I have been struggling with homesickness and discouragement the past few weeks and so appreciate the timing of this day of training and being included with the mission in the training. Our boss in Sacramento says the missionaries in her office are not invited to anything that the proselyting missionaries do. We are blessed here in the CFM to have leaders who recognize that all the missionaries in this mission need the same blessing of the spiritual training and the strength derived from gathering as missionaries. Being with the young Elders and Sisters is in itself an incredible spiritual boost. They are all so cute and so dedicated. This day has helped me focus back on why I am here - what I felt when the Spirit confirmed to me that I was to serve a mission and when I received my call from the Lord. I have been selfish and prideful and want to rid myself of those traits and fully serve the Lord's children in the Fresno area. I love the Lord and want only to do his will.
Brother McKeown ended his portion of the presentation with his testimony, which, with the exception of the Prophet and the Apostles, is the strongest testimony I have ever been present to hear and feel. The Spirit filled out hearts and minds with pure witness that everything he bore witness to was true.
President Gelwix was wrapping up the long day of training (8:30 - 6:30) with his closing testimony when he paused for a few moments and then while choking back emotion shared something he said he had never shared with anyone except Sister Gelwix and an apostle. He told us that shortly after they arrived in the mission two years ago he had shown to him by the Lord the vision of what this mission could be in terms of bringing latter-day saints into the Lord's church. He bore testimony so strongly and powerfully that we were all in awe. While he was still speaking to everyone's surprise a young Elder stood up and interrupted him. With a very shaky emotional voice, he declared that he supported President Gelwix and the Lord in the accomplishment of that vision for this mission and would do everything in his power to do whatever President asked. Before he was done, another Elder stood up and with tears streaming down his face declared the same commitment. Within 30 seconds, that chapel full of missionaries was all standing, most of us with tears streaming down our faces, listening to President trying to finish his testimony through his tears. We concluded the meeting by remaining standing and singing "I Believe in Christ" and a kneeling prayer. There could have been no one in that building who did not feel the Holy Ghost bearing witness. It was tangible and incredible!! I am so blessed to have been there and am grateful for the witness borne to me that day of the importance of what I am doing here. Whatever it is that I am to do for the next 16 months, I pledge my heart and soul to doing it. That one essential thing is Christ. I love Him. His work must be my work.
These beautiful flowering trees are abundant around here right now. I don't know what they are but they are gorgeous.
Missions are made of miracles!! Last week two Elders in our mission prayed to know who they would baptize next. Their answer was go fill the baptism font. As they filled the font a name came to them of a man who was a former investigator. They contacted him and he wanted to be baptized ASAP. He was baptized 4 hours later. Miracles do happen and miracles are born of faith. These miracles are available to all who have the faith to seek them.
