September 16, 2012

Miracles: Homecoming Talk Given 9-16-2012


Brothers and Sisters, it’s good to be back. Serving a mission in Seattle, Washington was an amazing experience! For two years full-time I had the opportunity to “Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. (Missionary Purpose, PMG)”
On my mission I learned many things. I learned to keep a schedule, learn about and follow the promptings of the spirit, gain Christlike attributes, learn that God “will … make weak things become strong unto them, (Ether 12:27)” and many other lessons that will change me as a person. But one of the biggest lessons that I learned is that Heavenly Father is a God of Miracles. And that is what I would like to speak about today.
Early in my mission I received a letter from a friend. In it she added a scripture that I chose to make my missionary theme. Found in the 9th chapter of Mormon we learn, “And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles. And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles. And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust. Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.” (Mormon 9:18-21). And with those simple verses we have the doctrine of miracles.
Of miracles, Elder Dallin H. Oaks once said, “many miracles happen every day in the work of our Church and in the lives of our members. Many of you have witnessed miracles, perhaps more than you realize.” The work of the Lord is one of miracles. Through faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Ghost, and enduring to the end, one can experience the greatest of all miracles, a mighty change of heart, as natural and fallen people are transformed into faithful and noble children of God filled with the joy of the gospel.
Miracles are worked through faith. As Nephi taught, God “manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith. (2 Nephi 26:13)”
When I first entered the mission field my mission president read us a simple phrase from Preach my gospel, the Church’s missionary guidebook, to “ Believe that people who are being prepared to receive the message of the Restoration will be placed in your path. God will also place you where your good acts and words will prepare people to receive missionaries and Church members… Have the faith that you can share the restored gospel. In every way you serve, you should do so because you love your brothers and sisters and therefore hope, pray, and earnestly desire to teach them the restored gospel. (PMG)”
Earlier this year my companion and I were walking home from a long, somewhat disappointing day. I saw a man crossing the street ahead and prayed in my mind that we could talk to him. He walked towards us and while we were talking to him he told us that he had been thinking about God lately and what God wants for him to do in his life. For weeks, until I left the mission, we met with him at his office on the Microsoft corporate campus. It showed me that God does watch out for us all and will provide miracles.
This man, like many of the people who work at Microsoft is from India, have a non-Christian background, but through the power of the Holy Ghost we were able to see a change in his life. We taught him how to repent and feel the cleansing power of the Atonement in all aspects of life. We read scripture and taught truth and the spirit was there. When we asked him to go home and look back on his life and ask the Lord to take away burdens, he felt he couldn't wait to try it and did it during his closing prayer, asking for forgiveness on how he has treated his parents and asking for strength to do better. It is amazing to me what the Light of Christ brings people to do even when we didn't specifically talk to him about that.
Although he hasn’t yet been baptized, He told us that since we began to meet with him he has been able to feel and be guided by the spirit. Many of his questions about life have been answered and he understands that understanding comes "line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. (2 Nephi 28:30)" As he exercised and grew his faith, he was able to experience a mighty change in his heart, only made possible through the Atonement.
But true joy can only be felt through repentance. Early in my mission I was in a difficult area, but as we went out and worked diligently, we were blessed by the Lord. One Sunday, a recent convert's 19 year old step-daughter moved in with her, just after getting our of drug rehab and came to church, wanting to change her life. The step-daughter spoke up, "I actually want to be baptized!" Over the next three weeks until she was baptized, I saw a change in her heart. While in rehab, she gained a testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. As she fought through her temptations, she felt the peace that she was longing for. She experienced what Alma the younger experienced, quoting from Alma chapter 36, “I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more. And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain! (Alma 36:19)” Joy! That is the purpose of living the gospel of Jesus Christ, to help one experience ultimate joy and happiness only through His infinite atonement because "men are that they might have joy!" As we repent and follow God’s commandments, joy and peace will come into our lives. God gives us commandments not to punish us, but because in his all-infinite wisdom, we will find the Joy that we are on earth to experience.
Now faith and repentance prepare us to make sacred covenants through baptism and confirmation into the Church. As we walk in obedience to the principles and commandments of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we enjoy a continual flow of blessings and supply of strength in times of need, as promised by God in His covenant with us. Moroni tells us, “And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot. (Moroni 10:32)”
