So the title is a lil deceptive, I haven't baptized anyone yet! But, my first convert is accurate. I am talking about myself. A few weeks ago I was having some SERIOUS doubts about my testimony. Satan was trying really really really really hard on me. BUT. As Nephi of old I know in whom I have Trusted (2 Nephi 4:15-21) I just had this sickening feeling for a couple of days. I couldn't think straight. I thirsted after the Spirit, I NEEDED that relief. But Satan tried hard on that too, and tried to deceive into thinking what I was feeling wasn't real. Since I'm not home right now I've since killed and buried these doubts. What made the difference in my life was a choice. I chose faith over doubt. I simply said I'm going to believe in all of this, and I'm going to act on it. And I learned something spectacular from this great wrestle I had within myself. The Lord allows us to doubt, so that we can obtain greater faith. The principle of opposition in all things was so prevalent in this experience. It was so scary, so gut wrenching, so depressing and because of it I have more courage, more tenacity, and more happiness in my life. More importantly my faith has GROWN. Typically I testify at the end of this shindig, but today I'm going to change it up. I know in my heart that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me. I know that Christ suffered, bled from every pore, was scourged, beaten, and bruised, forced to carry the very boards that He would be nailed too, crucified, and then gloriously resurrected because He loves me. Because He loves you. I know that the Atonement is real. It works. I have seen it too many times in my life to say otherwise. I know that we are led today by men of God. They have been called and set apart because God looked past their weaknesses and failings and saw the potential to be like Him. He chooses us the same way. That's why I am on a mission, because even though I fail at so much and lack in so many areas, God saw potential in me. I know that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God. Everytime I read it my soul hungers for more, and the Spirit bares witness to me of the book's divinity. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. I also know brother Joseph was a man. He was not perfect, and that gives me hope, because if God can take a simple man and turn him into a Prophet, then surely He can help me become who I need to be. I love being a missionary. I love every struggle, hardship, embarrassing moment, and heart ache. So with out further ado, I relinquish my soap box, and report on my week!
Monday: Last P-day was pretty fun! I played basketball, emailed y'all, and got to see Elder Gill, one of my bestest friends from the MTC! It was so good to catch up! Other than that it was pretty boring haha.
Tuesday: We did a lot of service, which was awesome! Went to the Chiropractor for my comps back. We taught a few lessons and then something amazing happened! We found a new investigator! One of the less active members we have been working with cancelled on us, so we decided to go visit her at her house! (typically we met with her at her grandparents house) When we showed up we were welcomed in and got to know the family! Aunna ( the less active) requested a blessing, which we happily provided. Then her mom started asking questions! So we taught the first lesson and asked if we could come back. She said yes!! She said she felt the truth of what we taught and it was so exciting!
Wednesday: So Tuesday night we exchanged with the Zone Leaders and I was able to go with Elder Smith. We stayed up far too late talking about the Gospel, and would have struggled the next day if not for the mercy of the Lord! We got to take a cool guy named Jacob out for the day! He reports to the MTC in like a week and he wanted to know what missionary life is like. We did a lot of service, but sadly a ton of appointments cancelled so he wasn't even able to experience teaching! So after we dropped him off we got a few doors closed in our faces (I guess they didn't want blessing or something) and we proceeded to dinner, which was pretty tasty! The lesson we taught was on the plan of salvation and included a Ukulele and a lot of singing between me and my comp! It was super fun! We then got to meet with a new investigator who has been investigating for 5 years! He married a member and has been seeking diligently to find the truth! I learned something incredible in this lesson. Elder Smith invited him to live the Gospel (tithing and all) for a set amount of time. He explained that he never got a burning in his bosom for an answer, but still wanted to know if it was true, so he decided to live the doctrine. (John 7:17) And Lo and Behold he got his answer! When he lived the Gospel he was happy, and he had peace and blessing in his life. He didn't receive his testimony in a mighty rush or feeling like some people do. He built it by testing it out. And I realized that I had too! I was happy and blessed because I did live the gospel! It strengthened my testimony and made the difference in my life.
Thursday: Thursday was rough haha. We had more Chiropractic visits, and apartment inspections that day, so it sort of imploded. We did go on exchanges that night though.
Friday: So Friday was sort of a big deal because I was in charge of the area for the whole day! Elder Henning and I came out together, and he was my companion for the day! And what a day it was! I was pretty nervous so I just relied on the Lord with all my heart. Suffice to say it worked out! We taught 6 lessons and it was so much fun! Missonary work is awesome!
Saturday: Saturday we weekly planned. It was.... rough, but way better than last time. So at the beginning of October we had a zone training about obedience, where we commited to being more obedient than we were before. Let me tell you ladies and gentlemen, it works. Obedience brings miracles. I am so grateful for it. The Zone Leaders were looking at the key indicators for our zone and they are shooting through the roof! Its soo awesome.
Sunday: Today I fasted with Elder Zundel and the Zone Leaders for a missionary in the district who is struggling. It was a great experience to sacrifice for those who need it. I also want to take the time to testify of the sacredness of the Sacrament. It is the best thing I do every week. I love it with all my heart, and I encourage all of you to ponder its meaning in your hearts.
So there ya go, my week in a nutshell! It was exciting and trying and faith building! I didn't take any pictures (sorry mom) because I was so busy, but I do want to take the time to thank my Aunt Christine and Grandma Janet for the package. It was such a Godsend. I am so grateful for the love and support I have back home, it is so humbling. I also want to thank Alexa for the sweet packages and letters she keeps on sending to sustain me! They save my life! I hope y'all have a great week and I want you to know I love and miss you all. I wish I could write you all letters! but if that were the case, i wouldnt be a very good missionary now would I?
Lots of Love,
Elder Rogers
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