December 28, 2015

Hello Everyone,

This week was good. It was nice to see everyone on Friday. Kind of
weird seeing everyone all growed up N' stuff. Christmas was great, we
got to visit some families in the ward. I have never seen such great
people come together to help out a neighbor than I have during this
Christmas season. The ward provided food, clothing, blankets, and toys
for a family that we are teaching that was in desperate need. The fun
isn't over either, we are going by today to set up a couple of beds. I
previously had hated this Christmas season, and in some instances I
still do. But my favorite part, and one that i didn't quite recognize
before, is that of charity; the pure love of Christ. Oh how sweet the
taste of the spirit, when people come together to serve one another. I
pray that these members continue their service to those who are in
need even after this season of giving is over.

This one lady called me Satan, and then slammed the door. I have never
laughed so hard in my life. It was weird because she had a sign in her
yard that said "Mary CHRISTmas" implying that she wants to remember
the mother Mary, and Christ this season. Yet, when I knocked on her
door, and my name tag has the lords name on it, she denied me, and
judged me "as a thing of naught". Classic. Anyway.

I know that this phrase is used so much in the church, and I often
take it for granted. But "when you step outside yourself, you will be
much happier" I'm here to testify of the truthfulness of that
statement. The only way to change, is through service. The only way to
receive an increase of Gods love, is through service. It also goes the
other way, if you don't let someone serve you, you are also denying
the love of God. Thankfully the Lord knows the desires of our hearts,
or we'd all be in hell by now.

It finally started to snow here too. It only took all month. I have a
feeling it's going to be a long winter this year, probably go into
June. Hopefully not.

Love you all, and hope all is well back home!

I hit a cat the other day. Smoked it!

Poor Kitty Cat!

December 21, 2015

Hello Everyone,


So our homie got marred finally! He's so ready for baptism! I have
seen this guy go from thug, to good man in 3 months! I can hardly wait
to see him dressed in white!

We walked a lot this week, and we built some good character, hopefully
we lost a bit of weight too. We found out we have a weight room at our
apartment complex, we have been using that every morning. But that
doesn't matter, it's about the work! I have gotten so sick of worrying
about myself, that I want to move on to others. I feel much happier
when I am serving others. It's  discouraging at times, but it's much
better than not doing anything at all.

 I spoke in sacrament meeting this Sunday. I talked about Christmas,
and how it's helped me build a testimony of Christ. I thought about
that one for a minute, usually I can ponder all morning and then get
up and speak like no problem. But this one took me a few days to
ponder. I thought a lot about the spirit I felt in the MTC, when I was
there during Christmas time. I spoke on the "power, and gift" Christ
stemmed from the scripture in Moroni 7:16 I normally don't write out
my talks, I just go by the spirit. But I felt inspired to write it
home today. (here's the talk written out) "for behold the spirit of
Christ is given to every man that he may know good from evil,
wherefore I show unto you the way to judge; for everything which
inviteth to do good, to persuade to believe in Christ is sent forth by
the power and gift of Christ..." I pose this question "how often on a
typical week do you use the power and gift of Christ in your life?"
Some of you used this gift today as you partook of the sacrament and
renewed your covenants.  I learned in the MTC that you can have
Christmas every day! You can be an example of the believers every day!
It is simply living the gospel year round, instead of seasonally. I
see many reach out around Christmas and Easter time to worship God,
and rely on Christ. If we only did that our eternal progression would
be a lot slower, and we wouldn't have as many opportunities to grow!
Doing that, we lose the ability to use the full effect of the
Atonement. Let us use it every day! The spirit of Christ can be a sure
foundation, it IS, a sure foundation whereon if men build they cannot
fall. (Heleman 5:12) if I learned anything from the last year on my
mission it's that I'm tired of running between hell and heaven. I sure
know the straight and narrow, Brothers and Sisters I've crossed it
back and forth many times. My hope and prayer is that I stay on
heavens path, and that I grab others and take them with me. Running as
fast as I can, until I have finished the race. It takes a little
endurance, and a lot of nourishment from the almighty. If I feel the
heat of the fire of affliction blazing behind me instead of in front
of me, I know I'm in the right direction, and that I shouldn't stop.

Christ was born in a little town called Bethlehem in the city of
David. The birth of the Lord opened a whole new cannon, this was the
fulfilling of the prophets. From the fall of Adam, men and women have
awaited anxiously for this gift. Isn't it nice to live after the
sacrifice of the Christ, rather than before it? We are fortunate
enough that we don't have to wait for this gift to be had. It's right
here for us to use every single day! How many times do we fuss over
messing up, yet deny the gift of Christ that he could help us if we
would repent? How many times have we sat in anguish and sorrow trying
to fix things on our own, and realizing that it can't be done? It's
like trying to turn a bolt with your fingers instead of using the
wrench that is so easily available.

