So, this week was a whole lot
of finding, mostly. We pretty much had to white-wash the area, so we've been
looking for more people to teach. Found some potentials, but it'll take some
time to get them coming to Church.
We did go do some interviews this week, which cut into our time, but it's all part of the Work, so there's no problem there. I even went back to the MTC! It was really weird. We had to do interviews for the Tema Elders. I met some members from Mc'Carthy Hills Ward, even, who are now staying there - the Steele-Diadze's. I don't think I've really mentioned them before, but we had E. Bills' Birthday thingy at their place, so you can look that up on the pics.
That was mostly it. My new companion, if I didn't mention last week, is E. Madamombe. He was my Zone Leader back in Teshie, so we've worked together before. He leaves next week; haha. Should be an interesting week, but he's wanting to finish strong, so it;s all good.
K, well, that's about it. I don't have much time. I'll put more next week. Here's Pres.'s letter; I really like it. Apply it to your own life! [Jacob likes to keep a record of Pres. Judd's letters with his blog for his future reference]
" Dear Elders and Sisters:
I have had some problems with my email. For those of you who didn't receive my reply to your questions these last few weeks, please write and ask them again. I am sorry not to have replied sooner.
The following words of the prophet Alma have come to mean much more to me since I have been called to serve in Ghana:
For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true. (Alma 29:8)
President Joseph Fielding Smith, The tenth President of the Church, taught the following concerning the words of Alma quoted above: "There are good and upright people in all nations who will respond to the truth; who will come into the Church; and who will become lights to guide their own people" (Ensign, December 1971, p. 26).
Not only do these words of ancient and modern prophets describe "the elect" whom we are finding in greater numbers here in Ghana, they also describe each of you. I had the overwhelming feeling over and over again as I met with each of you during our recent zone interviews, that you are the Lord's elect whom he has chosen to strengthen and to build the Church in Ghana and in the various countries from which you have come. I also felt the Lord's gentle reminder that I need to continue to help prepare each of you to fulfill your life's mission. But as much as I can help, most of your success or failure is up to you and the day-to-day decisions you make as a missionary. Elders, you must decide whether you want to be a "small boy" or a "strong and a mighty man" (Alma 48:11). Sisters, you too must decide if you are going to be an "elect woman" (D&C 25:3 and 1 John 1:1) or one of the "silly women" (2 Timothy 3:6) described by the apostle Paul. Our decisions lead to our destinies.
Strong and mighty men and elect women keep the commandments and strive to follow the guidelines found in the Missionary Handbook with exactness. They are 100% missionaries. Small boys and silly women waste time, do not work smart, and are not striving to be more pure this week than they were in the weeks past. Each of us must continually ask ourselves if we are honestly fulfilling the purposes of why we are here and are becoming men and women of Christ. I testify to each of you of your foreordained missions here in Ghana and in the land of your birth whether it be in Ghana or some other land. I recently told one of our great young missionaries serving from one of our African nations: "Elder, the future of the Church in your country is in your hands---- don't drop it." We both felt the Lord was speaking to him as I said those words. I can say the same to each one of you. "The future of the Church in your own nation is in your hands---- don't drop it."
On July 4th we will say farewell to 13 of our missionaries and welcome 16 new missionaries to our mission. On August 22nd, 10 more will depart and 18 more new elders and sisters will join us. As these numbers show, the next few months will bring important changes to our mission. In many ways, how successful we are with the changes that occur will greatly influence the success we have as a mission in fulfilling our charge to "invite others to come unto Christ . . . ."
The following includes specific instruction that will assist us as individuals, companionships, as as a mission to face these important challenges:
1. We need to increase the numbers of new investigators with whom we are working. Remember, New Investigators are those "who have received a lesson and accepted a specific return appointment" (PMG, p. 139). As pleased as I am with the fact that we are teaching more families and an increased number of serious investigators, we must discipline ourselves not to spend too much time with these wonderful people. We must continually discipline ourselves to find new people to teach. I would like each missionary companionship to make it a "quest" to find many more people this week than they did during the last seven days. The more people we find, the more likely we are to find the elect whom God has prepared.
2. "Teach when you find, find when you teach" (PMG, p. 158). Don't just give out pamphlets and invitations to attend church. Get a name and a cell phone number. Set up a specific time to meet. Remember that helping them make commitments is a preparation for the day they will make sacred covenants. If the people you contact are not in your area, call (flash) or text Sister Barney and give her your referral. We are not doing nearly enough of this. I promise you that there are many elect people who can be contacted this way. Member referrals are usually the best, but the Lord will guide you to the elect and He will direct the elect to you.
