Dear Family,
I was reading the WC4th ward newsletter that the bishopric sends to me and it said that I'm serving in Poway. . .close but I'm actually to the area west of the I-15 in Penasquitos haha. It's wonderful to get to read and hear about the wonderful success my fellow missionaries are having in their respective portions of the Lord's vineyard. I pray for them daily and wish them all the best. Happy President's Day to you all, i hope that this day finds you well, in good health, and the spirit in abundance, what an incredible time it is to celebrate those president's in which have kept this country free. It makes me reflect upon the preparation of this nation for the Restoration of the Gospel. All of those events happened for a reason, that America around 1830 was one of the only countries to enjoy religious freedom at that time and young Joseph was torn between "the tumult of opinions" being thrown every which way, especially in his direction. but he wanted the Lords help and turn to the scriptures, and as John Bytheway has said "if you want God to talk to you, read your sciptures", so that is just what he did and through diligent study and prayer, his faith increased and became unshaken and he was prepared to read James 1:5 and ponder that verse and that ask the Lord and thus; because of a young boys faith in the Lord, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been restored to the earth, because of this prayer, i am where i am today, in the service of the Lord. What a wonderful gift and blessing prayer is in each of our lives.
This week is proving to be a busy one, Elder Zwick arrives in San Diego this evening and we will be receiving training from him tomorrow, and Wednesday will be our multi-zone conference with Elder Zwick as the keynote speaker and instructor. I am greatly looking forward to this week and the instruction that Elder Zwick has prepared for the missionaries of the San Diego mission. It will certainly be a busy week, there is much happening. I just got word that Kevin, an investigator from Alpine who has been waiting to get baptized, finally got word and will be baptized this Wednesday! What an incredible thing! There is a lot going on in my head right now, we are speedily trying to get everything done today and the time for preparation is quickly coming an end haha.
I have been reading in the book of Alma lately, well i began the book of Alma a few days ago. Alma had a rough start as he began as chief judge and prophet over the Nephites. First there's Nehor, then the Amlicites, joining with the Lamanites and putting the curse upon their own heads, and the war right off the bat within the first 5 years. After that there was peace for a time and many joined the church, but became prideful and forgot their covenants and forgot the poor and the needy and sought after riches and costly things. At this point Alma calls up Nephihah, the people vote him in (as was established by king Mosiah before handing over the affairs of the people to establishing this democratic system) and Alma steps down as chief judge and steps up as prophet over the Nephites. He says that the only thing that will reclaim them is to bear down pure testimony against them, and so begins Alma 5. Wonderful chapters thus far and Alma is an incredible example. During those times of war, Alma was not commanding from the sidelines, he was on the frontlines fighting for and defending his people. There are many wars to come and many more examples to be shown but i love the Book of Mormon and i love the scriptures, they teach us so much and truly are for our day. In many ways we may learn from Alma and get on the front-lines of this battle, we can be obedient to what the Lord commands us to do and after the battle is over, we keep working and keep ministering to those in need. I invite you all to continue in your missionary efforts to bring others unto the Savior and be able to partake of the Atonement, for His power is real and He can heal our hearts and lift up heads.
Know that i love you and thank you for all that you do and for all your support and love, i will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers and wish you all the best. until next time,
Love,
Elder Aaron Jordan Lloyd
"you have to go through the wilderness to get to the promised land"
"Heavenly Father wants us to do something to learn something"
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