Early last year the Elmers, a retired couple, went on a month-long ski vacation to Utah, but what they found was more than just the best snow on earth. Their love for the outdoors and skiing took them to the mountains, but their enthusiasm for fine music, brought them to Temple Square weekly to attend the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s Sunday morning broadcasts, often staying longer to see the sights on Temple Square. Sister Elmer described her experience on Temple Square like being “home,” meaning feeling like she was home with God. The spirit truly touched their lives on their visit.
Although I got into the area part way through their teaching process, I saw their transformation as they prepared and partook of the saving ordinances of baptism and confirmation.
The Elmers saw the blessings in their lives. About the blessings, Sister Elmer told me, “Because of these blessings my life has changed in so many ways, the greatest blessing is the teachings have brought me a great peace in my life. Our beliefs have provided [my husband] and I a stronger marriage, knowing that we have a friend in Jesus and the Holy Spirit will guide us as long as we are willing to listen and remain strong in our faith.” Sister Elmer told me that, caught up in the world, she was never truly happy, but that her trip to Utah was a changing point. The gospel truly changes people for the better and they are a testimony to me that no matter what walk of life you come from, EVERYONE needs the gospel. Sister Elmer recognized it too. Shortly after her baptism, she referred her sister who was struggling with life to the missionaries. Through many months of teaching, her sister too got baptized and confirmed and is now living the gospel with greater peace.
But once we have entered the strait and narrow path by our faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and the ordinances of baptism and confirmation, we must exert every effort to stay on the path. We do so by continually exercising faith in Jesus Christ, repenting, making commitments and following the spirit. This process is called enduring to the end and the doctrine is clear, "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen." (2 Nephi 31:20-21)
As missionaries we had many opportunities to work with those that had once partaken of the gospel, but due to their natural state, had fallen away from the gospel. Early in my mission I met a woman that had a lot of difficulties. A single mother of four kids she had many stresses and worries. So we gave her a challenge: to read the Book of Mormon daily. We would text her scripture reading assignments every day and saw increased faith in her life and more power to overcome temptations. Through the Lord’s power she was able to quit smoking and be worthy to receive her patriarchal blessing. Her testimony of the Book of Mormon has increased and in turn, my testimony of the Book's power to truly change lives has increased. I have learned a lot about "enduring" through trials throughout my mission. It teaches us charity, patience, and long suffering. In life we all have trials, but it is never an end to our eternal lives because, as it says in the Doctrine and Covenants, thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high. (D&C 121:7-8)”
Of all the miracles I saw on my mission, the miracle of the Atonement is the greatest of all, both in my life and in the lives of those I met. The atonement covers all aspects of life. The Prophet Alma reminds us, “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.” (Alma 7:11-13)
Through the Atonement our sins, worries, doubts, pains, and all things that the world brings us can be overcome. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can once again feel peace in this life. On my mission I gained a deeper appreciation of the Atonement. It is a very real thing. The atonement got me through some of the most difficult times of my life, especially on my mission. There were some times on my mission that only the Atonement could get me through. Of all the miracles I saw on my mission, the most joyful and amazing is truly when people use the Atonement of Jesus Christ in full force and truly experience a mighty change of heart. What an amazing message of hope, peace and comfort. That one can be cleansed of their former "natural man" life. And oh how sad it is when people choose not to accept it! But His Atonement is always there, infinite and eternal. And what a glorious miracle that is!
As I have reflected on my mission, I have remembered how the Lord truly does fulfill His promises. I have seen so many miracles on my mission. If I really did look back on my mission, I would probably see one every day, even on those days of no teaching, and what seemed to me as no progress. I have truly seen the Lord's promise fulfilled, that "if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." (Ether 12:27)
I know that there truly does have to be opposition in all things, that you can't know true joy without feeling sorrow. A mission is like a mini lifetime, filled with the full range of emotions. But Christ's life wasn't easy either, and so must a humble disciple walk in His footsteps also. I'm not saying that I have felt everything that Christ Himself felt, but I feel that I have felt a minuscule portion of it. But, to personalize a scripture, “all these things shall give me experience, and shall be for thy good. (D&C 122:7)”
Throughout my mission, the Lord has provided miracles. And I know that the Lord will continue to provide miracles in our own lives. In the words of Moroni, “have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men. (Moroni 7:29)”
My missionary experience in Seattle, Washington has changed me for the better. I know that God lives and is our loving Father.  I know that He has a plan for each one of us. And I know that as we follow His ways, we will be blessed. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

