Dearest Sons of Mosiah (and daughters),
God answers prayers. Now, it might sound like I have a lot of faith, but that's not it. I do have hopefully an alright amount of faith, but that has absolutely nothing to do with my statement. He just does. When it's factual, it doesn't actually require faith. So I just want to show you some facts here...
Well, I got emergency transferred to the Trendwood Ward. It wasn't my fault, but for those of you who know what that is, you are correct. An emergency transfer takes place when some missionary somewhere does something stupid. Now, fortunately, and perhaps shockingly to all of you, I wasn't the stupid one this time. So I didn't do anything wrong. However, somebody did, and when somebody leaves an area, they obviously have to be replaced. That's where I come in. So, I replaced they guy who had to be emergency transferred, which means that now I'm serving with another Elder, in another ward, mid-transfer. Pretty cool, eh?
Trendwood is still in Lincoln Nebraska, for those of you that might be curious.
Now you might be asking yourself, "so how does this prove God answers prayers?" Check this out. So my one of my old companions is actually rather scary. He and Elder DeVoe like to prank a lot of people, and that included me. Sometimes I got hurt from them. As you can guess, I prayed my heart out to get rid of one of them in particular. Elder Springer is intense, in a bad way. In fact, the guy hates me, and will do about anything to get under my skin. Now I don't say this to destroy his name. or destroy your trust in missionaries, but remember, missionaries are people too. I'm just stating facts. He once threw a chair at me, as one example. It dented the wall, and chipped off the front of my desk. So, as you can imagine, not the best situation.(ATTENTION!!!!!) IN FACT, HE MAY EVEN ATTEMPT TO WRITE PEOPLE THAT I WRITE BACK HOME! THAT'S A HEADS UP FOR ALL OF YOU! Who knows what he will do? Keep an eye open. If you get any letters that seem fishy that are from Nebraska, or "from me", think twice before trusting them. Letters that are really from me should hopefully be painfully obvious that it's the real deal. Uhh...a lot to explain...just a bad situation...
Well, my parents knew about this, so I guess my Mom also put my name into the Temple. Things were getting rough, and I wasn't sure how things were going to work out well. I had been praying for help for quite some time, asking the Lord to give me strength to get through the situation, and to hopefully help me change it. I hadn't yet told President about it, but I was planning to. Well, one day we just randomly received a call from President, and there was an emergency transfer taking place due to problems elsewhere. My current companion needed a new companion in Trendwood, and President called me to fill this position. Now, that's cool, but here's another part that gets me. My other companion in Holmes Lake, Elder DeVoe, isn't really that bad of a guy. He just liked to prank as well. Still, we got along most of the time. He has had a hard time develping his testimony, and doing missionary work. That's why he was in a tripanionship. I guess he prayed as well, asking God to reveal his existance to him. When I got transferred, it suddenly went down to only him and Elder Springer. Teaching with three is always difficult. Suddenly, when it went down to two (which he hasn't been in a normal companionship for a long time), he found that he had to teach. And he did just fine. Way cool! That was his answer. Awesome, huh?
So a lot of things took place. I know this may seem like a sad/scary email, or whatever, but really it says a lot about the power of prayer. I'm sure more of you out there have been praying for me, and also others for other missionaries. Those prayers are being answered. It's not always how we would like, or how we expect--but they are heard and answered.
Thanks for your prayers.
Love, Elder Christopher Petersen
Monday, April 26, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Pause, Ponder and Pray!!
Dear Sons of Mosiah,
I hope you thought about it before continuing on. If you did not, don't you dare get around to reading this for a little bit. Pause, ponder, and pray. Think, and do. It's funny how valuable things are that are constantly at hand. These are tools the Lord has given us to use, and abilities that we always have. Yet, for some reason, few take part in these things frequently. The world is so busy, and we are always going. How many of us honestly just lay down for a moment and just pause from life to think--or get down on your knees to simply talk with your Father in Heaven? How many of us are constantly seeking for knowledge from Him? Do we really believe that if we ask, we shall receive, and if we knock, is shall be opened unto us? Or who here believes the simple words of James, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and ubraideth not: and it shall be given him."? Forgive me if any of the punctuation is off. I do not have my scriptures with me at the Library today, so I just kind of did it from memory. Let's highlight some things.
