And now for a summary of June's emails and voice recordings.....
June 2nd
"Tried to do some yoga last night. Found out I've lost some flexibility. I'm going to have to do a lot of yoga when I get home!"
Lance and his companion taught 17 lessons this week and gained one solid investigator. Lance says he is "super prepared". So they've been meeting every day for the last week and came to church. It was a great experience at church considering there was another man there who is investigating and the two investigators became friends. It was also Fast and Testimony meeting and Lance's new friend stood to bare a testimony. So they are very excited about this man and his spirituality!
Lance has been studying lately about the will of the Lord.
He shares some good scriptures:
1 Nephi 3:7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.
(So, God commands people to do things that He knows we can accomplish and He gives us the help and grace to do so.)
1 Nephi 9:6 But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen.
God fulfills His promises to us, as well. Whatever he commands and promises WILL come about. He never falls short on His end. It's up to us to fulfill our end.
Act in faith.
In closing, he says he has really enjoyed reading "Jesus the Christ" and how much he's learned from it.
They are looking forward to hearing from President Uchtdorf next week.
June 9th
"Lublin's awesome, as always. This last week's been really good!"
Lance starts out by sharing what they've been focusing on with their new investigator. Repentance is one of the main topics they have been discussing and how repentance is a part of recovering from addiction. It's a way to put behind us the mistakes we feel we've made. And to go forward with confidence.
Lance says he and his companion have been talking a lot about how there is no better work. He feels like in comparison to all his work history, this has been the best and most rewarding experience yet. And he's not even getting paid!
They had a culture day this week and went to the castle there in Lublin.
They also had a branch get together at a member family's home with their investigator. He says it was great food and they had a lot of fun!
His spiritual thought for this week is about trusting the Lord.
2 Nephi 4:34 O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.
When we trust in God, we know that everything is going to be okay.
He goes on to comment on how important it is to read the scriptures. He points out that the Book of Mormon is the keystone to our religion. "While we read the Book of Mormon everyday, it strengthens our testimony and builds our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ."
June 23rd
No recording from last week. Lance was in Warsaw helping his new companion fill out all his paperwork and to attend the conference. They also taught 19 lessons and still meeting with their new investigator. They also welcomed a new member to their branch this week! So Lance is very happy about that.
He learned a ton at the conference with President Uchtdorf. He says, "It was enough knowledge to carry me through the rest of my life. It was, as you will, another patriarchal blessing for us all. It was really really really good!"
He shares an example in 1 Nephi 18 of overcoming pride. Our compass (Liahona) will cease to work if we become complacent and fall off track. Trust in the Lord and hold fast to your faith, and you will be able to find your way.
God's perfect and always has His hand reached out. When we put God first, all things work out. If we get off track, pray and ask for that personal revelation we desire.
Lance says that everything is going great. He's enjoying this last transfer and gets along great with his new companion. They are planning on spending the rest of the P day shopping and hanging out. He closes by expressing his love and appreciation for everyone at home.
June 30th
"We worked super hard this week! We taught 22 lessons on the street."
They met with someone in the park this week who at first was not interested, but after some conversation, the man thanked them for their wise words. So they're planning on meeting with him again this week.
Lance's spiritual thought comes from 2 Nephi 4:18. https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/4?lang=eng
Sometimes in life we feel like we are encompassed about by sin. "We groan in sorrow in our hearts". We want to awaken our souls, like Nephi. Don't allow our weaknesses to become excuses to droop in sin. Fill yourself with love, which will eliminate that place of the enemy in our souls. Live in gratitude...that is the secret to happiness. President Uchtdorf also spent some time on that topic in his talk. And if you're loving, there is no room for anger. Lance says that thanks to his mission, he has learned how to control anger and frustration a lot better.
Taken from lds.org
Lance's blurry face is in the background
Lance's honorary mission mom/family
One of the elders in Lance's group
Lublin branch missionaries
"Everything's good here. I love it. Just working hard!"
He says life is great, he loves his calling.
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