I invite all of you to act on the impressions that you felt today in
this meeting, from the spirit as these other great missionaries and I
have spoken on such an important subject.

My testimony of Christ continues to grow every day, as I see the
countenance of those I teach change as soon as the spirit of Christ
pierces their hearts. It is my favorite part of missionary service, it
is a love that I have found, it is the gospel of Christ.  I bare
witness of the reality of that. For those of you who are not yet
members of this church, I invite you to study it out, and pray to know
if this is true. I did this, and I came to know by the Holy Ghost that
it was. I know him, I love him, and he loves me. He love you, he has
called you to serve those who's hands hang so helplessly low. May we
do so with humble hearts, and sure foundations. In the name of Jesus
Christ, amen.



I will be skyping on Christmas at 6:30pm (my time) mom, I can also
FaceTime you if that's easier. Let me know what you want to do.


Love y'all.

December 14, 2015

Hello Everyone,


I am still in North Kansas City, serving with Elder Roberts. He's from
Hiland, Utah. He went to AF high school. He's a funny guy, and I think
we will do well together.

This new transfer is going to be a challenge for me. We just got put
on car rotation, it's starting to get cold, and we have a baptism to
prepare for next weekend and the Investigator lives on the other side
of the area. I have been working on keeping a good attitude even
though the circumstances aren't ideal. The Lord has taught me many
lessons, but I feel like this one will be a big one for me to learn. I
feel like I have been in this area forever! I'll be here for 6 Months
when the transfer is through! That's a long time, but I have loved
every minute of it.


My testimony of Obedience has grown a lot this week. I enjoy the
spirit when I practice self control and obedience to the commandments
and expectations the Lord has set for me. I have known how important
it is to be obedient. It really is the Law of Heaven. President Vest
has always taught, that no matter what teaching  skills you think you
lack, if you're obedient, the Spirit will testify and people will
change. I know that it's true. I've seen it happen out here. I pray
every day that the Lord will help me be more obedient. I fear the
ending result of disobedience. I see missionaries around me struggle
through homesickness, dark times, discouragement, and so forth. But I
often ask "what have you sacrificed for the Lord today? What small
sins have you chosen to let go of? What happens when you choose to
disobey?" I ask myself that each day, and it has changed my
perspective. It has helped me turn outward, it has helped me focus on
what matters most. "The most important commandment you need to focus
on is the one that you struggle to keep right now. When you have
mastered that, move on to the next one."--Harold B. Lee.


The question that I often ask myself, and I think about it a great
deal is "what are you willing to do, to be my disciple?" Often times,
I find myself in a man hole preaching the gospel to construction
workers, getting my shirt all dirty, and my shoes all scuffed up. But
at the end of the day, I can say within myself. "I have followed his
spirit, I have done his work, and I will begin again tomorrow in
carrying out this gospel, no matter what circumstances,
discouragement, or excuses seem to get in my way, if I cancel out the

noise and tune in to the spirit, I will know what to do, where to go,
and what I should teach." Following this pattern I have found that I
don't need to ask "what should we do now?" Because I know that the
Lord has placed in my path a whole field that is white already to
harvest.


I know the Lord. I know what he expects of me as his representative. I
love him, I pray that others can find him. I pray that I can take his
gospel to all those who need it. I know that he is the Christ, and
that his grace is sufficient for all men. I too have been strengthened
by the Lord, I know he lives. If I am better than I was yesterday than
it is enough. He is the beginning and the end, alpha and omega. The
author of all righteousness. The mighty God, the price of peace. I
testify of the Restored Gospel. I know that Joseph Smith opened up the
doors of this dispensation, the Book of Mormon is evidence of that. He
did see God the father and Jesus Christ, he did receive the priesthood
which binds families together forever, and he has given all these
things, suffered all manner of afflictions, so that if we exercise our
faith in him, repent, honor and obey his covenants, we can be saved in
the kingdom of God. He suffered for all that they might not suffer.
This I know with all my heart, and soul.



Love you,

This is our power stance.

Someone threw Up Christmas Big!

Yep.

Okay, well this week was a dive bomb. Opposition slammed us hard with
our boy that is supposed to get baptized this weekend. His wife
straight up cracked his jaw because she has sleeping probs, and
doesn't like getting woken up. So, they couldn't get married this
week. The Micronesian family almost dropped us Friday, but we saved
it. Hopefully we can bring them back into progress this week. My
companion has to have nose surgery so we aren't sure if he will be in
the field much longer, sad day cause he's my first son in my own
posterity, and a darn good missionary. I have never had such great
success.