In plain english, James said: "If any of you lack wisdom, ask God, that gives answers to all men freely, and he will not judge you for asking; he will give you what you ask for." Now, I realize it doesn't sound as poetic that way, and I prefer in in scripture myself. Still, when you brake it down, he is basically saying that. Of course, you must ask for things that are righteous, and also, we can't forget the beginning of verse six, "But let him ask in faith". Well, my point is, we should utilize the promises given to us by servants of the Lord.
Now, about what I said...Christ supped with sinners. I'm not going to ruin it for you. Study it out. Think about it. However, one word of precaution for safety sake. That does not mean to ever place yourself into bad situations, or surround yourself with people doing bad things. Christ didn't do stupid things. Keep that in mind before you attempt to act on my short message. So be careful. Do not go and decide to date someone who is rebellious hoping you can change them, hang out with a bunch of people doing drugs, or go to a party under 'Christ supped with sinners' as your justification. Don't do that, but DO figure out what I mean. If you have any questions, write me about it. I love letters. Love you all!
Love, Elder Christopher Petersen
I hope you thought about it before continuing on. If you did not, don't you dare get around to reading this for a little bit. Pause, ponder, and pray. Think, and do. It's funny how valuable things are that are constantly at hand. These are tools the Lord has given us to use, and abilities that we always have. Yet, for some reason, few take part in these things frequently. The world is so busy, and we are always going. How many of us honestly just lay down for a moment and just pause from life to think--or get down on your knees to simply talk with your Father in Heaven? How many of us are constantly seeking for knowledge from Him? Do we really believe that if we ask, we shall receive, and if we knock, is shall be opened unto us? Or who here believes the simple words of James, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and ubraideth not: and it shall be given him."? Forgive me if any of the punctuation is off. I do not have my scriptures with me at the Library today, so I just kind of did it from memory. Let's highlight some things.
In plain english, James said: "If any of you lack wisdom, ask God, that gives answers to all men freely, and he will not judge you for asking; he will give you what you ask for." Now, I realize it doesn't sound as poetic that way, and I prefer in in scripture myself. Still, when you brake it down, he is basically saying that. Of course, you must ask for things that are righteous, and also, we can't forget the beginning of verse six, "But let him ask in faith". Well, my point is, we should utilize the promises given to us by servants of the Lord.
Now, about what I said...Christ supped with sinners. I'm not going to ruin it for you. Study it out. Think about it. However, one word of precaution for safety sake. That does not mean to ever place yourself into bad situations, or surround yourself with people doing bad things. Christ didn't do stupid things. Keep that in mind before you attempt to act on my short message. So be careful. Do not go and decide to date someone who is rebellious hoping you can change them, hang out with a bunch of people doing drugs, or go to a party under 'Christ supped with sinners' as your justification. Don't do that, but DO figure out what I mean. If you have any questions, write me about it. I love letters. Love you all!
Love, Elder Christopher Petersen
A Difficult Week with Illness, but We're Still Blessed!!
Dear Sons of Mosiah,
Not much to write this week, honestly. I spent much of it in bed, unfortunately. I hate to admit it, but I've been sicker than a dog for about a week. Yeah, they are going to take care of it. By they, I mean, the mission mom is on top of it, I think. We have to call her whenever we are sick, and describe our symptoms. Unfortunately, she had no idea what I have, but whatever it is, one of my companions may or may not have the same thing, just not as bad. She called a doctor, and he didn't know what it was either. He called me the next day, and discussed it with me. Yeah, it's being handled. It could be a couple of things. He said it was possible that I have an infection somewhere, and that my body just has to fight it. It's no good. It could be other things, but that was one rough possiblity. So instead of sending me to a doctor, they told me to just wait it out, and they will check up on me every once in a while.
Still, the Lord blessed us despite the sickness. We somehow managed to still teach quite a bit for the small amount of time we actually got to work. We also got to give an older lady a blessing, and take the sacrament to a man yesterday. Somehow we managed to teach a lot of great people who seem to be coming along. It's always good news.
