February 25, 2013

Well to say that this week has been another roller-coaster ride would be a huge understatement. I'm being transferred early to a new area. I was called last night by the assistants that I need to pack my bags and that I'll be being transferred. That was a blow to the bowels.  I really really love the area that I'm in and don't want to leave. But if there's one thing I've learned in my life it's that the Lord is in control. I'm grateful that Elder Tsunoda will be taking over the area because he is a hard worker.

There has been kind of a change of focus in our area; a member of the Philippines area presidency came to talk to us about "You get what you go for". In the Philippines, there is a pretty distinct social class disparity. We were advised to look for wealthier class people who can support other members here. At first I was honestly kind of offended because we are taught that every soul is important to God, "we are all His children". I realized though, that I don't naturally approach people of higher social class because I'm not as comfortable. He taught us to have the courage to approach them as well, I realized that I judge wealthy people by not approaching them with our message. As we look for people that are able to not only take care of themselves but others as well, the church will of necessity grow. 

He shared an experience that happened with Joseph Smith. When the church was first beginning, they needed a real-estate attorney. So the missionaries were sent to find and convert one, and they did. The Lord works through us to accomplish His purposes. That's just a tid-bit on the direction they are aiming the work here haha. 

Anyways, the highlight of the work this week was Saturday; Elder Tsunoda and I just came from exchanges with the zone-leaders and were blessed with a desire to find people. We were blessed with 3 new investigators. We tried OYMing (Open Your Mouth and preach)  in English to an upper-class couple, and ironically, it worked.  They were nice, let us in and we were able to  bring them the good news about the restoration.  They said we were free to come back but that they weren't interesting in changing religions. They felt  that Joseph Smith's vision could happen, we're excited to follow up on their prayers.  It was one of the smoothest lessons that Elder Tsunoda and I have taught, and we wouldn't have had the courage to talk to them if we weren't looking for them. We are grateful for the new vision that we have for San Clemente.

I came to an understanding in my personal study that the reason that Heavenly Father gives us commandments is to help us be worthy. That's all He wants for us, so He gave us commandments to know what He expects from us. The Holy Ghost is the only way that miracles happen, and being worthy of His presence ALWAYS requires exact obedience. He gives us the power to be bold, and to stand confidently in the presence of God. I pray that the Holy Ghost is with us always.

I hope that I'm done with food poisoning too! That was horrible haha. You wanna know something? I actually was praying for Bret to get better and prayed that if I could help, even if He would take some pain from Bret and give it to me that I would be willing... then I was blessed with food poisoning. I think God has a sense of humor... careful what you pray for ha. 

Keep close to the Lord, I know how close you are to Him. We are engraven on the palms of His hands

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Love

Elder Blackham