Wow time flies. I can't believe we're leaving the MTC in 4 days and I feel like I just got here yesterday. The MTC is great but I'm ready to get out there to North Carolina.
This week has been awesome, Elder McBride and I have been teaching people everyday and it has gotten a lot easier, its amazing to see how God brings everything together. I've been trying to be more Christlike and it can be a struggle because as we learn in the scriptures the natural man is an enemy to God. One thing that I've really been trying to do is lift everyone up. Christ was a Lifter not a Leaner. Christ never shot anyone down he only lifted them up and as missionaries it's our job to invite them to come unto him, and its impossible to do that with a negative attitude.
We had a devotional on Sunday night from Carl B. Cook and the main focus was surrendering our will to Gods will, that is the only way to be an effective teacher. He also talked about how humility is the gateway attribute to all other Christlike attributes. I found a scripture that testifies of that same thing in Alma 7 : 23-34 :
23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
24 And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.
Humility is a big deal with the Lord, he wants to help us and he wants to make us better but we have to be humble enough to listen, and to act on the things he has commanded us to do. Becoming Christlike is a lifelong process, we can always improve and always do better and the Lord is there Lifting us up every step of the way. All he asks in return is that we do our best and we come to him with a Grateful heart.
I know you wanted to know what a zone leader does, we don't do a whole lot. We make assignments for sacrament and priesthood and we welcome the new missionaries, give them the rules and a tour of the MTC. But our main responsibility is to be a friend, we just try to get to know everyone and we make sure everyone is doing ok and try to help them with whatever they are struggling with. It has been an awesome experience, we have had the opportunity to give many blessings, and we have made many awesome friendships. Everyone here is so fun to be with we are all just trying to do our best and help each other a long the way.
We had the opportunity to go to the temple last week and we get to go later today again. It's funny because last week when we left the MTC campus and we started walkng to the temple on the streets we realized that we are missionaries and we get to talk to everyone. It really pumped me up and made me want to get out there.
I'm pretty sure they inject the food here with straight testosterone because I have to shave like twice a day now Haha. People complain about the food but I think it's pretty good. We've had a lot of fun here as well, I tell all the new missionaries that come in to do the best they can do and the Lord will help you, but I always tell them don't forget to have fun. The missionaries that forget to have fun are miserable. My district is awesome as well as the zone, we all get along and we're always laughing and joking around.
My teachers are brother Lund and sister Villareal, they got back from their missions about a year ago. They're super cool and they are great teachers.
Overall I'm having a blast. I've grown more then I ever thought I could. I love all of you, you've blessed my life in so many ways. Remember that God loves you and that all he asks is that you do your best. Read the Book of Mormon it can and will change your life and as you prayerfully study, the Lord will answer your questions and guide you in all things.
Elder Forrest
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