Soooooooo, the weather was rough, got sent in early on Thursday because of how bad the storm hit Belfast, Church was cancelled in some areas of Ireland because of the snow (wouldn’t be a problem in a place with snow, but people around here freak out when they see snow. They also don’t know how to drive in it, so we saw our fair share of fish-tails and accidents. Other than that, we have enjoyed a wonderful week of great experiences.
Monday is Preparation day and we just played Basketball, you know:
“And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.” D&C 89:18-20
Tuesday we had a wonderful district meeting and found for a lot of the day, but then had to go help one of our recent converts named Stephen. It was a really spiritual experience because he is really going through some tough times. The only thing we can do with him is to pray and be with him, because after all:
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26-27
and
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
Wednesday we had a lot of appointments fall through, but we were able to end the day with some very good food in the company of some wonderful members. One of the things that we are able to learn (we don’t know everything believe it or not) from being in their home is that even when life is difficult, and missionary work too, we should:
“…continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Thursday we had a crazy day. Had some fun in the snow, but not really finding anyone. In the end, they told all missionaries in the Zone to return to their flat and spend the rest of the evening inside. Crazy weather also froze our heater, so we kinda had a cold night, but we were able to watch some good videos about church history and the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith, plus some great personal study for a long time. All of that led me to understand what really the 3rd verse of the 135th section of the Doctrine and Covenants meant when it said that:
“Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!” D&C 135:3
Friday we had another rough storm day, full finding until we were able to teach a friend of ours named JinHao who is very solid! We taught him about the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and it was at the end of the lesson where we were able to testify to him of the power of the Book of Mormon and where he asked us why we believe in the Book of Mormon and why we came out here to serve. We explained to him the importance of praying about the book to know if it is true.
“I told [JinHao] that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” Introduction to The Book of Mormon
Saturday was a day that really stunk, I was planning on visiting, talking with, and then baptising a Chinese Friend that lives in Portadown (I wasn’t able to go). He really did not know if there were many Chinese Friends that also were members of the church, he thought that he was the only one. That would really stink, except for the fact that we had 2 Chinese Recent converts go out to see his baptism and tell him that there were quite a few friends he had that were very willing to help him. I am sure he felt great!
“And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;” Mosiah 18:8
Sunday, now that was a special sacrament meeting.
“Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.” Alma 7:13
Overall, learned a lot this week.
Elder Bang
Categories: Tyler - Scotland/Ireland
Time Well Spent 