Anyway, I don't have much to say. I love you all!
Love, Elder Christopher D. Petersen
P.S. Thanks to those of you who have written me recently! I will respond to all of you, and want to hear from all of you! I will write back as fast as possible, but I'm a little behind, so a letter is coming!
Not much to write this week, honestly. I spent much of it in bed, unfortunately. I hate to admit it, but I've been sicker than a dog for about a week. Yeah, they are going to take care of it. By they, I mean, the mission mom is on top of it, I think. We have to call her whenever we are sick, and describe our symptoms. Unfortunately, she had no idea what I have, but whatever it is, one of my companions may or may not have the same thing, just not as bad. She called a doctor, and he didn't know what it was either. He called me the next day, and discussed it with me. Yeah, it's being handled. It could be a couple of things. He said it was possible that I have an infection somewhere, and that my body just has to fight it. It's no good. It could be other things, but that was one rough possiblity. So instead of sending me to a doctor, they told me to just wait it out, and they will check up on me every once in a while.
Still, the Lord blessed us despite the sickness. We somehow managed to still teach quite a bit for the small amount of time we actually got to work. We also got to give an older lady a blessing, and take the sacrament to a man yesterday. Somehow we managed to teach a lot of great people who seem to be coming along. It's always good news.
Anyway, I don't have much to say. I love you all!
Love, Elder Christopher D. Petersen
P.S. Thanks to those of you who have written me recently! I will respond to all of you, and want to hear from all of you! I will write back as fast as possible, but I'm a little behind, so a letter is coming!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Rough Week, But Good News, Too!
Dear Sons of Mosiah,
Rough week out in the mission field. You know those weeks where everything goes wrong? You know them, right? Bicycle breaks, all of your appointments cancel, your favorite person disappears because they might be in prison, your favorite recent convert starts smoking again...those kind of weeks? Yeah, rough week this week. Even John Harvey cancelled this week! I've spent a lot of time preparing for that guy! I'm supposed to go back, I know that much, but I was hoping it would be last Saturday. Oh well.
Well my brethren, not much to say this week. About the only good news, however, is probably the greatest news I've had in quite a while. SISTER SAURE IS GETTING BAPTIZED!!! Whoot!
Yeah, the Saure's are a part-member family that have had a lot of difficulties. Brother and Sister Saure have struggled in their marriage, and their whole family has had a rough time. Still, they want to work it out. Unfortunately, their divorce papers already went through, so now they have to be remarried. They are planning on it though, and she's also planning on getting baptized. They have decided the only way to keep their family functional is to center it around Jesus Christ. She has taken lesson from the missionaries before, but said she didn't feel ready to be baptized before. She does now. We've been visiting their family lately, and even had Family Home Evening with them last night. It went well.
So, now I finally get to see what I came out here to see: the completion of families. Hopefully they will be able to go through the temple in a little over a year, and get sealed for time and eternity. I feel humbled that the Lord is allowing me to see what I wanted to see.
Anyway, I'm going to keep it short today. The news is great, isn't it? I love you all my dear brethren! Keep God in your hearts always!
Love, Elder Chris Petersen
Rough week out in the mission field. You know those weeks where everything goes wrong? You know them, right? Bicycle breaks, all of your appointments cancel, your favorite person disappears because they might be in prison, your favorite recent convert starts smoking again...those kind of weeks? Yeah, rough week this week. Even John Harvey cancelled this week! I've spent a lot of time preparing for that guy! I'm supposed to go back, I know that much, but I was hoping it would be last Saturday. Oh well.
Well my brethren, not much to say this week. About the only good news, however, is probably the greatest news I've had in quite a while. SISTER SAURE IS GETTING BAPTIZED!!! Whoot!
Yeah, the Saure's are a part-member family that have had a lot of difficulties. Brother and Sister Saure have struggled in their marriage, and their whole family has had a rough time. Still, they want to work it out. Unfortunately, their divorce papers already went through, so now they have to be remarried. They are planning on it though, and she's also planning on getting baptized. They have decided the only way to keep their family functional is to center it around Jesus Christ. She has taken lesson from the missionaries before, but said she didn't feel ready to be baptized before. She does now. We've been visiting their family lately, and even had Family Home Evening with them last night. It went well.
