Oh wow.
My dear brothers, sisters, and friends. How terribly sorry I am that I haven't kept up to date writing! I've been spending the time I would usually compose a letter frantically studying the new testament, which our mission is currently attempting to read in a short 6 weeks. Though I am filled with chagrin that I haven't written, I must say that I have been learning spectacular things about the doctrine of Christ. I do hope you haven't worried about me…
Since we last spoke I must say, much has transpired! As we have labored diligently in trying to speak with more people than ever before, we have been meeting those who are prepared to receive us, or rather those prepared to receive Jesus Christ and the glorious truths of His gospel. Two individuals, Gene and Alyssa, were some of the most eager and penitent seekers of truth that we have met. Both expressed themselves the desire to be baptized for the remission of guilt and as a witness to the Lord Jesus Christ that they are willing to follow him faithfully to the end. We told them that, as missionaries, we would be more than happy to assist them in making their request a reality. ;)
Though speaking to many of God's children is always rewarding, because it is fulfilling our sacred charge, that doesn't mean that it is without opposition. With a greater quantity of those who are prepared also comes a greater quantity of those who are hardened, calloused, or even combative. These past weeks I have heard uttered by men some of the vilest profanity and slander that could be uttered by any man at all. Though many of these remarks were aimed at my companion and I, those which grieved my soul the most were those that ridiculed Jesus Christ and His Atoning work. Some days we feel as those of old while we, "labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day" (1 Cor. 4:13-14). And yet we stand as witnesses just as they did that, "as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ" (2 Cor. 1:5).
Assuredly, we have seen miracles rain down upon the people of Los Gatos as they have faithfully accepted our offerings to administer the Holy Priesthood, with which we have been bestowed. My testimony of the Priesthood of God is more sure than ever. It is my personal witness that the ancient Priesthood held by Christ's apostles (see Matthew 10; Luke 9) has indeed been restored to the earth and that it is truly the authority given to man to act in the name of God. Through the laying on of my own hands I have seen the power of God heal the wounded and the weary of physical afflictions, a miraculous sight to behold. But perhaps more incredible is the Lord's remarkable capacity to heal the ailments of a broken heart by this same power.
That same God who is our Father, is also, "the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort" (2 Cor. 1:3). He shows forth His mercy and benevolence towards us in numberless ways. He shows us mercy by granting us the gift of life and a beautiful world to experience. He is the source of every good thing, every joy that we can experience in this life (Moroni 7:24)! He also shows forth His mercy by allowing us to endure challenges that naturally occur in mortality (2 Nephi 2:11) and by giving us weaknesses that help us to be humble and exercise faith in Him (2 Cor. 12:9-10; Ether 12:27). He has given us inspired leaders and teachers (many of whom we will hear from this weekend at the general conference of the church! woohoo!) to offer us counsel and consolation (2 Cor. 7:5-6).
Most of all He has given us that matchless gift of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, "Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father" (Galatians 1:4).
We who have been shown such mercy by our God certainly ought to show mercy one to another. In fact, as we are comforted and strengthened by the Lord, we should expect Him to use us to comfort others. And so, I repeat the exhortation of Paul, "Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men[!]" (Galatians 6:9-10). I know of a surety that we will find, as all those who choose to serve others inevitably do, that "doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure, A blessing of duty and love" (Hymn 223).
I love you all very much. Now get out there and do some good.
Elder Winegar
Music??
Jamming—Bob Marley and the Wailers
Dreamer—Hibbity Dibbity
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