Seek Out the Righteous Where’re They May Be
Seek Out the Righteous Where’re They May Be
Elder R. Chad Oviatt, served in the Toronto Canada Mission
I was called to the Czech/Slovak mission in October 2014. I was somewhat nervous but mostly excited to go and I only continued to grow in excitement as I entered the MTC. To my disappointment, I was reassigned to the Atlanta Georgia mission and, after being there for a month and a half, was reassigned again to the Toronto Canada Mission.
I have now served here for six months and I love this mission! At first, I was confused at why this was happening to me. It was hard, but if I hadn’t gone where the Lord wanted me, I could not stand at this time and know that the Lord know us so much better than we know ourselves. He loves us. Sometimes we think times are hard and don’t know why these things happen, but if we are faithful and just do the things the Lord wants, the plan he has for us, the peace, joy, love, happiness will become evident. We will receive the blessings he wants for us. I know that God loves us.
They Are Now on the Right Path
They Are Now on the Right Path
Elder Andrew Dax, served in the Canada Calgary Mission
This family was going through really hard times. Their eighteen-year-old son had decided to get into drugs and bad friends and had moved out unexpectedly. The parents didn't know where he was, what he was doing, or if he was even going to be okay.
The mother and this son were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints but were not active. The other children and the father were not members.
We started teaching them and progressed the mom's testimony and started building the other family members testimonies. Over time they started coming to church regularly, and started doing all the small things to build their faith in Jesus Christ. It took a lot on their part but they were well on their way.
One day another member in the ward gave us some kids toys to pass out to other people we came in contact with. We thought about this struggling family and thought we could surprise their little kids with toys! The parents thought it would be a great idea to surprise them when they got home.
The parents also had another surprise up their sleeve! Their renegade son had returned home humbled and apologetic.
When the kids got home there we were outside on their doorstep with their pick of toys! They were very surprised and their faces lit up with the biggest smiles!
The parents then said, “We have another surprise for you. Go look inside.” They quickly did and found their older brother! They got even more excited and happy. They brought him out to show them all the cool new toys!
The happiness in the air was thick and very apparent. It was then that the mother said to us, “Well our family definitely isn't perfect, but at least we are headed on the right path.”
That sentence has stuck with me my entire mission; it has helped give me the motivation to share this wonderful message with everyone! No one is perfect, but as missionaries, we can at least help people get on the right path, the path back to Heavenly Father.
In later weeks the father and a younger son were baptized.
The family still has trials and struggles. Life isn't easy for them, but they go to church regularly, read and pray as a family, and continue to build their faith in Christ. This gives them hope and a sure knowledge that Heavenly Father loves them and is mindful of all that they go through.
They are now on the right path!
Working for Someone Else
Working for Someone Else
John Lowry, served in the Toronto Canada Mission
At the start of my mission I studied really hard to be able to understand the lessons, how to teach them, and what to teach.
There came a time in my mission when I stopped studying as much because I thought that there was nothing more that I could learn. I soon started to lose focus and forget what I had learned. I asked myself “Why can’t I teach or find anymore?”
I came to realize that I had been letting my pride get in the way. I even had a few companions that told me I was being prideful, but I never believed them.
Eventually, I started studying like I used to and I learned what I needed. I was able to teach and find again. I had to let the Lord be my focus and trust Him. I had to lose myself in the great work of the Lord and I love it. It brings such great joy knowing that I am working for someone else, not myself.
I Followed That Prompting
I Followed That Prompting
Javier Scott Gonzales served in the Toronto Canada Mission
One weekday morning my companion and I got a call from a sister in the ward where we were serving. She fought through her tears as she told us her husband was in the hospital from a heart attack. She asked us to go and give him a blessing, to which we promptly agreed!
We left for the hospital and arrived just as early as visiting hours would allow. A kind nurse took us to where he lay and, after she left us alone, we told him his wife had sent us to give him a blessing.
As I laid my hands upon his head I felt impressed to command him to be healed. So, by the authority of the priesthood, I followed that prompting and commanded him to be healed. We left, sure in our hearts that things would be okay.
Later that afternoon the sister texted us, telling us that her husband was home and we should come over for dinner. We were both pretty amazed!
As we sat down for dinner he told us they transferred him to the hospital in Sudbury, three hours away from Timmins where they lived. He was there for only half an hour because of the doctors, not finding anything wrong with him, were puzzled as to why he was there!
I know by the power of the Holy Ghost that God leads His Church today through living Prophets and Apostles and that the authority to act in His name has been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know by the power of the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true; every time I read it I find strength and feel the Spirit!
By Fasting and Prayer
By Fasting and Prayer
Skyler Jacobs served in the Canada Calgary Mission
My companion and I had been really struggling to find new investigators and people who were prepared to receive the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. We had a special fast to be placed in the path of those prepared. During the fast on that Sunday, two new people showed up to church and introduced themselves to us. They were baptized a month later!