D&C 100:2-8, 15
Therefore, follow me, and listen to the counsel which I shall give unto you.
Behold, and lo, I have much people in this place, in the regions round about; and an effectual door shall be opened in the regions round about [Italy] in this eastern land.
Therefore, I, the Lord, have suffered you to come unto this place; for thus it was expedient in me for the salvation of souls.
Therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before men;
For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say.
But a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall declare whatsoever thing ye declare in my name, in solemnity of heart, in the spirit of meekness, in all things.
And I give unto you this promise, that inasmuch as ye do this the Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall say.
Therefore, let your hearts be comforted; for all things shall work together for good to them that walk uprightly, and to the sanctification of the church.
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I have mentioned on my blog before how obedience seems to be a constant stumbling block in our mission. (It's probably the same in all missions. We are just more in tune with it in our mission.) Someone sent me this scripture reference and I think it's perfect.
Here in Italy, we are very sensitive to Satan's attempt to keep the missionaries from being productive. Rome is getting a temple. Wow! Nobody ever really thought that would happen, but it is a reality and daily we see the progress being made on the construction. On September 15, the Rome Stake is being split into two stakes. The Lord is preparing for growth in his church. Undoubtedly, Satan isn't very happy about what is transpiring. Consequently, he is trying to undermine the work of the missionaries. In the nearly two months we have been here, we have certainly had our share of medical problems. None of them have been life threatening; they are just things that keep missionaries from being able to teach about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Ingrown toenails are a constant concern, mainly among the elders. They tell me they are very painful and they look gross. We've had foot fungus, pink eye, urinary tract infections, viruses, sprained ankles, arthritis, and a bunch of other things going on. When missionaries can't go out and teach, it puts two missionaries out of commission because you can't leave your companion. When you're not busy doing the Lord's work, depression sets in and then that creates a whole new set of problems. Discouragement is not a good thing.
It's a constant battle, but one we are willing to wage because in the end victory will be ours. If we can keep our missionaries healthy and obedient, we will have a powerful mission. We have a young mission and missionaries are forced to step up and be leaders very early in their missions. The learning curve is very short. Many of our new, younger missionaries are leaving home for the first time and going to a strange country with a language most of them thought they knew when they left the MTC but find it's much more difficult when everybody uses words they aren't used to and speak so fast. Not surprisingly, as the Hastening has begun, missionaries are stepping up and they are wonderful. Given a little time to make the adjustment, they will be a force to reckon with.
The work is true! Way to persevere!
ReplyDeleteGreat points! It takes constant vigilance on our parts to make sure we are doing all we can each day to be obedient. You and your husband are awesome leaders for the Italy Rome Mission! Keep up the good work! We are praying for you! Elder & Sister Andrew
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