So, this week marks the close of March. April is looking very good, with lots of potential candidates. We're hoping to be able to baptize them this month. Gina came to Church yesterday! That means she should be baptized this Saturday, so long as she comes. She should; every time we pass her place, she's reading from the Book of Mormon. It's great.
For those for April, we have around 4. First is Mercy; we've been teaching her for a bit now. She's in the literacy class and is trying to learn to read (hence the class). She's going through some tough times right now, but the Gospel always has the answer. What's hard is not being able to talk with her directly; we often have to have someone translate for us, which makes it difficult as we don't know what they're saying, or if they're even saying it right. But, we have to trust in what we're given and do our best. She likes the Church, and is committed to live the Gospel standards, so everything should work out well.
We also have Caroline. She's a friend to a member, Samuel, who's leaving for mission in April. She's come to Church twice now (couldn't yesterday; she traveled). She really likes everything, and has lots of questions. We just need to help her recognize the promptings of the Spirit so she knows from God that these things are true. She's very smart though, and reads a lot, so she should get a testimony soon. She already has felt closer to God by coming to Church and learning how to live the Gospel. It's great to see people feeling that joy in their lives.
We also have Alexander Solomon. He's 60, and has attended over 25 churches in his life. He's never liked the teachings of any of them; says they always have something that doesn't "auger" with him (his word; I probably spelled it wrong though, this computer doesn't have a spell check). We contacted him Saturday two weeks ago, and he came to Church last week (I think I mentioned him). When we met him this week, he said that he's found his "x-y-z." Explaining, he said that you have a, b, c, etc; but after x,y,z, there's nothing left. In other words, he's found the Church that he wants to stay at. He's been reading the Book of Mormon all week, and has felt that "this book is taking me somewhere, and I feel to follow it." We even went to teach him about the Word of Wisdom, as he drinks small, and when we taught him that, he said "Interesting; as I was reading the Book of Mormon today, some friends invited me to come and enjoy with them [meaning come drink at a bar]. But, I didn't feel to drink, since reading this book. So, now you're telling me this [the Word of Wisdom]; I think it's connected." He says "very soon" he'll be bearing testimony of the Book and the Church and the Church. He's already sharing it with his family. He's very excited. He has some concerns to work on though, which is the only thing that might stop him from being baptized in April, but we're praying everything works out. He really wants to be baptized.
We also have Aninakwa Bonsu. He's another one that came last week. We taught him and he really enjoyed the lessons. We had given him a Book of Mormon on Sunday and he started reading it before we first taught him. We invited him to come to Institute on Thursday, and he did! He then told us when we taught him on Friday that he'll be coming Tues. and Thurs. from now on; he really likes it. We've been teaching him at the Menson's compound; that's a family in the Ward who lives near there.
Bro and Sis. Menson just got called as Ward Missionaries yesterday! It was cool, but not surprising; they already do a lot of missionary work, give lots of referrals, and are always willing to help teach people about the Gospel. But now, they're official; haha. They even asked to come with us to teach Bro. Solomon. It's really cool. What's even cooler is that the idea for a Senior Couple Ward Missionaries was from the Ward Mission Plan, which means they're following it! Always happy to see that happening. The Ward is also working on setting goals and using the reports that we made for them; in short, everything is slowly but surely moving forward. I'm very happy with the progress the Ward is making.
That's about it for the week. I'm slowly but surely working on letters for everyone. Many of you will be getting letters from me in envelopes; that's only for me to do; haha. They've explained that, for pouch, going to the US can take envelopes, as the US doesn't care. But leaving the US cannot, as most other countries do not allow it; such is the case with Ghana. So, I'll be sending to you with envelopes, but you still need to use the 1-page 3-fold thingy if sending pouch. If using postage or whatever, then you can use whatever your heart's desire; haha. Thanks to everyone who writes, and I'm doing my best to get back to everyone.
I would once again like to exhort everyone to read the Book of Mormon. It's a "small and simple" thing (Alma 37:6) to do, which many may feel wont make a difference, but I promise you it will make all the difference. You will find greater joy and happiness, peace and prosperity, reform and reconciliation with God by doing so. We will "get nearer to God by abiding by [the Book of Mormon's] precepts, than by any other book" (Introduction). I testify this is true. As you read, you will be "filled with the Spirit of the Lord" (1 Nephi 1:12). It will help you "come unto Christ...and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption" (Omni 1:26). "[H]is arm of mercy is extended towards you" (Jacob 6:5), that you may be "encircled about eternally in the arms of his love" (2 Nephi 1:15). As you read and apply the teachings of Christ and His prophets, as found in the Book of Mormon, you will be "filled...with his love" (2 Nephi 4:21) and receive "peace to [your] souls," and "great faith," and even a "hope for [your] deliverance in him" (Alma 58:11).