3. We need to give greater attention to our health. Our mission leads the Africa West Area in many categories, including the number of cases of Malaria and stomach issues. This must change. A part of what it means to be an obedient missionary is to take our Doxycycline (or other prescribed medication). Any exception to this rule requires my permission. We have been directed to take this medication by the Lord through His servants. The Savior taught: "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46). During these next several weeks, Sister Judd and I will also be talking to you about making better use of our Seychelle water bottles. Various kinds of stomach related illnesses have hit our mission hard and have taken many of our missionaries away from doing what they have been called to do. I am personally going to start using my Seychelle water bottle this week. I invite each of you to do the same. I know the bottle is awkward to use, but there are blessings in obedience. Let your use of the Seychelle bottle be evidence to yourself and to others of your commitment to be obedient.
4. Love your companion. President James E. Faust once taught: "Your criticism may be worse than the conduct you are trying to correct” (Elder James E. Faust, "The Great Imitator", Ensign, November 1987, p. 33). Too many of us are allowing the adversary to have power in our companionships because we are being critical of one another. Take the time to study D&C 64: 8-12. Following the Lord's counsel in these verses will lead you to have a strength in your companionship you never thought possible. There is no room for contention in our relationships. Remember what the Lord taught as being the source of contention in 3rd Nephi 11:29-30.
With the increase in the numbers of missionaries soon to be serving in our mission, we will be able to continue to expand and open new areas---- maybe. Whether or not we can open new areas depends upon whether or not the other missionaries in our established areas are being obedient and diligent. I can't travel to Hohoe and open the area for proselyting if I am in Accra holding a Disciplinary Council for a disobedient missionary. I can't travel to Kpandu and establish a branch if I am in the hospital with a missionary who has been hospitalized for Malaria because he has not been taking his Doxycycline. Sometimes bad things happen to even the most obedient missionary, but most of the serious problems I deal with on a day to day basis come from disobedience. We all make mistakes and we all sin, but let's do all we can by striving to be as obedient as we know how to be. Remember the words from President Ezra Taft Benson I shared with you this past week:
"When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power” (As cited in Ensign, May 1998, p. 81).
I feel it a great blessing to serve with you. Thank you for striving to men and women of Christ. I testify to you that Jesus is the Christ and we represent Him.
Much love and affection,
President Judd" (Small Boys and Silly Women or Mighty Men and Elect Women?, June 25, 2012).
I love you all! Take care, and God bless!
--Elder Collings
We did go do some interviews this week, which cut into our time, but it's all part of the Work, so there's no problem there. I even went back to the MTC! It was really weird. We had to do interviews for the Tema Elders. I met some members from Mc'Carthy Hills Ward, even, who are now staying there - the Steele-Diadze's. I don't think I've really mentioned them before, but we had E. Bills' Birthday thingy at their place, so you can look that up on the pics.
That was mostly it. My new companion, if I didn't mention last week, is E. Madamombe. He was my Zone Leader back in Teshie, so we've worked together before. He leaves next week; haha. Should be an interesting week, but he's wanting to finish strong, so it;s all good.
K, well, that's about it. I don't have much time. I'll put more next week. Here's Pres.'s letter; I really like it. Apply it to your own life! [Jacob likes to keep a record of Pres. Judd's letters with his blog for his future reference]
" Dear Elders and Sisters:
I have had some problems with my email. For those of you who didn't receive my reply to your questions these last few weeks, please write and ask them again. I am sorry not to have replied sooner.
The following words of the prophet Alma have come to mean much more to me since I have been called to serve in Ghana:
For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true. (Alma 29:8)
President Joseph Fielding Smith, The tenth President of the Church, taught the following concerning the words of Alma quoted above: "There are good and upright people in all nations who will respond to the truth; who will come into the Church; and who will become lights to guide their own people" (Ensign, December 1971, p. 26).
Not only do these words of ancient and modern prophets describe "the elect" whom we are finding in greater numbers here in Ghana, they also describe each of you. I had the overwhelming feeling over and over again as I met with each of you during our recent zone interviews, that you are the Lord's elect whom he has chosen to strengthen and to build the Church in Ghana and in the various countries from which you have come. I also felt the Lord's gentle reminder that I need to continue to help prepare each of you to fulfill your life's mission. But as much as I can help, most of your success or failure is up to you and the day-to-day decisions you make as a missionary. Elders, you must decide whether you want to be a "small boy" or a "strong and a mighty man" (Alma 48:11). Sisters, you too must decide if you are going to be an "elect woman" (D&C 25:3 and 1 John 1:1) or one of the "silly women" (2 Timothy 3:6) described by the apostle Paul. Our decisions lead to our destinies.
