This week we had the opportunity to attend a mission conference and hear from Elder M. Russell Ballard, which also happens to be President Clayton's father-in-law. He talked about being an effective missionary, but he also talked about the importance of the members in the role of missionary work as well, I would like to highlight a few points: In the days of Joseph Smith many members often went to Joseph to inquire of the Lord what he would have them do, so Joseph prayed and many of those revelations are found in the Doctrine and Covenants, perhaps none greater than Section 11, when the prophets own brother Hyrum asked Joseph to inquire of the Lord and the revelation he received can be applied to me, and to all other people who truly wish to be able to become master teachers of this gospel. The answer received was; seek first to obtain my word, then shall your tongue be loosed, then, if you desire, you shall have my spirit. We must study His word, treasure it up in our minds continually, then if I desire, I can have His spirit and teach by His power. Now how do we get real converts? Yes the missionaries teach and prepare, but the members become friends, help them learn and grow in this gospel and can be missionaries themselves in many ways. By example and through a genuine love of others, especially through service. I, along with Elder Ballard extend the challenge to set a date and time that there will be someone that will be prepared to be taught the gospel, Pray for these opportunities to share and talk about the gospel but most importantly, remember to talk to someone, open your mouth and it will be filled, I give my witness of this along with Elder Ballard that we must let the Lord guide us and help us in this work, that we should allow ourselves to have the experiences that He wants us to have. Invite people into your homes, they will feel something, that we as members and this Church as a whole contain a message and power and authority that no one else has, this truly is His Church, this is His work and His glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Do not be afraid to share this gospel.
Elder Perry and I are still working hard on setting up a branch out here in the high desert, but we are giving it all we can and we know that we cannot do this work without His help. I thank you for your continued support and love and thank you so very much for raising me in this gospel. I know without a doubt that this is the only true and living gospel upon the face of the whole earth and it was restored through Joseph Smith. Christ Lives, and through His Atonement, if we turn to him, we can receive a remission from our sins and sorrows and guilt's and worries of this life, all can be swallowed up in the power of the Atonement. I love you all dearly and I hope to hear from you soon.
-Elder Aaron Jordan Lloyd
TOTW: "be not afraid, only believe" Mark 5:36
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