August 27, 2012

Reflections

Hello all,
It has been the best two years, and also the worst two years. But throughout my mission I have been blessed! As I have reflected on my mission lately, I have remembered how the Lord truly does fulfill His promises. I have seen so many miracles on my mission. If I really did look back on my mission, I would probably see one every day, even on those days of no teaching, and what seemed to me as no progress. I don't regret going on a mission. I have truly seen the Lord's promise fulfilled, that "if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." (Ether 12:27)
I have seen that there truly does have to be opposition in all things, that you can't know true joy without feeling sorrow. A mission is like a mini lifetime, filled with the full range of emotions. But Christ's life wasn't easy either, and so must a humble disciple walk in His footsteps also. I'm not saying that I have felt everything that Christ Himself felt, but I feel that I have felt a minuscule portion of it.
Of all the miracles I have seen on my mission, the most joyful and amazing is truly when people use the Atonement of Jesus Christ in full force and truly experience a mighty change of heart, much as Alma the Younger:
"And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world. Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death. And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more. And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain! Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy." (Alma 36:17-20)
What an amazing message of hope, peace and comfort. That one can be cleansed of their former "natural man" life. And oh how sad it is when people choose not to accept it! But His Atonement is always there, infinite and eternal. And what a glorious miracle that is!
Last night I was reminded again about how blessed we are to have the gospel in our lives. We taught an Indian man named Kali, who is searching for truth in his life, but hasn't felt that he has found it yet. He wants to help his family and serve others, which it seems like many Indian people want in their life, but he doesn't feel that it can be found in any particular way of life or religion. Even when we ended our lesson he didn't want to pray, a clear indication that he isn't going to progress anyways.
The Korean branch continues to give us referrals. We have found a few potentials. But Bellevue is hard! I'm praying for a really good week to end my mission.
People are out there, I'm ready to work because this is the true gospel of Jesus Christ and the Lord's true Church!
Until 7:20 PM Monday, September 3, 2012,
~Elder Fetzer

August 21, 2012

Growing Faith

Hello all,
This was quite the week, spiritually speaking, ending with my last temple trip as a missionary.
We continue to teach Subeer. On Tuesday we had a really good lesson. Initially we planned on having the lesson on the apostasy and also teaching him the Law of Chastity, but as sometimes happens, the spirit directs otherwise. We read Alma ch. 32 about building faith. It is amazing to see how people begin to understand the teachings of the scriptures. He understood that because he didn't continue to nurture his faith during his trip and the recent weeks, he lost it and now has to basically start over again and grow it. He really just wants to serve God and do what He wants. We testified to him that God wants him to gain his righteous desires and that He would bless him to do it. That's why we as missionaries are here to do, to "Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end" (PMG). It is an amazing experience being able to be a part of this magnificent work.
Recently the members of my district have been struggling with motivation and finding new investigators (We are having a hard time finding new investigators also). (When I was here in the email the emergency alarm at the Bellevue Downtown library went off so we had to evacuate...I'm back at a different library across the city.) Tomorrow in district meeting i'm gonna try to address that issue about keeping on progressing even during a "rainy season." In answer to a prayer I found a story about a woman who crossed the plains during the pioneer era. In it she described the weather and told how she kept on progressing and moving forward even in bad weather to get to Zion. In missionary work it goes the same way. We all have times of bad weather, but we keep on moving forward and we will eventually get to Zion. I have learned a lot about "enduring" through trials throughout my mission. It teaches us charity, patience, and long suffering. In life we all have trials, but it is never an end. The doctrine is clear: "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastnessin Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (2 Nephi 31:20)
We ended up dropping Ashley. It seemed as though she was looking for every excuse NOT to join the Church. Even after talking with President Larkin and our bishop, she still has concerns, which may or may not ever be fully resolved. Hopefully future missionaries will look her up in the area book and contact her again soon.
On Saturday there was a big Korean party. There was a family in the branch that had a concert featuring a Steinway piano performer in the area and another local artist in the area named Akana. It was really fun! The branch members were encouraged to bring non-member friends to the concert and dance afterwards. Elder Stoker and Elder Nulph, who are in our district were also invited. It was a great way for non-members to see that Mormons also like to have fun also. It was a really good turnout and we got a few referrals from it.HERE is a link with more pics...
Today was our temple day. In an always-powerful experience, I realized that God is happy with us, even in our unholy state. The temple is always a great experience as a missionary. It brings a greater measure of the spirit into our lives in the following days and I have noticed helps me be a more powerful teacher.
So time is really ticking away. Only 13 more days as I "sprint through the finish line" and faithfully "endure to the end." The Church is true!
~Elder Fetzer