So, now I finally get to see what I came out here to see: the completion of families. Hopefully they will be able to go through the temple in a little over a year, and get sealed for time and eternity. I feel humbled that the Lord is allowing me to see what I wanted to see.
Anyway, I'm going to keep it short today. The news is great, isn't it? I love you all my dear brethren! Keep God in your hearts always!
Love, Elder Chris Petersen
Monday, March 22, 2010
An Experience to Always Remember
My dearest Sons of Mosiah,
I wish to share an experience with you today. It really strenghtened my testimony that the Lord keeps HIs promises, and strengthens our weaknesses should we come unto Him. Also that He chose young unlearned servants, and He promised that He would give them the ability to confound the wise. This is true, I'm an unlearned servant, and I confounded a whole group of learned people...only it wasn't me of course. It was the Spirit. Even my companion testifies that I'm not smart enough or literate enough to say the things I said.
The Harvey Family is a family that is devoted to Christ--which would be good if they were actually devoted to His Gospel, but instead they are devoted to some Born Again Church, the Glad Tidings Assembly of God. John Harvey was the man who antied us last week, and I was furious about it. I went home and prayed earnestly for him, as my anger turned into sorrow. I wanted to know how I could help him, and the Lord let me know what to do.
One of the greatest parts about having people under your stewardship, is the ability you have to receive revelation for and about those people. Twice now, in this area that I've been in for less than six weeks, I've been able to receive revelation that is so vivid that, as Elder Richard G. Scott suggested, I wrote it down. It came to me in words. I didn't hear the words, but it wasn't the same feeling I get when I'm thinking about what to write. It was a state of listening, and discerning, where the Sprit was present strongly. The Lord spoke to me concerning the things that I should do, and I knew I should go back.
It's not always a good idea to go back when somebody seems unwilling to change their ways, but I was nevertheless instructed to go back, and to teach him again. I taught him, his family, and another man named Jim. They are learned in the Bible, and even have this thing called an Evidence Bible, which teaches them how to minister to other faiths, and take them away from their beliefs. However, the Lord instructed me, and I was able to follow.
(I have to switch computers. Wait for part two. If I can't do part two yet, I'll do it next week)
Grrr...I wrote all of part two, and it all got erased!
Long story short, I councelled my District Leader, and he suggested taking the Finding Faith in Christ DVD over to John Harvey's home. I took this idea to the Lord, and he confirmed that it was good, and then added to it. He instructed me to compile resources that make up the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and give them to John. He also told me not to worry. He promised he would fill my mouth with the words to say, and would guide me in the things I should teach.
I then went to John Harvey's home, and he gladly had us in. After all, he did want to minister to us. He has resources that teach him how to shake us of our faith. But the Lord would not allow that this time. He took contol of the situation, and used me as the instrument in His hands. My companion was sick that night, and therefore unable to teach with me, but he was there, and we both testify that the things I said were not of myself.
So we showed the movie, and he cried as the Spirit testified of his Savior, Jesus Christ. I cried as well. The movie is quite moving. After the movie, I testified, and the Lord filled my mouth. I taught him of the temple, and its importance. I taught him aspects of the Plan of Salvation, and the Lord was with me.
Being unable to refude these things as he had previously done, John turned to attack Joseph Smith and his teachings. He was with his family, and another learned man named Jim. All together, they seeked to attack the doctine of the plurality of gods, and that mankind has the potential to become like our heavenly parents.
The Lord swiftly confounded them. I, a young unlearned man, spoke words beyond my own ability. I am not so literate, nor am I that intelligent. The Holy Ghost enlightened my mind, and elevated my understanding. In part, I feel I must thank my Dad here for telling me about the talks in his sacrament meeting. It must have been inspired, because the Holy Ghost used that knowledge in my mind to open my understanding. This led to a spirtual experence I will never forget. These learned people did not know what to say. The Lord spoke through me, and I cannot even recreate that for you. All I know is that it happened. I spoke on it too perfectly.
