"I am the Light and the Life of the World" (3 Nephi 9:18) - March 6, 2022
Spiritual Thought
In the Book of Mormon we read an account of the darkness and destruction which accompanied the death of the Savior. Cities were destroyed, earthquakes tore open the earth and an impenetrable darkness, literal as well figurative, pressed upon the people. Regardless of what was attempted there was nothing these people could do to expel the darkness. No glimmer or spark of light penetrated the gloom which covered the land. The Light of the World had been killed and without him physical or spiritual light simply could not exist.
Just as these people reached the depths of their despair and hopelessness a voice was heard through the darkness. The voice of the Master declared unto those ancient people the same message he declares to us: "I am the light and the life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end." Through the gloom the voice of the only person who can expel darkness and despair had spoken. He had reached out, as he eternally does, to those who were despairing and without hope to offer them the healing balm only available through him.
Each of us has moments in our lives when we feel the same way these ancient Nephites did. When it seems as though joy has been extinguished, hope is a distant memory, and sorrow is our lot in life. There will come moments for each of us when the light of our joy is dimmed, seemingly never to be seen again. When these moments come, as they surely will, my plea to each of you is to remember these people. Remember the oppressing cloud of despair which covered an entire nation. Remember their tears and cries for help. Remember the paralyzing agony which will always accompany an absence from our Savior. Then, remember Jesus Christ. Remember the "Light which shineth in darkness". Remember the Hope of the World. Remember his sacrifice completed in order to enable him to expel every shadow the world will ever know. Seek the light he offers with the same desperation a drowning gasps for air. Cling to his gospel like the lifeline which it is. Stand with Jesus Christ "at all times and in all things and in all places ye may be in, even until death" and "Be not moved."
I testify of Jesus Christ and Light, Joy, and Hope of the World. He is the only means through which peace, happiness, or joy can ever be attained. He was "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief". As such, he is the only individual who knows perfectly how to succor each of our Heavenly Father's children in their trials. That each of us will seek for the light he offers with the same urgency it is extended to us is my sincere prayer.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Weekly Update
Hello everyone,
Somehow I wonder how another week could possibly be over every time I sit down to write these emails. It only feels right to start with an update on the Rosales family. They are still as elect as ever. Last time we met with them they had a lot of questions about the way the church functions and is structured. We explained it to them and after we talked about a prophet and twelve apostles Jesús said "Oh, just like the church Christ started when he was alive." Exactly! We have started a group chat with the entire family. It is so much fun because we will send a daily section to read in the Book of Mormon then they will talk about it and ask questions. It makes me happy to see them starting g to realize the joy the Book of Mormon provides.
One day this week Elder Morse and I were knocking doors in an apartment complex. At one of the apartments an older man in a bathrobe who was obviously drunk opened the door. He was definitely not Hispanic so we asked if he knew if any of his neighbors were Hispanic. He said he did not and closed the door. We moved on to the next apartment only to have his door open again. He stood there with his index finger in the air and the most excited look I've seen on anyone over the age of four. He looked like he had just come up with the perfect plan to trick Santa Claus into visiting him twice a year. He then looked directly up and smiled. If you had told me the heaven's were opening to him at that moment I wouldn't have even questioned you. For a second I thought the rapture had begun. It even seemed like there was more light on him. He then said "I just had the perfect idea: go to the Catholic church for help! They have a lot of Spanish people that go to them. They probably even have a Spanish Mass that you could attend!" What a great idea! I'm sure another major religion would be very excited to turn over a list of all their Hispanic members so we can then explain why their church doesn't have the proper authority!
I hope you all have a great week!
Elder Payne
We decided to get creative with our finding tactics this week. This restaurant, El Burrito, is in our area. One night we were walking past and I thought let's just go in for a minute or two and see if there are an Hispanics. We walked in and asked to see a menu then stood by the front door for about three minutes. We only saw white people so we handed the menus back and said it looked great but was a little outside of our budget.
With Elder Burgoyne at the temple. I like to think this picture is a preview of when we are comps in a transfer or two.
President Eyring's house. The sisters knew where it was so we drive past before heading back to Clearfield.
We had District Council at the Layton FamilySearch Center this week then were given a tour. It was pretty impressive to see everything they have available!
Good news, I made it to Botswana this week. I'm not in Madagascar yet but we're getting closer. Strange thing is I have the exact same district as I did in Utah.
With the Rosales family. The Hermanas came to one of our lessons this week. From L to R: Elder Morse, Andrés, Rosa, Hermana Lopez, Hermana Berkabile, Me, Jesús, Antonio. Alejandro was sick so he isn't in this picture.
With my district at the temple. From L to R: Elders Morse, Gray, Jorgensen, Hermanas Lopez and Berkabile, Elders Kolberg and Smith, Me.
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