General Epistle the Third

 

 

 

August 19, 2013

 

Hi all!

 

I can't believe it has almost been two transfers. Just over a week until the next one. We'll see if I move or not. My training is finished at that time, also.  Who knows, I may be training next transfer O_O.

 

The work is going pretty slowly in my area. People aren't progressing as we'd hoped, and our goal of having a baptism by the end of August will not likely happen. Still, there are 11 days left. Who knows.

 

A sister in my area gave a wonderful talk yesterday at church. She spoke about member missionary work and how we can focus on the basics. She teaches primary, and so she used the primary colors as an example of the gospel. If you have red, blue, and yellow, you have the basic things about the gospel. When you mix them, you can get more colors, more understanding, and more truth. It was interesting, and made me think about how often people overcomplicate the gospel. Really, we're all striving for the same thing Heavenly Father wants for us: immortality and Eternal life. I'm serving here to help others receive that. We all, as member of the Lord's church, need to help others receive that.

 

Part of member missionary work is helping reactivate others. People forget what the gospel can do and has done for them. We all need to edify one another and warn our neighbors. This is done as we just do simple things like take a walk around the neighborhood and speak with our neighbors on the street. We could host a dinner party, though that takes more effort. However, no effort is wasted in the work of the Lord. One small gesture can change a person's life. One kind word, one small effort made, can help others come back to Jesus Christ and to His Church. Go out and become friends and seek to build the kingdom.

 

I'm slowly getting over my fear of speaking to others. I have reached out to many people, although most of them have said "no". However, as long as I open my mouth, I fulfill my calling.

 

I hope all is well on the home front of the battle of life. Be strong and of a good courage.

 

Elder Murdock

 

 

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