I would exhort you to "feast upon the words of Christ." (2 Nephi 32:3) Yea, "hearken unto these words and believe in Christ" for verily these are "the words of Christ... and they teach all men that they should do good. And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye - for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words" (2 Nephi 33:10-11). The Book of Mormon is the word of God, even "the word which healeth the wounded soul" (Jacob 2:8). Therefore, "lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feat upon his love, for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever" (Jacob 3:2). Yea, "Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction" (v.1). I testify this is true. I also testify that there is no better place to find "the pleasing word of God" than in the Book of Mormon and the Church which espouses it, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is "the Lord's Kingdom, once again established upon the earth" (Introduction). The only way you can truly know, and continue to know, is to daily feast upon the words of Christ, even the Book of Mormon, as well as the other books of scripture the Lord has given us. But it is of utmost importance to feast from the Book of Mormon daily. Nothing, not even another volume of scripture, will draw you closer to God; it is the fruit the Lord promised to come forth in the last days, and it is the Word of God.
What happens if we do not read daily from the Book of Mormon? Alma tells us:
"[If] ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life" (Alma 32:40). If we fail to read the Book of Mormon daily, as the prophets have counseled, then we will never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life, no matter what else we do.
However, on the other hand, "if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold, it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life. And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white about all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until you are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst" (v. 41-42).
I have tasted of that fruit; I know this promise is true. If you all would simply do the same, you too will taste of this fruit. I know you will, for I have witnessed many others taste the same as I labor out here in this part of the Lord's vineyard. It is a sure promise; all that you must do is nourish the word - read the Book of Mormon daily, ponder over it, apply it to your life, and ask God if it is true; "and if ye shall ask with a sincere hgeart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of is unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost" (Moroni 10:4).
If you read 2 chapters a day, you can finish the Book of Mormon in about 3 months. 2 chapters a day often doesn't take more than 15 minutes, but it will bless you more than you can possibly begin to understand. I testify this is true, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
I love you all! I hope you all have a great week, and that you prayerfully read from the Book of Mormon every day this week!
--Elder Collings
For those for April, we have around 4. First is Mercy; we've been teaching her for a bit now. She's in the literacy class and is trying to learn to read (hence the class). She's going through some tough times right now, but the Gospel always has the answer. What's hard is not being able to talk with her directly; we often have to have someone translate for us, which makes it difficult as we don't know what they're saying, or if they're even saying it right. But, we have to trust in what we're given and do our best. She likes the Church, and is committed to live the Gospel standards, so everything should work out well.
We also have Caroline. She's a friend to a member, Samuel, who's leaving for mission in April. She's come to Church twice now (couldn't yesterday; she traveled). She really likes everything, and has lots of questions. We just need to help her recognize the promptings of the Spirit so she knows from God that these things are true. She's very smart though, and reads a lot, so she should get a testimony soon. She already has felt closer to God by coming to Church and learning how to live the Gospel. It's great to see people feeling that joy in their lives.
We also have Alexander Solomon. He's 60, and has attended over 25 churches in his life. He's never liked the teachings of any of them; says they always have something that doesn't "auger" with him (his word; I probably spelled it wrong though, this computer doesn't have a spell check). We contacted him Saturday two weeks ago, and he came to Church last week (I think I mentioned him). When we met him this week, he said that he's found his "x-y-z." Explaining, he said that you have a, b, c, etc; but after x,y,z, there's nothing left. In other words, he's found the Church that he wants to stay at. He's been reading the Book of Mormon all week, and has felt that "this book is taking me somewhere, and I feel to follow it." We even went to teach him about the Word of Wisdom, as he drinks small, and when we taught him that, he said "Interesting; as I was reading the Book of Mormon today, some friends invited me to come and enjoy with them [meaning come drink at a bar]. But, I didn't feel to drink, since reading this book. So, now you're telling me this [the Word of Wisdom]; I think it's connected." He says "very soon" he'll be bearing testimony of the Book and the Church and the Church. He's already sharing it with his family. He's very excited. He has some concerns to work on though, which is the only thing that might stop him from being baptized in April, but we're praying everything works out. He really wants to be baptized.