We had our Christmas conference on Tuesday. It was legit, (I attached
a video, please excuse my terrible voice) I hope I don't get
transferred this area is flaming right now!

I had a lady try and tear me to pieces about the policy on gay
marriage. She was a less active member, and I didn't know them so we
contacted them, and the husband answered and was super nice, and we
had some good topics, and then she came busting down the stairs and
just started rattling off some anti, and random stuff that isn't even
doctrine. I let her go on for about 15 minutes. I stood there and
waited. Then I said this "when you joined the church, you felt by the
Holy Ghost that there was a prophet called, right?" She said "yes, I
did". I said "then you can't deny that feeling, the Holy Ghost doesn't
lie". And she turned around and walked away. I felt the deepest
compassion in my heart for that women. And I pray that she feels
spirit witness to her of the truthfulness of this gospel.


I love the Lord. He has been my strength this week. No matter what
kind of curve ball is thrown at me, I can remember that he is still
there. I remember what he went through for me.

"Let us not use a sickle, but a combine"

The Lord put in our path 11 new souls to bring to him this week. We
found a Micronesian Family. They are on date for the 26th. Love them
so much! Mahn Trann got married, he and his son PJ will be baptized on
the 12th. I have never seen such faith before. They have come so far.

The Micronesian family opened the door for our return appointment, and
there were two chairs centered in the middle of the room. After a few
minutes, each one of them came and sat before us. In amazement they
heard the message of the restoration of the gospel. They had never
heard of modern prophets and apostles, they never knew of the Book of
Mormon. They didn't comprehend that God could love us that much. But
the spirit was strong, it pierced there hearts, and they wanted to be
baptized. My heart fills with joy concerning these people. I love
them, I hope I don't get transferred.


While pondering what kind of dedication is needed for this work, my
heart draws upon the example of the apostle Paul. His dedication,
understanding, desire and attitude for the work. He moved quickly and
persistently on the impressions he received from the spirit, he did
not doubt neither did he stop for a rest from his purpose. He did not
let anything, anyone, or mediocrity get in his way. (Acts 16:9-10) he
was fixed on his purpose of saving souls. In this account, Paul and
Silas were cast into prison, they continued to sing praises unto God.
This example softened the Jailers heart. When night had fallen, the
Earth began to quake, and the bands had been loosed from Paul and
Silas. The Jailer being woken up, drew his sword for he was fearful
that they escaped, and began to take his own life. Before he could do
this, Paul shouted and Begged the jailer to spare himself, for they
were still there. Even when the Logical thing to do would be to escape
from prison, they didn't. But Paul (unwritten) acted on the impression
to call out to the Jailer, and the jailer came to him and asked what
he needed to do to be saved. Did Paul tell him he wasn't worth it? Did
he hold any grudges? Was his heart fixed on his afflictions? Was his
heart bitter toward him? NO! He began to preach the gospel like a
champ. Because he understood his calling, he knew what the Lord wanted
him to do, and he did it, and resisted not. He could not bear that any
soul should perish. He knew his calling, and he dedicated himself to
the work of the Lord. He baptized the jailer, and many others that
were there. The fruits of his labors were plentiful. He was a mighty
man, and he loved the Lord. It mattered not that he was slain, it was
a privilege to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was standing
there with the best life this world has ever known, the only pure and
perfect missionary that ever lived.

I testify, that dedicated service, understanding our purpose, and
having the desire and attitude to teach all men will bring more souls
unto Christ than anything else we do. Because the definition of all
this is the act of Charity, the pure love of Christ. Charity is
manifest when we act on the impressions we receive, steady our course,
and move with compassion. Charity, is enduring our afflictions with
faith in Jesus Christ. Charity, is preaching the gospel no matter what
the cost, circumstances, or places we may be in. I know this to be
true, I know the power of the priesthood is real, it has cast out many
unclean things in my midst (D&C 50:23) it has given me the power and
strength to overcome my trials. It is real. It is here to bless all
men, this I know, nothing doubting, for I truly know it.
I had a good thanksgiving, nothing like home though! We had it at an old folks home and an old lady told us she was a nudist. How was thanksgiving? 

Elder Greenburg

Missouri Independence Mission

Kansas City Missouri Area

Dun da da dun!

This week was nuts! Our gangster boy is on fire! He's going to get
married on Wednesday so he can get baptized! He's a stud and I love
him! He has made so much progress. He hasn't smoked in like 2 weeks,
he's been making so much progress! This week was pretty dry though as
far as new investigators. The family we found last week dropped us.
Probably okay though, that was a sketchy situation.