August 13, 2012

Agency is Essential

Hello all,
Well, this was another week of teaching and "enduring." Not really "enduring," but you know what I mean. 
We continue to teach Sushil. He is slowly progressing. He's kind of hard to read. We taught him the Word of Wisdom on Tuesday night and he told us that it was one of the only commandments that made since to him and he wholeheartedly committed to keep it. He still doesn't seem to understand the need of authority, but that is what we're planning to teach him this next week.
Ashley on the other hand is a wild card. She's really hard to read. She has so many hidden concerns that I'm starting to think we need to drop her and let good 'ol time and the Savior work on her until she is ready for more of the gospel. Members will continue to know her, but I think we as missionaries need to step out of the picture with her. Like this week when she was determined to go to the stake picnic on Saturday, but when the time came, she cancelled at the last minute. Or various fallen through appointments where something occurs at the last minute. Don't get me wrong, Ashley is a really nice person, but as for now she isn't necessarily ready to progress any further until she gets some deep things sorted out, including having trust in God and His Church, but she'll come around eventually. But she must decide to go through with it.
Sometimes it really breaks your heart to stop teaching someone. You want them to progress so badly, but of course, agency is essential to God's plan. It truly is one of the best God-given gifts available.
On Saturday we had a stake picnic in Issaquah with sports and of course, lots of food. It was fun to see people from the former two wards that I have served in in this stake, especially as my mission is coming to a close. I have really been blessed to serve in such a great stake here in the mission. Although missionary work is harder here in Bellevue, I am serving in the best stake around with some of the nicest, strongest and most dedicated members of the Church.
Things continue to fly by. These next 3 weeks are going by quickly. But I'll continue to work with my might because this is God's true Church!
~Elder Fetzer

August 6, 2012

The Spirit of God

Hello all,

It's been another week in the Washington Seattle Mission. And as time ticks away, things get a bit more nerve racking. But I believe the Lord is pleased with my work thus far. I still keep close to the spirit and feel its gentle promptings. I feel that knowing and following the Holy Ghost has become one of the major things I have learned on my mission. And I have learned to follow its promptings. Its interesting how the spirit works like that. That when you do follow, it always seems to work out. Like when you feel prompted to give an older MOTAB CD to our apartment next door neighbor who is also a member, only to find out that it is her favorite album and that only a few months before she gave it away to a friend at work. Or following a prompting to talk with someone and it turning out to be a new investigator. Or even on those hard days when you can feel God's love and know that things will be okay. The Spirit of God is very real!

So as I am beginning to end my mission and wind down (figuratively), I have truly been pondering the things that I have learned thus far on my mission. This has been the hardest thing that I have ever done, but it has also been the best thing in my life thus far! And I know that when I do come home, it will be the greatest springboard and foundation for the rest of my life.

In Bellevue, I have learned more about patience. I've been here for 16 months. In these slower times I feel that I have grown closer to my Savior. It's really amazing.

Nothing too major happened this week, but we continue to be busy teaching in two wards. It has been a little hard to balance and has been a good challenge. This week we continue to teach Ashley. She has many concerns still about the priesthood and men in the Church. Nearly all her issues come from past abusive relationships. She needs to continue to trust in God and that this is His Church.

