Missions encompass just about every emotion. I'll never forget the first day I left for the mission. Lots of tears, lots of joy, lots of fear, lots of love but also what felt like a broken heart. And it didn't really ever go away...until I allowed it to. I have been taught by the Spirit continually throughout my mission experience about the principle of finding joy through my focus not my circumstances. As I went day by day I would feel such joy sharing what I love so much, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Then I would feel fear not knowing what to teach someone when the time came. I cried when I missed my family, I cried when I felt the Spirit. I felt broken hearted as doors were slammed in my face. But what followed this bitter feeling of rejection was the forever lasting and infinite love of my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. Heavenly Father knows each of us and He knows our desires. He knew that our mortal journey would be far from perfection, so He literally sent His Beloved son Jesus Christ to come to earth and take upon Himself the knowledge and feeling of every trial or pain we would ever go through. Jesus Christ is my brother. He is my best friend. He is my savior and redeemer. He is the literal son of our Heavenly Father. He sent His only perfect son to earth in essence to suffer and experience our every trial with us. Jesus Christ's gospel did not begin in Bethlehem and it did not end with nails in His hands on the cross at Calvary. It is everlasting, infinite, all encompassing. My love for my Savior and Father in Heaven has increased tremendously and will continue to as I look forward with Faith in Jesus Christ. Circumstances which may seem overwhelming, sins that may seen unforgivable, days that may seem more gloomy than ever, choices made that bring deep sorrow, when other people break our hearts...whatever it may be, we must be able to recognize the eternal purpose of these trials, these mortal experiences and opportunities. We cannot determine our joy in life solely based on our circumstances, but by our focus. And IF that focus is on our Savior Jesus Christ and what we can do to become more like Him each and every day then we will be given an eternal joy that no mortal mistake could ever overpower.
Elder Toki just returned home yesterday and Elder Kilembi (my other companion) and I got to take him to the airport for his departure. Elder Toki changed my mission. He changed my life. His simple yet significant testimony was so influential to all that were within distance of his voice. There was nothing he said or did that was more powerful than him simply carrying the Spirit with him every where he went. He magnified his call to be a full-time missionary for his Savior. I will strive in all I do to give my all to the Lord. He has finished his temporary opportunity to serve full time in this eternal work. But will continue to be a missionary wherever he goes.
Your example goes beyond what you can see. In fact most times when seeking to help individuals with personal needs, it takes more than just listening. You must feel for them. You must love them. You will make an impact everywhere you go, make it an empowering one.
Jesus Christ lives. He is the son of our Father in Heaven. They love each and every one of us. They want to see us happy, but sometimes, with opposition in all things, it takes experiencing something that may seem miserable, to in the long run receive an eternal ever lasting joy.
I love you all! Have an amazing week!!
- Elder Newbold
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