I have been studying a lot about the Nature of God. It's interesting
to know what kind of love, and all around long suffering he has for
his children. Thinking about that humbles me. He has given, and
continues to give. All he asks of us, is that we keep his
commandments. He gives us commandments, because he loves us. We show
him our love by obedience. I have taken for granted is that he
continues to give each time. Even after my end of the deal is
finished. Internalizing the love that is needed for the savior is the
only way to truly change, and obey his commandments. I can be obedient
with many different motives. Each motive has a consequence, if the
motive is temporal, then the obedience is temporary, if the motive is
eternal, then the obedience is eternal. Love for the lord is the only
source for eternal obedience. Fear is not a good motive to obey, but
love is. Love endureth forever.


The question i commonly ask to those I teach, and to myself is "are
you really committed? If you love the Lord, you will keep his
commandments even when it seems impossible" he wants to bless us, he
wants to fill is, and the strength we obtain is eternal.

I testify that all things are possible through him. He is our captain.
He is at the helm.

Elder Greenburg
Missouri Independence Mission
Kansas City Missouri Area

Is it just me, or does that sister missionary look like she is 12?

High Profile Case

Well, Chris finally got baptized! He was investigating for 4 months.
The baptism was awesome! The font had a slow leak, so I dunked him in
knee deep water. That was quite the experience. He's now part of the
YSA Ward. I somehow always find YSA people...lol well, I actually know
the answer to that. But that will not be revealed here. :)

I am on cloud 9! I love my mission so much!

We found a family this week! There was a woman that we street
contacted, a subtle prompting brought us to her. Her house was covered
in posters that state "Bring our sister back". We started talking to
her, and it wasn't long before she began to cry, she told us a
sensitive story, about how her baby was kidnapped 5 years ago out of
her crib. The spirit was strong, and we bore simple testimony that our
father in heaven knows more about how she felt that anyone. He had to
watch each one of us make our journey to earth, and then struggle
through the years of life here. Her countenance changed, and a smile,
and sense of comfort came over her. We returned, and her family joined
in on the lesson.

The sad part of that story, is that the mother is one of the main
suspects in the case, and we might have to discontinue our visits with
them until the case is cleared. (Names have been Withheld per data
privacy laws)

I learned a great deal about the spirit in this work. Here are a few
impressions I received.

Many rely on their own learning, and deny the utterance of the Holy
Ghost. They pride themselves in their intellect, but lack the humility
needed to learn from the spirit.  Yet, they still yearn for spiritual
things. They seek comfortable doctrine, and pervert it for things of
godliness. They testify of the incomprehensible God. Which is a true
doctrine, but they lack the understanding that knowledge of his divine
nature is obtained "line upon line, precept upon precept" by the power
of the Holy Ghost. One who does not understand God, will not
understand himself, if he does not understand himself he will not
understand the truth, if the understanding of the truth is lost, the
man becomes carnal, subject to any "wind of doctrine by the sight of
man", and his "cunning craftiness" (Eph 4:11-14)

 "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:
for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because
they are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor 2:14

One of Many reasons why the Natural Man does not sit comfortably in
the chapel of Latter Day Saints,  because they are not comfortable in
the presence of the Lord. They are more comfortable with the world,
because the world won't make them change. Those who do not practice
heavenly things, will never become heavenly. So the stand point of
those who do not comprehend the things of God is simply because they
never wanted to or they wanted to, but relied on man to tell them what
God is, rather than relying on the spirit to reveal to them the nature
of God. That is the concept of man creating God in his own image,
rather than God creating man in his image. The mislead idea is that
when we were born, we were created in gods image. YES. But I pose this
question: Is our creation ended at birth? Or do we continue to be
created throughout our mortal existence, or possibly further than
that? The thing that is needed to understand, is by whom are we
created? What materials are being used in the creation process? And
what are we trying to become.

When we follow the Lord, we build in the Light, and stature of Gods
materials. The commandments, the scriptures, the spirit, the Gospel of
Jesus Christ, are all materials needed to build our image and
countenance of the Almighty. We have been given a body, which is the
First step to Godhood. The Second step to Godhood however, is the
freedom to choose. The ability to act, rather than be acted upon. All
things are given to us which are expedient to us, they are subject for
us to grow in the knowledge and image of God, or the captivity and
power of the devil, his misery, his cunning craftiness.. We can choose
"Liberty, and eternal life through the great mediator of all men, or
to choose captivity and death according to the captivity and power of
the devil". (2 Nephi 2:27)  If we want to honor the doctrine of being
created in the image of God, we must learn his attributes. We learn
his attributes by the Holy Ghost through diligent scripture study, and
the words of the living prophet. So one who does not know the
attributes or cannot comprehend God, is because they have not looked
or searched for his spirit. They have not used his materials-the
gospel-to understand him.

