Hi,
We found a really nice lady this week through tracting. She really liked the Restoration message and we answered her many questions. She's married and in her 30's. She is just a really cool person so I'm excited to keep meeting with her.
Elder Martin and I have been pushing ourselves to talk to more people recently. We set a weekly goal to give out a certain number of Book of Mormon's. Having the goal in mind has motivated me to get out and talk to people when I don't feel like it--it's a feeling I get a lot unfortunately. I've noticed there is always opposition before and after we do something important for Christ.
Getting up Sunday morning and going to church has never been difficult for me; however, living what I learned at church is a little more difficult. I've learned that the adversary is relentless at "following-up" with me shortly after I have a spiritual experience. Satan will do anything in his power to make me lose the spirit once I have it. He tries to dissuade me from the path after church or seminary or any other spiritual intake.
On my mission, I've witnessed many people fall away from the gospel path just as they were getting both feet on it per say. Satan did a better job at following-up with them then I did and they became lost. It's a daily battle. I've resolved to do a better job at following-up with people frequently, once a week is not nearly enough. In these times, the worldly messages and worldly values (or lack thereof) are very much in your face. Sometimes it feels that the mists of darkness don't take a break. Thank goodness we have a handy dandy sturdy rod of iron to hold onto.
Just a recap on the Tree of Life vision: The iron rod is described as "The Word of God". This entails the commandments and principles and ordinances of the gospel. As we hold to the rod it leads us to the Tree of Life. The Tree of Life represents the love of God or the condescension of God who is Jesus Christ. The fruit of the tree, which we partake of as we live the gospel is the blessings from the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Some might think we can only partake of the fruit at the end of the journey...but that's not the case is it. The fruit provides the necessary fuel for the journey; or in other words, the power of Christ's Atonement is exactly what carries us through the mists of darkness. The grace of Jesus Christ does not take effect after we cross the finish line, the grace of Jesus Christ is the only reason we can make it to the finish line.
In my life there have been times of darkness and confusion and the only thing I could hang onto was the people who were closest to me. To this day, I am very grateful that those people who reached out their hand to help me, had their other hand continually holding fast to the iron rod. With their help and encouragement I made it back and I once again grabbed on to the rod myself and put both feet on the path of discipleship. I think this visual of helping others hold to the rod describes the essence of missionary work. It guides us back to the Love of God.
Hold to the rod!
Have a great week,
By the way, all missionaries in our mission are receiving their smart phones this week. I'll report on how the transtition goes next week.
Elder Johnson
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