July 28, 2014

This week we had our Branch activity and church tour! And it went soo good, by far the best activity that we have had so far in Yungay. We had a great turnout of about 35 people (which is double the amount we have in church) and we had 7 investigators there!

We separated into two groups and went throughout different rooms of your small church building to teach the Doctrine of Christ. Faith, was in the Principios Del Evangelio (Gospel Principles) room where we decorated the walls with pictures of Christ, so that Christ was literally everywhere. We taught repentance and the sacrament in the sacrament meeting room and showed everyone the prayers and explained the promises included when we participate. And last of all we met everyone on the patio in the back to explain baptism. We showed the video when Jesus was baptized and demonstrated everyone that we baptize the same was with the same authority. The spirit was super strong and I know that everyone felt it.

This week I have learned a Lot about our personal growth here in this life. And it all comes down to a basic principle.

We get out what we put in.

We can read the scriptures, we can pray and we can go to church but if we are not doing these things with real intent it will profit us nothing.

In Jesus the Christ it talks about when Christ spoke in parables...

"He that hath ears let them here" Matt 13:19, 11:15, mark 4:9

And the more studious inquirers the master added

"Take heed to what ye hear: with what measure ye meet it shall be measured unto you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath to him shall be given, and to he that hath not from him shall be taken even that which he hath" Mark 4: 24-25

(See also 2 Nephi 28:30)

"Two men hear the same words; one of them listens in indolence and indifference. The other with active mind, intent on learning all that the words can possibly convey; and, having heard the diligent man goes straight way to do the things commanded to him. While the careless one neglects and forgets. One is wise, the other is foolish; the one has heard to his eternal profit, and to the other his everlasting condemnation" (Jesus the Christ 297)

The scriptures are the same way. When we study because it’s a commandment or because we have to, we are being like the foolish man in this case and learn nothing, but when we treasure the words of Christ AND then apply them into our lives we will gain eternal profit.

 in 1 Nephi 19 23 it says that we need to apply the scriptures to ourselves and I believe that is soo true, we will get nothing out of the scriptures unless we read and then apply those principles into our daily lives.

So I have homework for you. For everyone that is reading this... yeah family friend’s siblings and missionaries.... This week I read 1 Nephi chapters 3 and 4... When I read about Nephi and his bros going to get the brass plates, I then applied it to MY mission. And just about every verse in those 2 chapters are applicable to the mission. I want everyone to read those chapters or other chapters and stories in the book of Mormon or bible and apply those stories into your life... I would love to hear about your studies next Monday! ¿lo haran?...que bueno.

I want to testify of the reality of Christ. He is so close. So real it’s insanely wonderful when you feel his presence and light. But like I said before we get out what we put in.

We need to pray like God is listening, because he is. We need to study the scriptures like those are His words because they are. And we need to live like Him because one day we will be.

If we give him more of us, he will give us more of him.

I love you family! And next week I will share with you what I have found in 1 Nephi 3 and 4... It’s great.