Week 4 Transfer 2

I had an amazing week! 

We had our Zone Conference this week, a General Authority Elder Renlund came and gave us some very inspired training's. After the training was over, for some reason and I don't think I will ever know why he did this. He pulled me aside, and we talked for a minute. He asked me how my home life was, how my parents were, and if my family was in good health. He then asked how I received the conformation to serve a mission and the steps I took to get here. I told him beginning to end about the miracle I had before entering the mission field, the battles I fought to get here, I expressed the desire I had to work, and to be in the Lords service. I told him that my head nor heart was at home right now, but that I had turned it over to the Lord. He hugged me, and told me that he felt impressed to pull me aside, and that I had answered the questions that were burrowed deep into his heart. What those questions were, I have no idea. But I do know this, my heavenly father is watching over me, he knows my struggles and trials, he knows the difficult paths that we can sometimes find ourselves in. Elder Renlund concluded by telling me that he is proud of me, and on behalf of the brethren, Thank you for choosing to serve, he advised that when I write home that I should tell my Mom and Dad Thank you for giving up a great son for 2 years. A great son? I have never felt that I was a great person, until this man told me and confirmed to me that I was, I CAN do hard things.. I walked away from that meeting somehow uplifted, and edified. I felt more pure, and I couldn't help but recognize the divine power of the Holy Ghost with me. My Heavenly Father was again reaching out to me, with love and compassion, he knew my desires, but he also knew what I needed to do to fulfill those desires. I can honestly say that God still inspires men today, and I sustain these brethren to the office that they hold. The Lords work out here has a purpose. That, I can Testify.

 Paul is doing an outstanding job at keeping his commitments. He is expected to be baptized this Saturday at 1pm. He also invited his friend to take the discussions and we have a meeting with her tonight. Miracles were made

 So, as you know our investigator Paul has been struggling with the Word of Wisdom. On Thursday we had an awesome lesson with him, he had kept his commitments of not smoking and had set his own goals to execute his ultimate goal of being baptized. This was a miracle, Paul never had this intent before. The next lesson we had with him was just as amazing and we found a great fellowship for him. As we were leaving the parking lot we saw in the passenger seat of his car a carton of cigarettes. This devastated me, I felt so disappointed, my heart broke, and my soul filled with anguish and pain for Paul. In no instance did I want the glory of his baptism upon myself to get gain, but that I knew Paul would be happy, and that he will eventually receive salvation for his soul. I couldn't help but remember the Savior, and his grief and sorrow for me, when I mess up. I caught a glimpse of the feelings he might feel when I mess up and give into temptation. I was reminded of the outcome of my own personal actions. And that they disappoint my Heavenly Father. The only difference is that I can be forgiven every time I have  real intent to repent and move on. And perhaps, for Paul it might be the case also. Later we found out that the Cigarettes didn't belong to him, but to a friend. Confirming that this was a lesson that I needed to receive. 

On Thursday we stopped by this less active members house because she was in need of a blessing, she has many health problems, and suffers from a brain default. After the blessing she said "for a second or two I couldn't help but feel relief from the pain I have been feeling lately, and my thoughts were no longer distracted, and I felt the Lord with me." That was an awesome experience. The priesthood really did help this Woman, It is a real power given from god, for the blessing of his children. It is my testimony that God lives, that he loves his children, and that he wants us to follow his Son, Jesus Christ. As we do this, we cannot fail. 

I love this work, I love these people, and I love my God. 

Have a great week!

-- 

-Elder Greenburg

Missouri Independence Mission


I want everyone to know this... Jared IS a GREAT son! He has been my rock.  I don't know of very many 18-20 year olds that are willing to help support a family.  He sacrificed so much for me and Kylee.  Cody did as well.  If they never do anything again, they have earned their spot in the celestial kingdom.  I am so grateful that Heavenly Father sent them to me.  I am so blessed to have all of my kids.  What wonderful examples they are to me.. When I grow up, I want to be just like them!