We taught Subeer again this week. Honestly, it was a little disappointing. My grand ideas of him having an epiphany in India were all wrong. He didn't. In fact, I think he lost some of what Elder Walker and I saw as progress. And to end the lesson, he had to be reminded how to pray. But we'll continue to teach him and help him understand God's ways.

There was a wedding in the Korean branch this weekend! Saturday night there was a big party with lots of food. It was fun!

So things continue to move along as I race through the finish line. Only 4 more weeks! The Church is True!

~Elder Fetzer

July 30, 2012

A Korean Week!

Hello all,
 
Well this was quite the week. And yes, we were surprisingly busy, which is always good. We continue to meet with our regular people, such as Ashley, Lin, and will be meeting with Subeer again. They are doing good. Ashley continues to slowly progress, but many of her concerns stem from her past and only the healing power of the Atonement will be able to heal her wounds. We are continually in contact with her. Lin is working towards baptism, but because he is going to China for a month, it isn't likely that he will while I am still on my mission.

I have started learning some Korean. The obscure hieroglyphs of yesteryear are slowly beginning to be comprehended and understood, although I still don't know what the sounds actually mean. But I do know a few simple phrases, which are beginning to get me along. Because of the decrease in missionaries, President Larkin has had to combine some areas. But I don't think that this "Zebra companionship/area" will be around for many more transfers. It would be really hard being called as a Korean-speaking missionary, especially here in the northern half of the mission. It takes 45 minutes to have investigators drive to Church and on top of that, Korean people are only scattered about the area and often not interested.

On Wednesday night we helped run the missionary English class. In a recently revamped class, we have invited all people that want to learn English to the same class. So it kind of forces the students to learn and converse in English instead of all speaking the same language together. It seems to be effective to find new people to teach because it brings people to us.

But it really has been an interesting experience thus far working with Korean people. We had a Korean dinner on Wednesday night and I met the branch on Saturday at a barbecue in Federal Way. And yesterday was Church, which I couldn't understand half of, but there are translation services for sacrament meeting, which is nice. Many of the individual members know English so its pretty easy to talk to them. It seems like the Korean branch is more of a cultural and social thing more than a language barrier issue, as is the Church in any other ward or branch. But it has shown me that I didn't need to leave America on a mission for a cultural experience. It is really neat.

Time continues to tick away, but things for now are going well. We're keeping busy and working hard to build up the Lord's kingdom in His true Church!

~Elder Fetzer

July 24, 2012

안녕하세요!

Hello all (안녕하세요),
 
Well, it's transfers once again and I'm staying here in Bellevue 7th, but something crazy happened. Now don't think I'm kidding when I say this, but this area is combining with the Bellevue Korean area. So my new companion's name is Elder Song. He is actually from Orem, UT, but he speaks Korean and don't worry, because he grew up here in America, his English is just fine too. So together we're going to not only teach our investigators, but also Korean people in the area, helping teach the ESL class on Wednesday nights with the Chinese and Spanish missionaries, and possibly still go to the Korean branch in Federal Way on top of our ward. So right now we don't have a ton of direction, but we're talking to President Larkin for further insight. Maybe when I get home I'll know a little bit of Korean. That will be strange won't it? But in all honesty, I am excited for this new adventure for the next 6 weeks. It will keep us busy and give me a new challenge.
 
This was an interesting week. We continue to meet with Ashley. She has come a ways, but still has a lot of challenges to work through. She has a really stressful life and she worries about things that she doesn't need to. And she has a lot of concerns. Many of them stem from her somewhat abusive past. But time and most of all, the Savior will heal those wounds. And she will continue to learn.
 
On Saturday night we had dinner with our WML and his wife, brother and sister Yool, and also Nathaniel and his wife Siti. We watched the film "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration" with them. It was a good reminder about the life of the Prophet and his work. And it helped him understand their new church also.
Sushil is back this week so we'll meet with him soon.
 
So I'm in for an exciting last transfer! Things are going well, and the Lord is blessing us because this is His work and this is His true Church!
 
~Elder Fetzer