My bretheren, make no mistake, and know that the Lord hears each of us. He will help us in our challenges, and lift our burdens. He will enlighten our minds when we are in need, and loose our tongues.
The Gospel is life, my bretheren. Only a fool will try to separate the two. We are living the plan of our Heavenly Father. All that we do is in preparation to become like Him. The power is here to bind things on earth and in heaven. Man and woman are to be one flesh in the sight of the Lord. Families are a type of things which are to come, where we are to have children forever. Eternal increase. We will create life, and many other things, forever. That is why that desire is instilled in us. We also seek for knowledge in this life. That is the nature of our spirits. We hunger for knowledge, and as we learn, we become more and more like our heavenly parents. All that we do in this life is learn, make choices, and receive the ordinances we need to return to and become like our Heavenly Father. That is what this life is, and it is beautiful. Everything is the Gospel, and all things good are of God.
I love you all.
Love, Elder Chris Petersen
I wish to share an experience with you today. It really strenghtened my testimony that the Lord keeps HIs promises, and strengthens our weaknesses should we come unto Him. Also that He chose young unlearned servants, and He promised that He would give them the ability to confound the wise. This is true, I'm an unlearned servant, and I confounded a whole group of learned people...only it wasn't me of course. It was the Spirit. Even my companion testifies that I'm not smart enough or literate enough to say the things I said.
The Harvey Family is a family that is devoted to Christ--which would be good if they were actually devoted to His Gospel, but instead they are devoted to some Born Again Church, the Glad Tidings Assembly of God. John Harvey was the man who antied us last week, and I was furious about it. I went home and prayed earnestly for him, as my anger turned into sorrow. I wanted to know how I could help him, and the Lord let me know what to do.
One of the greatest parts about having people under your stewardship, is the ability you have to receive revelation for and about those people. Twice now, in this area that I've been in for less than six weeks, I've been able to receive revelation that is so vivid that, as Elder Richard G. Scott suggested, I wrote it down. It came to me in words. I didn't hear the words, but it wasn't the same feeling I get when I'm thinking about what to write. It was a state of listening, and discerning, where the Sprit was present strongly. The Lord spoke to me concerning the things that I should do, and I knew I should go back.
It's not always a good idea to go back when somebody seems unwilling to change their ways, but I was nevertheless instructed to go back, and to teach him again. I taught him, his family, and another man named Jim. They are learned in the Bible, and even have this thing called an Evidence Bible, which teaches them how to minister to other faiths, and take them away from their beliefs. However, the Lord instructed me, and I was able to follow.
(I have to switch computers. Wait for part two. If I can't do part two yet, I'll do it next week)
Grrr...I wrote all of part two, and it all got erased!
Long story short, I councelled my District Leader, and he suggested taking the Finding Faith in Christ DVD over to John Harvey's home. I took this idea to the Lord, and he confirmed that it was good, and then added to it. He instructed me to compile resources that make up the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and give them to John. He also told me not to worry. He promised he would fill my mouth with the words to say, and would guide me in the things I should teach.
I then went to John Harvey's home, and he gladly had us in. After all, he did want to minister to us. He has resources that teach him how to shake us of our faith. But the Lord would not allow that this time. He took contol of the situation, and used me as the instrument in His hands. My companion was sick that night, and therefore unable to teach with me, but he was there, and we both testify that the things I said were not of myself.
So we showed the movie, and he cried as the Spirit testified of his Savior, Jesus Christ. I cried as well. The movie is quite moving. After the movie, I testified, and the Lord filled my mouth. I taught him of the temple, and its importance. I taught him aspects of the Plan of Salvation, and the Lord was with me.
Being unable to refude these things as he had previously done, John turned to attack Joseph Smith and his teachings. He was with his family, and another learned man named Jim. All together, they seeked to attack the doctine of the plurality of gods, and that mankind has the potential to become like our heavenly parents.
