Ups and Downs

Hey everyone! You alright?

So my mind cannot wrap around the fact that it is already June 6th. Time is flying by quickly!! crazyness...

This week was one filled with ups and downs. I will start off with the bad news first. So does everyone remember Anthony? Well he was like our most solid friend whom we were teaching; he was dead set on being baptised and had received a spiritual witness that the church is true. He recently sent us a text at the beginning of the week saying that he doesnt want us to call him at all and that hes leaving the church. Last monday we had a really good lesson with him about the Atonement and how he can sow up and wound that we have from sin. He understood it, but still wanted to rely somewhat on science. After having the spirit of discernment with us, we taught to his needs and eventually he confessed to breaking a commandment. He has been struggling with a specific commandment all his life and Satan had a strong hold on his life. With the help of the gospel though, that grip lessened quite quickly; it was a miracle if ive ever seen one! Well, Anthony slipped the week before and hadent been reading his scriptures and praying every day. He allowed Satan to open the door once again, but this time, we caught him before he wrapped his filthy hands on our friend. After our lesson, Anthony was back to his normal self, testifying that the gospel is true and that he is nothing without it. He felt the spirit and we could see it in him once again. All was good when we left, or so we thought. Thats when we got the text message from him the next day. I tell you what, my companion and I had our hearts drop, but it didnt hurt ironically. We talked about it and both of us had the feeling that it wasnt over with Anthony. This text message was too sudden and wasnt like him. We looked to our mission president for counsel and he told us to leave Anthony alone for a bit, he has his agency and he knows where the church is in case he wants to come back. All he told us to do is write our testimonies and slip them through his mail slot. Thats all we can do. Im just praying for the best to happen. Its not over though...

Everyone else is doing well. David had surgery this week so they werent able to make it to church. Kieron and Keely are doing really well! We had a couple of spiritual lessons with them this week and they want it. When it came down to Sunday though, they sent us a text saying that Kieron was sick so they couldnt make it to church. Lame huh? Once again though its their agency. aghhhhh haha Such is life. I just recently heard that phrase so its my new favourite one to use haha Anyways, so yeah it was a bummer to have no investigators at church, but we had 7 returning members come so that was a blessing!

One cool thing that is happening in the Europe Area that has been set forth by the Area Presidency is a special June fast. Yesterday, we all fasted our voice of warning and testimony to be heard among all who live in Europe. We fasted for those who have not been introduced to the true gospel or who have fallen away, that they would come back. A challenge was set forth to every member to bring one new face to church every Sunday in the month of June. Im pretty excited about this! I have faith that it will bring many miracles to Europe. Many amazing teaching opportunities will arise is response to this challenege given us by General Authorities!!!

I learned something cool this week in personal study that I want to share with everyone! I think that Ether 12 is my new favourite chapter ever haha I want to specifically pay attention to verse 7. Moroni is talking about how because of faith, Christ has shown himself to many. He has stretched forth his hand because some one had faith. It made me think of dispensations and what constitutes a new one to begin. Its because at least one person has exceeding faith in Christ to the point that this one small voice will be heard among many people. I know that in these last days, that one small voice was Joseph Smith, who from humble beginnings, has brought forth the restoration of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ. Also that through faith, we may be partakers of the heavenly gift that our Saviour has offered us thorugh his Atonement. I know these things to be true. I challenege everyone to read this chapter in their own time and think about how they can increase their faith! :)

Love you all and best wishes for a great week!