Thus it is expedient to have his spirit in this work. The spirit is
the only tool we have to pierce the wall surrounded by the carnal.
Much opposite to the spirit is the carnal thinking of our own talents.
This is where most missionaries fall short of talking with everyone. I
myself struggled with this a great deal. In common social stand
points, it is un- natural to walk up to a random person, and declare
the gospel, or for that matter, to talk to any random person about
anything is un- heard of these days. When we don't have the spirit with
us, and the carnal has set in; the awkwardness of talking to strangers
settles in, we begin to fear, the isolation and single mindedness
begins, and we are left unto ourselves, it is interesting to note that
self centered attributes are applied to our lives as soon as mistakes
are made. But the only cure is to turn outward, to repent. With
repentance comes the Holy Ghost. Those people are now not as awkward
to talk to, the lord puts words in your mouth to say, and you are not
confounded before man. Any situation, and person. It is the only tool
needed in this work to pierce hearts, break down walls, and be
converted to the gospel.

Busy busy

This week was sweet! Our investigator Chris is getting baptized this
Saturday. He's sweet! He's gonna be a missionary! We have been
teaching him for 4 months and he finally accepted a date, has a
testimony, and wants his family to join. We are excited!

We didn't get to do the Q&A with the baptist congregation, but we are
still working to find one. We want to teach them a lesson from preach
my gospel chapter 3, and then do 5-10 Minutes of Q&A. I'm so blessed
to be able to represent the Lord, and serve a mission. I love what I
do, I love the change it is making in me. I learn a new lesson every
day, it sometimes humbles me to tears, and other times pricks my
heart.

I really don't have too much to say, other than I got a lot of candy
this week, and I'm pumped for the weekend.


Yup okay.

Elder Greenburg
Missouri Independence Mission
Kansas City Missouri Area

Spiritual Giant

This week was really good, we had a lot of success with our
investigators. We did some good ground work, and found a few preachers
to teach this week. We are planning on offering him a Q&A with his
congregation about our beliefs. I'm pumped for this! I love answering
questions! The preacher is taking a pretty good interest in the Book
of Mormon. We are going to start walking in to more synagogues and
asking religious leaders of we could take a few minutes to speak to
their congregations. I love the restored gospel so much, the Lord has
blessed me to be fearless. It is my prayer that I continue to push
this gift forward. I can't believe it's November already! Where did
the year go? I don't want the time to keep going by!

We had an amazing teaching appointment this week. A few days prior to
this event, we stopped by a less active family. Their teaching record
said "we are never going back to church again!" We knocked on the
door, and the mother answered. She was extremely nice to us, and
invited us to have dinner with the family that Saturday. We were blown
away when she said. "What made you want to serve missions? I want my
daughter to serve." We bore testimony of the Atonement, we told her it
was a big factor in us coming into the mission field. After this we
asked her if she knew anyone we could go visit. She pointed to the
apartment building across the street and said "his wife is a member,
but not on the records of our ward." We went and knocked, and a man
opened the door.  We asked him if his wife was there, and he said no.
And then we asked him if he was a member. He said "no, I have tried
many different church's, and they all judge me. I never feel right for
God." We helped him understand the Savior, and when he was rejected by
his own. After much conversation he accepted a return appointment. We
taught him the Gospel Of Jesus Christ. (I learned that I have a
powerful gift) but I will explain that later in my letter. I saw this
man, full of regret. He had been raised in "the hood" in KCK. Prior to
that he lived in Ukraine, and his mom was sold to an American soldier.
The look in his eyes was dark, complexed, and hollow. He said "I don't
get it, based on the life I've been born into, it's almost like I'm
destined for hell, I've had to do many things that I wish I didn't. I
had to defend myself many times. I know I'm going to hell" I didn't
see it, I refused to believe him. I testified with all my heart that
he was a child of God. That he has every bit of potential to reach
heaven as I did. I watched this tough guys eyes tear up, his
countenance change, and a new light enter into the room. I asked him
what he was feeling right now and he said "Elders, it feels like you
are taking a sponge to a dirty soul, I feel a powerful feeling deep
inside that I've never felt before" I invited him to be baptized and
he said most definitely (he's on for 12/12/15). At the end of the
lesson we invited him to pray. The most sincere prayer I have ever
heard anyone say, when he thanked God for the message we gave to him.
We told the Less Active Family about the experience, and testified of
the healing and enabling power of the Atonement. And that the
sacrament is the most important thing you could partake of. We told
them that the Ward needed them, and that they could be a great force
for good, after much discussion. They came to church that following
Sunday, and they had a marvelous time.