The Lord swiftly confounded them. I, a young unlearned man, spoke words beyond my own ability. I am not so literate, nor am I that intelligent. The Holy Ghost enlightened my mind, and elevated my understanding. In part, I feel I must thank my Dad here for telling me about the talks in his sacrament meeting. It must have been inspired, because the Holy Ghost used that knowledge in my mind to open my understanding. This led to a spirtual experence I will never forget. These learned people did not know what to say. The Lord spoke through me, and I cannot even recreate that for you. All I know is that it happened. I spoke on it too perfectly.
My bretheren, make no mistake, and know that the Lord hears each of us. He will help us in our challenges, and lift our burdens. He will enlighten our minds when we are in need, and loose our tongues.
The Gospel is life, my bretheren. Only a fool will try to separate the two. We are living the plan of our Heavenly Father. All that we do is in preparation to become like Him. The power is here to bind things on earth and in heaven. Man and woman are to be one flesh in the sight of the Lord. Families are a type of things which are to come, where we are to have children forever. Eternal increase. We will create life, and many other things, forever. That is why that desire is instilled in us. We also seek for knowledge in this life. That is the nature of our spirits. We hunger for knowledge, and as we learn, we become more and more like our heavenly parents. All that we do in this life is learn, make choices, and receive the ordinances we need to return to and become like our Heavenly Father. That is what this life is, and it is beautiful. Everything is the Gospel, and all things good are of God.
I love you all.
Love, Elder Chris Petersen
Monday, March 15, 2010
A Tough Week, But a Testimony Builder
Dear Sons of Mosiah,
It has been a rough week, but it has definitely helped me reach a significant milestone in my life, I think. It was a hard week on success with a lot of let-downs, but that just goes to show that the Adversary is increasing his efforts to lead the Children of God down to misery and pain. Of course, as always, the Lord will come out triumphant. Sometimes things just don't happen in the timing that we hope, or in the way that we hope. But the Lord knows all things, and we best keep in mind that He is perfect, and just, and merciful. Heavenly Father made a plan for His children, and I don't think the Lord intends to save only few of his children. Apparently, neither did Joseph Smith's father, because he said the same thing--at least in the restoration video. I firmly agree.
My bretheren, there is a sorrow and also a joy out on a mission that seems to be almost uncomparable to any other sorrow or joy. The first little bit each of you is on a mission, you will probably miss home a lot. But the sorrow changes, and you never really lose sorrow, but rather, your sorrow becomes focused on your work. The sins of the world around you affect you tremendously. It's no wonder that Alma lemented over the sins of his people--but he also rejoiced in the Lord, and that joy is a joy that is not comparable to any other. It is the most exquisite joy, the joy that comes with this work. Sometimes I find myself worn down by the world around me, and my sadness seems almost unbearable as I watch my brothers and sisters fall away, being led slowly and steadily into the captivity of the devil. The law of chastity, and word of wisdom are huge problems out here. I watch as people reject the gospel, because they are held down in those chains. If any of you are bound in these chains, break them immediately, and follow the Savior. He truly is the Light and the Way. With HIs light comes a joy that is sweet above all other things.
Love the Lord, my bretheren, and His goodness. Pray to your father in mighty supplication for the welfare of your souls, as Enos did. Have faith in Christ, and trust in him. I realize that I must strive for these things, because my imperfections are many. The prophet Nephi also felt of His goodness, and also an exquisite sorrow because of the desires of the flesh. The scripture is 2 Nephi 4. I feel as he did quite a lot. It's a scripture that hit me with power. If a Prophet of the Lord feels a need to lament because of his sins and temptations that so easily beset him, have we also a need to cry out to the Lord as he did, and humble ourselves as the dust of the earth? I think so. It's my thought for the week. How can we better humble ourselves before the Lord? There was a talk I heard this week that I am stealing this next bit from. It's a question. Look at your hands. Whose hands are those? Certainly they are our hands. A mother might answer that they are her kids hands, and a husband might say they are his wife's hands. What do you say? Are they the Lord's hands?
Our God is a being who serves. The Son of Man descended below us all. It is so interesting how he came into the world not to be ministered unto, but to minister. Now go minister.
