"Lift up your heart and rejoice for the hour of your mission is come; and your tongue shall be loosed and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation.
"You shall declare the things which have been revealed to my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun. You shall begin to preach from this time forth, yea, to reap in the field which is white..."
These same words given to Thomas B. Marsh 182 years ago this month are the same words given to all of us. I am reminded of this section of the Doctrine & Covenants everytime I feel the fire of a new missionary. Elder King is progressing so well. I love how we push each other and try to be the best companionship we can under the present circumstances. Yes we got blinds for our apartment. Yes, I think I could say things are getting easier. Yes we're starting to grasp Erie's bussing system. But that doesn't stop a mission from being one of the hardest things I've ever done.
The Lord likens missionary work to the labour intensive work of the harvest - not easy and sometimes you collect less than you anticipated, but the fruit you receive from that which you sow is of the sweetest thing that can be had in this life.
"Therefore, thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your back...
"Behold, verily I say unto you, go from [your family] only for a little time, and declare my word...
"Yea, I will open the hearts of the people and they will receive you."
I've been surprised how much the Lord is already strengthening my body and desire to contact all. The Lord seems to be partial to his trainers and new missionaries. He senses their inadequate feelings and is merciful to them. We've been led to three new investigators this week and I'm psyched to see the old investigators from Millcreek coming to Church including Guy, Liam, Margie and Gary. Sister Porter told us we will not be able to count the seeds we sow. For the Lord has brought us into these areas for the salvation of souls.
"Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those that revile. Govern in meekness and be steadfast.
"Go your way whithersoever I will, and it shall be given you by the Comforter what you shall do and whither you shall go."
To all missionaries and all members the Lord gives us these promises laid in Doctrine & Covenants 31. And to us he says,
"Pray always...
Be faithful unto the end, and lo[w] I am with you. These words are not of man nor of men, but of me, even Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, by the will of the Father. Amen."
Elder Low
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