I learned something about myself this week, that I didn't quite
comprehend before. In my Patriarchal Blessing it talks about seeing
people for who they really are, my brothers and sisters, and if my
desires are aloof from the distractions of the world, they will be
turned to my Heavenly Father, and his work here. Only through the Holy
Ghost can this be accomplished. This gift came into play when I was
studying for my investigators this week. As I was studying, I would
ponder what they said during our last appointment. I thought about
their feelings, how I came off, how they understood, how I understood.
Something interesting happened. I knew what they needed! Immediately
the spirit helped me know what I could say to them, what I could
prepare. I saw between the lines, I broke down the walls, and I saw a
child of God, scared, alone, discouraged, and wanting to give up. I
saw someone completely blinded by the apostasy around them, but are
too afraid to act because they have been raised in it. I see that most
people don't want to act on our message because they are scared to
jump out of their own comfortable spots (I don't blame them) it's a
real fear. But the joy that comes to my heart is a sense of empathy,
compassion, and charity. I know exactly how they feel. I am able to
see right through them, I have been able to sense their want, need,
and skepticism. The Spirit is sweet, the Lord knows their heart, and
as I remain worthy I pray that I will continue to see their hearts as
well, because it has really helped me in my finding.

Welp! That's about it!

Love ya!



Elder Greenburg
Missouri Independence Mission
Kansas City Missouri Area

"So you believe in the Apostasy!"

This week was so legit. We were extremely bold this week about
preaching the gospel to everyone. We had many occasions that were
quite historical. One in particular was when we were knocking doors at
8:30pm. We came across this man vacuuming his front room with the door
open. He saw us coming, he stopped and said "alright what do you
want?" I gave him our spill and he said: "I don't like religion, all
church's just confound one another, and want money, and build
themselves up to get gain. I'm not a fan" I said without a moments
hesitation: "Brother, you believe in the apostasy! So do we! Our
message is that the church of Jesus Christ is restored." He said: "Do
you really want me to slam this door in your face?" And I said: "sure,
but I'll be back. I love ya!" I truly did see the hurt in that mans
eyes, but I saw his countenance change as I bore solemn witness of the
restored gospel.

On another occasion we came across a Baptist Preacher. (This was our
third for the week.) He had attended the temple open house of the KC,
MO temple in 2012. He said he had a few questions, and we were happy
to answer them for him. His 1st was the account in the Book of
Revelation Chapter 22:18-19 18 "For I testify unto every man that
heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add
unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written
in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the
book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of
life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written
in this book."
These verses of scripture have been cited repeatedly by those
attempting to discredit the Book of Mormon. After I let the Man go on
for about 10 minutes, he finally came to the end of his rope, and I
was finally able to answer his question.  To use John’s words, only to
the words of “the book of this prophecy.” That is, the prophecy
contained in the book of Revelation. This is held by the fact that
some of the books of the New Testament had not yet been written when
John wrote the book of Revelation, and even those that had been
written and were in existence at that time had not yet been gathered
into one compilation.

After this, he looked puzzled. I then had room to testify of the truth
and divinity of the Book of Mormon, and of the restored Gospel. He
accepted a copy, and said he would read it. He then started to go off
about the Trinity, and how we are not Christians because we believe in
the GodHead. I quoted Acts 7:55-56 when God and Jesus appeared to
Stephen.  "But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly
into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right
hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the
Son of man standing on the right hand of God." Clearly enough, we see
the testimony of 3 separate personages. One in purpose. I then
testified of the first vision when Joseph Smith saw God the Father and
his son Jesus Christ in the grove of trees in 1820.

Something clicked in my heart this week after being rejected several
times Elder Burke said: "should we just go rest or something" I said
without even realizing it: "No, I love preaching this gospel too much
to give up now. We can rest later." I grew 10 feet tall after that,
and we had many fruitful conversations with people this week. I don't
know what happened, but the Lord had strengthened me. And I was able
to carry out his work.

I have a testimony that Jesus is the Christ. He has taken upon himself
our infirmities, that we might return to our loving Heavenly Father,
and become like him.



Elder Greenburg
Missouri Independence Mission
Kansas City Missouri Area

Come to Zion, Come to Zion October 19,2015

This week was historic! I witnessed the opening of the Far West stake! There were 4,000 people in attendance. It was a beautiful sight! Our zone was changed up pretty bad. New zone leaders and everything. Pretty sweet. This week was a rush of trying to contact the 8 people we found last week, we dropped 4 already. Well, we actually found a family, and then we found out they weren't in our area, so we had to give them to the areas missionaries. It's cool though. Salvation comes either way. 

