¡Hola a Todos! (Hello
All!)
This past week was a transfer week in our mission, and we
felt, perhaps, a little more melancholy than usual, due to the departure of one
of the elders who had been working in the office when we “arrived” in the mission.
He helped train us in our office duties, and it was sad to see him leave
without really getting to meet him in-person!
As I (LeAnn) was helping one of the sister missionaries
practice her English this week, I noticed that she was all bundled up. She
mentioned that it is “really cold” (probably got down into the 60’s, but it
feels cold to them!) in Lima now. I explained that even though it is hot here
in Utah (high 90’s and low 100’s), I still have to wear a sweater indoors
because certain people who live in my house like to keep it cool. She then
said, “Oh that’s like when I went to the temple in Guayaquil (She’s from
Ecuador). It was so hot outside, but when I went in the temple, I got very
cold. My nose felt frozen!” I guess the “cold church syndrome” is pretty
universal…at least for women!
This past week I read Alma 26:22 which reveals the secret to
knowing the “mysteries of God.” The key lies in implementing the 4 “-eth”
words:
1.
Repenteth
2.
Exerciseth Faith
3.
Bringeth forth Good Works
4.
Prayeth Continually
It sounds so simple and straight-forward, yet each of these
4 things requires sincere effort and dedication. The verse also explains that
those who follow these 4 keys will bring souls – even thousands of souls – to
repentance. However, my younger (and admittedly, wiser) brother, Ryan (who
incidentally celebrates his birthday today!) recently shared a quite different
insight he’d received from this verse when he was a young missionary in Brazil:
“There are lots of commentaries and ideas of what is meant
by the phrase ‘mysteries of God’. I don't think there is one right answer.
Some might think of super deep doctrine. Others have looked into the
origin of the word ‘mystery’ and its translation in other languages and made a
connection to symbols or temple covenants. But one interpretation that
the Holy Ghost taught me on my mission was that ‘the mysteries of God’ also can
refer to the answer to the question ‘What does Clodoaldo [a young man he was
teaching in Brazil] need to be taught today?’ Understanding the needs of
those we are trying to serve, whether as a missionary or in our calling or in
our own family, is one way that God reveals His mysteries to us.”
¡Que tengan una semana
súper fantástica! (Have a super fantastic week!)
Love,
Lane & LeAnn
We appreciate all that young parents do for their children and our grandchildren!
