Howdy Y'all!!
Greetings from Slidell, the land of dreams. This week has been slow
but full of many blessings that have been very apparent to us. The 4th
of July really slowed us down because we really couldn't effectively
work that day. But - we did get the chance to
see the fireworks at Heritage Park (the big one in the middle of the
city) that everyone goes to from the Zone Leader's apartment, and that
was the extent of our celebration. Anyways, there has been a theme that
has been clear to me throughout the course of
the week - in the work of the Lord, miracles abound.
Our first miracle came about by working with members. I have
written many people about the situation within our ward involving a man
who has been diagnosed with cancer. Because of his medicine, he was at
the point where his body was no longer functioning
properly, and he was shaking and twitching constantly. Then in a sudden
turn of events, he was able to walk into the specialist and was
restored to a functioning level. His daughter (also a member in the
ward) called to tell us the news, and my companion and
I were touched by her gratitude and the impact that we had on her
family. Through tears she thanked us for all the hours of service
rendered, and over the course of the last few days he has stabilized in
preperation for his upcoming treatment. A true miracle
indeed.
The second came with a less active member who opened up in a way we
couldn't imagine. Where months ago missionaries weren't allowed in, the
dad has now openly asked for our help. Hearts have truly been softened,
and hopefully we can successfully address
the concerns that we have identified. Because of this, one of their
children who was scheduled to be baptized before he refused missionaries
will hopefully once again have the opportunity to make the decision to
follow the example that our Savior set. A small
change that will bring about a great result - once again a miracle.
Lastly, a former investigator. She dropped us the week after our
baptism, saying "I'll call you." We took this in stride, and the other
day we felt strongly that we should go see her again soon. When we did,
she informed us that her family had faced some
very unique and trying circumstances, and it was not going well for
her. We shared a message of the Atonement and the peace it can bring,
and she just started crying. A soft "I'm going to be fine" was all we
heard in response. Her door, which was previously
closed to us, was opened once again as she expressed her gratitude for
our visit and invited us back for a return appointment this week. What a
blessing. Once again, miracles abound.
The doctrine is clear - miracles will occur when faith exists. As Mormon wrote to his son Moroni,
"And now, my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these
things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will show unto
you, with power and great glory at the last day, that they are true, and
if they are true has the day of miracles ceased?
. . . Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are
wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men;
wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men,
for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain."
(Moroni 7:35,37)
This week has truly exemplified what Elder Holland has taught, that
"God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges
that we face." The comfort from that promise is astounding, and it
continually motivates me to continue in this work.
Our Father and our Savior love us so much, and because of that love
miracles can occur in each of our lives so long as we first have faith.
The gospel is such a blessing in my life, and I wish that everyone could
understand that joy and accept this message.
I love you all and hope you have an amazing week!
Love,
Elder Thomas
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