Some lessons I learned from my studies. 

What is the relationship between the first principles of the gospel and Christlike attributes?
Moroni 8:25-26
Faith unto fulfilling the commandments, is a line of obedience, which are both attributes of Christ. So first and for-most we must be obedient in order to show faith to our Heavenly Father. Obedience to the commandments is a principle of faith, especially when we don't fully understand, if we desire more faith, we must be more obedient. 

When we are obedient we Repent of our sins. Repentance brings on the principles and attributes of humility, meekness, and submission to Gods will. When we Repent, we begin to seek Gods approval, we hunger to become better. 

When we have repented, we are Baptized. Which is the first fruits of repentance. Because we exercised Faith we have kept the commandments. Which then brings a remission of sins. Aligning our wills with God is simply replacing bad habits with good habits. 

When we receive a remission of sins we are Meek and Lowly in heart. Another attribute of Christ. 

And then we Receive The Holy Ghost. Which is the comforter. When we feel the Holy Ghost we have hope, and perfect Love, and that is the principle of diligence. 


Almost anything we desire, is achieved with discipline. 
Discipline is the action of Obedience. Obedience is the action of Faith. Faith sends forth heavens power. Heavens power sends forth the comforter, the comforter sends forth love. And love enables us to be diligent. Love enables us to be patient, Charitable, courageous, humble, virtuous, and endowed with power. Only through the Holy Ghost can we see events, and people as God sees them. We cannot execute our purpose without it. Every Key indicator would turn into a competition, every person we meet would turn into a number or baptismal statistic, we would only search for investigators in clean environments and people that look the part of a clean soul, the next door we knock on wouldn't seem worth it, and eventually we would "be left unto [ourselves] to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints and to fight against God". In order to be A Christlike missionary I must learn that "No power, or influence can or ought to be maintained by Virtue of the priesthood; only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness and by love unfeigned. By kindness and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy and without guile" D&C 121 

We can't become like Christ, if we do not execute our purpose. It's insanity to have one, and not the other. 

"We need to be Christlike missionaries, not just do missionary things.
We follow his example-Develop his attributes-one action at a time."


I have a testimony of this everlasting gospel. 




Elder Greenburg
Missouri Independence Mission
Kansas City Missouri Area

HeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyOOOOOH

This week was pretty sweet! At the beginning of the week we had a goal
to find 7 New Investigators! I thought this was a little bit steep,
but the lord always proves me wrong. We worked very hard and found 8
new people to teach!

Then we got into a run in with a few Muslims! Pretty much the craziest
time on my mission. We street contacted a few guys after contacting a
few investigators, they were just chilling and talking with us, and
this big tall huge black dude steps out of the house, and walks up
behind us. We turned around and asked him what his name was. He had
the craziest look in his eyes, I thought he was going to kill us! Holy
Moses! He just looks at us and says "what are you doing? I am the son
of God" and he just went all out on us. What the junk....he tried to
give us 600 bucks to bail us out of jail. anyway....crazy dude, didn't
kill us. Just a drunk dude.


The steps of Faith building
(These are just impressions, and insights as I have study this passage.)

These first 4 steps are the pre-ground for faith. Every farmer plows
his field before dropping seed. We can plow our fields, and prepare
our spiritual grounds for seed and nourishment in preparation for more
faith.

"Alma 32:11 And moreover, I would ask, do ye suppose that ye must not
worship God only once in a week?
12 I say unto you, it is well that ye are cast out of your synagogues,
that ye may be humble, and that ye may learn wisdom; for it is
necessary that ye should learn wisdom; for it is because that ye are
cast out, that ye are despised of your brethren because of your
exceeding poverty, that ye are brought to a lowliness of heart; for ye
are necessarily brought to be humble."

Step 1: A man must be humbled by being compelled or by his own
instance. Faith cannot work without a building place, therefore we
must give place in order to grow. It's like a farmer, he has to plow
the field in order to place a seed. Likewise, On the Lords terms, one
must plow his own field, or it needs be plowed by someone the Lord
sent, usually his servants (*Cough cough* missionaries)

Alma 32:13 "And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are
ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh
repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and
he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be
saved."

Step 2: Repentance, we must seek to change, and we will obtain mercy
from it. In the "Gospel of Jesus Christ" pamphlet it states clearly:
"Repentance does not always mean making big changes. Often it simply
requires an increased commitment to live according to God's will. True
Repentance does not always happen quickly" in the end, if we have
obtained mercy, and take it a step further and ACT. We "shall be
saved"

Alma 32:16 "Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without
being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he
that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without
stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or
even compelled to know, before they will believe."