We also have Aninakwa Bonsu. He's another one that came last week. We taught him and he really enjoyed the lessons. We had given him a Book of Mormon on Sunday and he started reading it before we first taught him. We invited him to come to Institute on Thursday, and he did! He then told us when we taught him on Friday that he'll be coming Tues. and Thurs. from now on; he really likes it. We've been teaching him at the Menson's compound; that's a family in the Ward who lives near there.
Bro and Sis. Menson just got called as Ward Missionaries yesterday! It was cool, but not surprising; they already do a lot of missionary work, give lots of referrals, and are always willing to help teach people about the Gospel. But now, they're official; haha. They even asked to come with us to teach Bro. Solomon. It's really cool. What's even cooler is that the idea for a Senior Couple Ward Missionaries was from the Ward Mission Plan, which means they're following it! Always happy to see that happening. The Ward is also working on setting goals and using the reports that we made for them; in short, everything is slowly but surely moving forward. I'm very happy with the progress the Ward is making.
That's about it for the week. I'm slowly but surely working on letters for everyone. Many of you will be getting letters from me in envelopes; that's only for me to do; haha. They've explained that, for pouch, going to the US can take envelopes, as the US doesn't care. But leaving the US cannot, as most other countries do not allow it; such is the case with Ghana. So, I'll be sending to you with envelopes, but you still need to use the 1-page 3-fold thingy if sending pouch. If using postage or whatever, then you can use whatever your heart's desire; haha. Thanks to everyone who writes, and I'm doing my best to get back to everyone.
I would once again like to exhort everyone to read the Book of Mormon. It's a "small and simple" thing (Alma 37:6) to do, which many may feel wont make a difference, but I promise you it will make all the difference. You will find greater joy and happiness, peace and prosperity, reform and reconciliation with God by doing so. We will "get nearer to God by abiding by [the Book of Mormon's] precepts, than by any other book" (Introduction). I testify this is true. As you read, you will be "filled with the Spirit of the Lord" (1 Nephi 1:12). It will help you "come unto Christ...and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption" (Omni 1:26). "[H]is arm of mercy is extended towards you" (Jacob 6:5), that you may be "encircled about eternally in the arms of his love" (2 Nephi 1:15). As you read and apply the teachings of Christ and His prophets, as found in the Book of Mormon, you will be "filled...with his love" (2 Nephi 4:21) and receive "peace to [your] souls," and "great faith," and even a "hope for [your] deliverance in him" (Alma 58:11).
I would exhort you to "feast upon the words of Christ." (2 Nephi 32:3) Yea, "hearken unto these words and believe in Christ" for verily these are "the words of Christ... and they teach all men that they should do good. And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye - for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words" (2 Nephi 33:10-11). The Book of Mormon is the word of God, even "the word which healeth the wounded soul" (Jacob 2:8). Therefore, "lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feat upon his love, for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever" (Jacob 3:2). Yea, "Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction" (v.1). I testify this is true. I also testify that there is no better place to find "the pleasing word of God" than in the Book of Mormon and the Church which espouses it, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is "the Lord's Kingdom, once again established upon the earth" (Introduction). The only way you can truly know, and continue to know, is to daily feast upon the words of Christ, even the Book of Mormon, as well as the other books of scripture the Lord has given us. But it is of utmost importance to feast from the Book of Mormon daily. Nothing, not even another volume of scripture, will draw you closer to God; it is the fruit the Lord promised to come forth in the last days, and it is the Word of God.
What happens if we do not read daily from the Book of Mormon? Alma tells us:
"[If] ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life" (Alma 32:40). If we fail to read the Book of Mormon daily, as the prophets have counseled, then we will never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life, no matter what else we do.
However, on the other hand, "if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold, it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life. And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white about all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until you are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst" (v. 41-42).
I have tasted of that fruit; I know this promise is true. If you all would simply do the same, you too will taste of this fruit. I know you will, for I have witnessed many others taste the same as I labor out here in this part of the Lord's vineyard. It is a sure promise; all that you must do is nourish the word - read the Book of Mormon daily, ponder over it, apply it to your life, and ask God if it is true; "and if ye shall ask with a sincere hgeart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of is unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost" (Moroni 10:4).
If you read 2 chapters a day, you can finish the Book of Mormon in about 3 months. 2 chapters a day often doesn't take more than 15 minutes, but it will bless you more than you can possibly begin to understand. I testify this is true, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
I love you all! I hope you all have a great week, and that you prayerfully read from the Book of Mormon every day this week!
--Elder Collings
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