I am running short on time, but my experience for the week is so interesting. Plainly, a man antied us. He gave us antimormon literature. It disgusted me. If felt angry, and loathsome at that man. He looked at me and my district leader who was on exchanges with me, and asked, "Gentlemen, have you ever considered that you might well be on your way to outer darkness?"
Inside I was furious, and angry at his ignorance and accusation. The antimormon literature he gave us was so ridiculous and faulty, and all it did was anger me. I prayed to the Lord greatly for this man, as sorrows began to replace the anger in my heart. I asked what I should do concerning him, and the Lord answered me so vividly. Bretheren, the Lord wants to speak with us. He will help us fulfill the responsibilities of our stewardship. Turn to him always.
I have to go. I love all of you, and pray for you always.
Love, Elder Chris Petersen
It has been a rough week, but it has definitely helped me reach a significant milestone in my life, I think. It was a hard week on success with a lot of let-downs, but that just goes to show that the Adversary is increasing his efforts to lead the Children of God down to misery and pain. Of course, as always, the Lord will come out triumphant. Sometimes things just don't happen in the timing that we hope, or in the way that we hope. But the Lord knows all things, and we best keep in mind that He is perfect, and just, and merciful. Heavenly Father made a plan for His children, and I don't think the Lord intends to save only few of his children. Apparently, neither did Joseph Smith's father, because he said the same thing--at least in the restoration video. I firmly agree.
My bretheren, there is a sorrow and also a joy out on a mission that seems to be almost uncomparable to any other sorrow or joy. The first little bit each of you is on a mission, you will probably miss home a lot. But the sorrow changes, and you never really lose sorrow, but rather, your sorrow becomes focused on your work. The sins of the world around you affect you tremendously. It's no wonder that Alma lemented over the sins of his people--but he also rejoiced in the Lord, and that joy is a joy that is not comparable to any other. It is the most exquisite joy, the joy that comes with this work. Sometimes I find myself worn down by the world around me, and my sadness seems almost unbearable as I watch my brothers and sisters fall away, being led slowly and steadily into the captivity of the devil. The law of chastity, and word of wisdom are huge problems out here. I watch as people reject the gospel, because they are held down in those chains. If any of you are bound in these chains, break them immediately, and follow the Savior. He truly is the Light and the Way. With HIs light comes a joy that is sweet above all other things.
Love the Lord, my bretheren, and His goodness. Pray to your father in mighty supplication for the welfare of your souls, as Enos did. Have faith in Christ, and trust in him. I realize that I must strive for these things, because my imperfections are many. The prophet Nephi also felt of His goodness, and also an exquisite sorrow because of the desires of the flesh. The scripture is 2 Nephi 4. I feel as he did quite a lot. It's a scripture that hit me with power. If a Prophet of the Lord feels a need to lament because of his sins and temptations that so easily beset him, have we also a need to cry out to the Lord as he did, and humble ourselves as the dust of the earth? I think so. It's my thought for the week. How can we better humble ourselves before the Lord? There was a talk I heard this week that I am stealing this next bit from. It's a question. Look at your hands. Whose hands are those? Certainly they are our hands. A mother might answer that they are her kids hands, and a husband might say they are his wife's hands. What do you say? Are they the Lord's hands?
Our God is a being who serves. The Son of Man descended below us all. It is so interesting how he came into the world not to be ministered unto, but to minister. Now go minister.
I am running short on time, but my experience for the week is so interesting. Plainly, a man antied us. He gave us antimormon literature. It disgusted me. If felt angry, and loathsome at that man. He looked at me and my district leader who was on exchanges with me, and asked, "Gentlemen, have you ever considered that you might well be on your way to outer darkness?"
Inside I was furious, and angry at his ignorance and accusation. The antimormon literature he gave us was so ridiculous and faulty, and all it did was anger me. I prayed to the Lord greatly for this man, as sorrows began to replace the anger in my heart. I asked what I should do concerning him, and the Lord answered me so vividly. Bretheren, the Lord wants to speak with us. He will help us fulfill the responsibilities of our stewardship. Turn to him always.
I have to go. I love all of you, and pray for you always.
Love, Elder Chris Petersen
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