Good afternoon family and friends.
The work here in Valencia is pretty tough. Eld. Ferrin and I are the second missionaries to work in this area. So you see missionary work is pretty new here, but we are working hard. Last Tuesday I went on trade-off with Eld. Smith in Arima. We came across 2 guys liming on the bench and so we quickly made our way there. After a brief introduction of who we were, then we started talking about the church. At first it was hard because one of them kept going on and on about some religious book he has been reading. After a while, I began to talk about Joseph Smith and the first vision which led to the restoration of the gospel. One of the guys was super vexed that he got up into my face and went off about how he doesn't believe in what I said. He went on and on for like 10 minutes and when it came to our turn again, we bore our testimony and then walked away.
Throughout the week, I kept pondering upon this man and why he was so vexed up about the restoration, then I came across a scripture in 2 Nephi 9:40 it reads, "The words of truth are hard against all uncleanliness; but the righteous fear them not, for they love the truth and are not shaken." This scripture is SO true. I've gained another testimony through the Holy Ghost of the truthfulness of God's words as I continue to pray, ponder and find the answers through His words.
As we're approaching Christmas, we need to look outward instead of inward, so the question is, "What can I give for Christmas and not what can I have for Christmas." I kept thinking about Ray, the Janitor and the widow who continue to give from their hearts and how they're a perfect example of what Christmas is all about. Please tell Ray and the widow, Mele, that I am deeply grateful for them and if you can, please mom make them some food or a little something to show my appreciation for their willingness to give.
I am being reminded by Eld. Henry B. Eyring's saying, "Remembrance is the seed of gratitude which is the seed of generosity. Gratitude for the remission of our sins is the seed of charity, the pure love of Christ." I've come to fully understand that missionary work isn't our work, it's the Lord's work, it's pure and sacred and by doing His work, we must forget ourselves and go out there and help others come unto Christ and partake of the fruit of this restored gospel. I have also learned that when you are grateful for something, it softens your heart and that's when generosity comes to play by giving others your love.....and that's what I see in Ray, the Janitor and Mele.
I'm doing okay financially. I am confident when teaching the discussion. Baptism is moved back to the 28th because the family isn't fully progressing. Yes, we will skype on Christmas day but I will let you know the time. That's all for this week, have a great week!
love,
Eld. Brown
