In October 2012
General Conference, Elder David A. Bednar said, "A testimony is
spiritual knowledge of truth obtained by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Continuing conversion is constant devotion to the revealed truth we have
received—with a heart that is willing and for righteous reasons.
Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony.
Consistently being true to the gospel is the essence of conversion. We
should know the gospel is true and be true to the gospel."
Am
I converted? The answer to this question is based upon action. Like
faith without works is dead, testimony without works is dead. A
testimony cannot withstand the" fiery darts of the adversary" (Helaman
5:12) if not nourished by living and acting upon the message of the
Gospel.
Preach my Gospel says, "a great indicator of one's personal conversion is the desire to share the gospel with others" (pg 13).
Before
our missions we should have received a witness of why we decided to
serve. It might have been a testimony of prophets and we knew we needed
to serve missions because we have a testimony of a living prophet. It
could have been the Holy Ghost directing us to serve. Whatever the case
may be, our testimony of why we are here is dead if we do not work and
show our conversion.
If
we dedicate two years to serve the Lord and not consecrate ourselves,
are we going to dedicate ourselves when we return? If we serve with
"lightness and frivolity in your hearts, looking for this and that, and
to learn what is in the world,... You will go and return in vain"
(Missionary Manual pg 7).
Elders and Sisters, let us focus in on the work of the Lord and show our conversion to Him!
As
I've tried to focus more on the reasons why we do things I have found a
deeper desire to work harder. Anyway, but for the big news...
Juan got baptized on Saturday.
It was a great experience even though he got baptized twice. We filled
the font as high as we could but it didn't even come up his waist. He is
6'4, a very big man. The Branch Presidency didn't show up though so we
had to wait for 40 minutes before it started. On Sunday
he was confirmed a member of the church and that was a super awesome
experience. It's interesting to listen in Spanish. When we say receive
the Holy Ghost, in Spanish you use the command form. So we as
Priesthood, are commanding the Spirit to come to Juan... It's kinda
awesome when you think about it!
Not
much else happened this week. We had Zone Conference and Elder Warner
and I gave trainings, we had exchanges with the English Elders, and
that's about it. Super super busy with not much happening. I gave a
training in District Meeting that went pretty well. I talked about how
we need to convert ourselves and be a strong chain that others can lean
on. It was pretty cool. I think it went well.
Anyway, love you all!
Elder Bushman
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