieve the Lord's purpose of bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Truly, everything we do in this church is to bring that purpose about.

The general session the next morning was just as good. President Little, second counselor on the stake presidency, spoke about reactivation efforts. He talked about how we need to reach out as friends to those who have fallen away or have been forgotten. Consistent efforts can pay off in the end. Along with this is home teaching and visiting teaching, but he pointed out that we don't need to be assigned to a family to become their friends and help reactivate them.

I want to let anybody who reads this to know that I know our Savior lives. I know this is His work of salvation and exaltation. If you have questions, you can ask them to me. I'm serving the Lord full time and I want to be the best friend, son, and brother I can. 

I want to share a few of the miracles that got me to the field. I hope that they can uplift somebody in some way.

First is a miracle that happened on the way to the temple. I was going there after work one day because I wanted to meditate and pray. I was weighed down with sorrow for choices I had made. As I drove, I noticed that it was about to rain. I had the radio on to the Christian station. A song came on that I like. Just as the first drop fell on my windshield, the words of the song were "hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me." It hit the glass on the word "rain". I knew then that Heavenly Father was keenly aware of me and He was trying to help me.

Another miracle happened last year. I was contemplating serving a full-time mission at the church's publishing department. I would have lived at home, but gone down each day to serve. I was excited about it, and even took of tour of the building. After, I had this feeling like I shouldn't do it. It was strange, because I wanted to badly to serve, but I kept getting the feeling that I should at least wait until after my next doctor's appointment, which was a week away. I did, and it was at that appointment that Dr. Jansen said he knew I would have to move on with life, and if I wanted to move out of the state, he would be okay with it. He basically cleared me to serve. I knew then why I had the feeling to not accept the offer to serve at the publishing department. 

Another miracle occurred while determining what day to put on my papers that I was available to serve a mission. I wanted to be around for Tony's and Anna's wedding, as well as Gwen's birth. But I went to the temple and prayed in the baptistry chapel. I opened up to the Doctrine & Covenants 30 and read  "yea, you shall ever open your mouth in my cause, not^a fearing what ^bman can do, for I am ^cwith you. Amen."

I felt that I was fearing man more than God to try to stay and not get into the field. I also received a revelation on which day to put on my papers: May 22nd. I decided to do it. When I got my call a couple weeks later, May 22 was the exact day they wanted me to enter the MTC. I knew it was a small miracle just for me. 

There are others that are sacred and I won't share here, if ever. But I knew miracles happen, even if they are small. I know the Lord is guiding our lives in little ways everyday to where we need to go. Even when it seems like we are being cut down, the Gardener knows what is best for us. Even when it seems like we are going through the fires of affliction, it is only to consume the dross. Be of good cheer; He has overcome the world. 

I share this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

~Elder Murdock

General Epistle the Twelfth

Hello!

For anyone who I have not sent one of these to, this is my weekly letter to all who may be interested. Usually it is posted at my blog murdomission.blogspot.com. Weeks past are there if you want to read them.

This week has been a pretty good one. On Monday we went to the Sister's apartment complex and played pool and games. It was a good time and very needed.

Tuesday we got to go to the temple. It's a wonderful blessing that we get to go once a transfer. It recharges me for the next six weeks. It was good to just sit in the celestial room and ponder and feel the Spirit. 

That evening we got to teach a man about the Plan of Salvation. He is a coworker of one of the members in our area. He wanted to know what we believe about life after death, and this helped him understand more about what really happens when we die. He was so open and asked great questions. We felt the Spirit in the lesson, and we're sure he did, too.

Wednesday we did service all day by first mowing a sister's lawn. Then we went to a Nature Center near our area and cleared out weeds. If anyone ever has need of service, give the missionaries a call. It could be mowing, weeding, raking leaves, shoveling snow, painting, canning, just anything. I know we're always looking for opportunities, and I'm sure the elders there are also.

Thursday we planned for the next week and spent some time looking at videos on Mormon.org. 

Friday was District Meeting. We had a breakfast right before it. Sister Bonner in our district cooked Belgian waffles and there was whipped cream and strawberries. It was really good. She felt bad because she had us hauling water in a bucket during a rainstorm from outside the church to the font in the church. 

Saturday we woke up way early at 5 AM for basketball. I slept on the couch in the foyer as Elder Barney played in the gym. That afternoon, we went with some members to Sports Authority and purchased a new bike, since I don't have one out here yet. I don't have any pics of me on it, yet, but I do have a picture of it attached. I also got a helmet and other stuff for it. I'm excited!

Yesterday was one of the most spiritual days I've had out here so far. We had Ward Council, which always goes well. The council here is awesome and they work hard in their callings. They follow-up with their assignments and are mostly accountable. During church, Elder Barney and I got to go into the Primary and teach the kids about missionary work. They had questions about life as a missionary and we told them what to do to prepare to serve. It was a great experience.

After church, we met with the bishop and the Ward Mission Leader, Brother Ginn. It was a very sacred meeting. We discussed what can do to get the work moving. We talked about what members can do to help. The prayers offered brought the Spirit very strongly, and I will never forget that meeting. 

We met a family we had not met yet. We shared a thought with them. Right after we left their house, Elder Barney said he needed to use the restroom. We decided to walk across the road and hop a member's fence to ask them. As we approached their backdoor, it turned out that they were celebrating the daughter's birthday. They invited us in and sat us down with chocolate cake while she opened her cards. This family is an incredible family named the Eldredge's. They have a son on a mission and the daughter just turned 18. Funny thing, the missionary son's name is Sawyer. The 18-year-old's name is Mikella (like Mikayla). We had a great time and shared a message with them.  

I know that this work is truly God's work. We are here to gather scattered Israel home. We are here to bring souls unto Christ and back to live with Heavenly Father in Eternal Life. I testify and add my witness to countless others: Jesus Christ lives! He is the head of the church. He has called again a prophet to guide us home. I know it is true! I know we are engaged in a great work, indeed, the greatest work.

If you have doubts, doubt those doubts before you doubt your faith. As Elder Holland has said "...if your faith is a little tested in this or any season, I invite you to lean on mine." Elder Holland has seen the Son of God and knows of His reality, His divinity, and His leadership of this church. While I have not seen Christ, I also have a firm testimony that he is our Savior, the Son of God, who lives and guides us through His appointed prophets. 

I joyfully share this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

With love,

Elder Murdock