Step 3: Is the breaking ground of a Stoney heart. Steps 1&2 were the
blasting, now it's time to talk about the humble submission of
Baptism. If you have believed in the word of God, you would know that
you would need to be Baptized. It says so simply in (2 Nephi
33:10-11)"....hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if
ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall
believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the
words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all
men that they should do good....And if they are not the words of
Christ, judge ye--for Christ will show unto you, with power and great
glory, that they are his words, at the last day;"

Alma 32:23 "And now, he imparteth his word by angels unto men, yea,
not only men but women also. Now this is not all; little children do
have words given unto them many times, which confound the wise and the
learned."

Step 4: Listen to the spirit with submission. Even like a child.
Promise to follow those promptings. Mosiah 3:19 "he yields to the
enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and
becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and
becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love,
willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict
upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."

 PHASE 2 Of Faith Building

These next steps are in demonstration of nourishing, and helping our
faith take root in the word of God. We can obtain continuous guidance,
as we pluck the fruit of a good seed. The Action, is the application
of faith. The hope of faith. You can't have one without the other,
that's insanity.

Step 1, Action 1
Alma 32:28 "Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give
place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a
true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief,
that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to
swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions,
ye will begin to say within yourselves--It must needs be that this is
a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my
soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it
beginneth to be delicious to me.

29 Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you,
Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge.

30 But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to
grow, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for behold it
swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now, behold, will
not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith:
for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it
sprouteth and beginneth to grow.

31 And now, behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed? I say unto
you, Yea; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness.

32 Therefore, if a seed groweth it is good, but if it groweth not,
behold it is not good, therefore it is cast away.

33 And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted
the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye
must needs know that the seed is good."

Action:
Alma uses the word "Beginning" 8 different times in these verses, in
connection with "grow" and "enlighten". Everything has to have a
beginning before progression starts, and hearts are changed. The
beginning could be finding people to teach, it could be a lifelike
matter such as someone prepared their field for a seed, the beginning
could simply be the missionaries knocking on their door, or a member
inviting them to dinner with the missionaries. Whatever the case may
be, it has to start with a beginning before it can progress to
something greater. It only progresses to something greater if the Holy
Ghost can testify of its goodness.

Step 2, Action 2:
Alma 32: 34 "And now, behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your
knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant; and
this because you know, for ye know that the word hath swelled your
souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your
understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin
to expand.

35 O then, is not this real? I say unto you, Yea, because it is light;
and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernible, therefore
ye must know that it is good; and now behold, after ye have tasted
this light is your knowledge perfect?

36 Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither must ye lay aside your faith,
for ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed that ye might
try the experiment to know if the seed was good."

Action
The action word is "KNOW". You must recognize that the seed is good or
likewise-the word is good. Acknowledge that it is from God, and that
your own mind did not come up with it. But it was divine revelation
from the almighty. The spirit is what expands out knowledge in that
thing. Light is discernible above all other elements, and if increased
can one day pierce the vail. The revelation begins to flow, and the
people begin to become enlightened.

Step 3, Action 3:
(Alma 32: 37-43)

Action
Nourish it until it takes root, and then continue to nourish it with
an eye of faith, looking forward to the fruit. The fruit, Is
revelation and guidance. If we desire more guidance and revelation, we
must have more faith, we must nourish our spiritual trees and be able
to pluck the fruit by and by and reap the rewards of everlasting life.
Nourishing the word takes diligence, patience, long suffering,
submission, and the continuation of the spirit. We can expand our
knowledge, our testimonies unto conversion, by nourishing the good
word of God, exercising what we know, and looking forward with a
positive mind to the future. If we choose to dwell in the past, we
will end up doing past things. If we choose to dwell in the future,
and the future is a righteous desire, we will eventually become that
righteous desire, our hearts will be changed, and we will know with a
perfect knowledge that it is in fact a good seed, it will take root,
and it will not be cast away. We will be building our foundations upon
the rock of our redeemer who is Christ the son of God. And THAT, is
how we can become "disciples of Jesus Christ, and declare his word
among his people, that they might have everlasting life"

I testify that not only does this work for us, as baptized members of
the church, but for those who are not yet baptized. Who need help
building their faith. We can help them if we understand our purpose,
walk with patience, are uplifted by prayer, and labor with power. If
we are not bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided or
delayed. If we do not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the
presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder
in the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. If we
do not give up, shut up, or let up. We can can go until he comes, give
until we drop, preach until we know, and work until he stops us. Our
lamps will be filled, and we will be endowed with power.