Dear Friends!
The joys of doing missionary work washed over me in full force this week. It is difficult to describe the profound feelings of my heart, suffice it to say, they are wonderful and many. All the travails of my mission thus far were all worth this week.
And the best part is, there were no astonishing or miraculous occurrences. No serendipitous displays of power. To any onlooker it would have seemed standard relative to my experiences so far. And yet to me it meant the world. The small simple truths of what I teach, sunk in a little further. The wells of my heart got a little deeper. The breadth of my perspective got a little wider. And the joy, peace, hope, and love that have filled my life are unspeakable and tangible. My true desire is that all can partake of what I have discovered. And that's why I'm a missionary :).
This week we met up with a lot of old friends and made some new ones. One old friend of ours had out in the open space of his home, a line of crack cocaine. Mostly I just thought to myself…nice. We did our best to instruct him on the spiritual rationale for keeping our bodies healthy and helped him set some reasonable goals.
Another friend we reunited with after a long time, informed us of some serious personal trials of faith that she was experiencing. As we ministered unto her, mourned with her, and showed genuine love and compassion towards her, the softening of her heart towards us and God was visible. As was the invisible burden upon her back becoming lighter as she allowed Christ to shoulder its crushing weight.
We engaged in a fascinating conversation with a man who was wholly devoted to his own theology. Though our views differed, his perspective was thoroughly instructive, and provided new insights within my own beliefs that I could scarcely have imagined. His own devotion and passion to his values was motivating and has helped me dig deeper into mine.
There's so many more experiences I would love to share but for the sake of your time and mine I will conclude with a simple but moving sentiment conveyed in the 8th chapter of Romans.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I testify with Paul of this truth. You are loved. "Today, in twenty years, and forever." I love that doctrine. And I know it to be true with everything that I am and all that I profess to be. I pray that you all can come to understand the reality of this transformative and fundamental truth.
And now some songs for you all. Because none of you would take my Dad's recommendations seriously, now you're obligated to by a servant of the Lord. ;)
You In. Everything–Gang of Youths
Forbearance–Gang of Youths
Heart is a Muscle–Gang of Youths
Thank you for your support to me in my efforts. It means everything to me.
Love yall lots. See you soon.
Elder Winegar
Post a Comment