Strong and mighty men and elect women keep the commandments and strive to follow the guidelines found in the Missionary Handbook with exactness. They are 100% missionaries. Small boys and silly women waste time, do not work smart, and are not striving to be more pure this week than they were in the weeks past. Each of us must continually ask ourselves if we are honestly fulfilling the purposes of why we are here and are becoming men and women of Christ. I testify to each of you of your foreordained missions here in Ghana and in the land of your birth whether it be in Ghana or some other land. I recently told one of our great young missionaries serving from one of our African nations: "Elder, the future of the Church in your country is in your hands---- don't drop it." We both felt the Lord was speaking to him as I said those words. I can say the same to each one of you. "The future of the Church in your own nation is in your hands---- don't drop it."
On July 4th we will say farewell to 13 of our missionaries and welcome 16 new missionaries to our mission. On August 22nd, 10 more will depart and 18 more new elders and sisters will join us. As these numbers show, the next few months will bring important changes to our mission. In many ways, how successful we are with the changes that occur will greatly influence the success we have as a mission in fulfilling our charge to "invite others to come unto Christ . . . ."
The following includes specific instruction that will assist us as individuals, companionships, as as a mission to face these important challenges:
1. We need to increase the numbers of new investigators with whom we are working. Remember, New Investigators are those "who have received a lesson and accepted a specific return appointment" (PMG, p. 139). As pleased as I am with the fact that we are teaching more families and an increased number of serious investigators, we must discipline ourselves not to spend too much time with these wonderful people. We must continually discipline ourselves to find new people to teach. I would like each missionary companionship to make it a "quest" to find many more people this week than they did during the last seven days. The more people we find, the more likely we are to find the elect whom God has prepared.
2. "Teach when you find, find when you teach" (PMG, p. 158). Don't just give out pamphlets and invitations to attend church. Get a name and a cell phone number. Set up a specific time to meet. Remember that helping them make commitments is a preparation for the day they will make sacred covenants. If the people you contact are not in your area, call (flash) or text Sister Barney and give her your referral. We are not doing nearly enough of this. I promise you that there are many elect people who can be contacted this way. Member referrals are usually the best, but the Lord will guide you to the elect and He will direct the elect to you.
3. We need to give greater attention to our health. Our mission leads the Africa West Area in many categories, including the number of cases of Malaria and stomach issues. This must change. A part of what it means to be an obedient missionary is to take our Doxycycline (or other prescribed medication). Any exception to this rule requires my permission. We have been directed to take this medication by the Lord through His servants. The Savior taught: "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46). During these next several weeks, Sister Judd and I will also be talking to you about making better use of our Seychelle water bottles. Various kinds of stomach related illnesses have hit our mission hard and have taken many of our missionaries away from doing what they have been called to do. I am personally going to start using my Seychelle water bottle this week. I invite each of you to do the same. I know the bottle is awkward to use, but there are blessings in obedience. Let your use of the Seychelle bottle be evidence to yourself and to others of your commitment to be obedient.
4. Love your companion. President James E. Faust once taught: "Your criticism may be worse than the conduct you are trying to correct” (Elder James E. Faust, "The Great Imitator", Ensign, November 1987, p. 33). Too many of us are allowing the adversary to have power in our companionships because we are being critical of one another. Take the time to study D&C 64: 8-12. Following the Lord's counsel in these verses will lead you to have a strength in your companionship you never thought possible. There is no room for contention in our relationships. Remember what the Lord taught as being the source of contention in 3rd Nephi 11:29-30.
With the increase in the numbers of missionaries soon to be serving in our mission, we will be able to continue to expand and open new areas---- maybe. Whether or not we can open new areas depends upon whether or not the other missionaries in our established areas are being obedient and diligent. I can't travel to Hohoe and open the area for proselyting if I am in Accra holding a Disciplinary Council for a disobedient missionary. I can't travel to Kpandu and establish a branch if I am in the hospital with a missionary who has been hospitalized for Malaria because he has not been taking his Doxycycline. Sometimes bad things happen to even the most obedient missionary, but most of the serious problems I deal with on a day to day basis come from disobedience. We all make mistakes and we all sin, but let's do all we can by striving to be as obedient as we know how to be. Remember the words from President Ezra Taft Benson I shared with you this past week:
"When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power” (As cited in Ensign, May 1998, p. 81).
I feel it a great blessing to serve with you. Thank you for striving to men and women of Christ. I testify to you that Jesus is the Christ and we represent Him.
Much love and affection,
President Judd" (Small Boys and Silly Women or Mighty Men and Elect Women?, June 25, 2012).
I love you all! Take care, and God bless!
--Elder Collings
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