Week 16 - October 10, 2022

What's up, everyone!  This week was full of non-stop work and lessons.  This was one of the best weeks I've had out here, and I couldn't be happier to be a missionary.  We had an all-time high of 12 investigators at sacrament, Including three different families!

Our area has an insane amount of potential right now, and I've started to get really close to the members and people out here. A mission is really special because for once in your life, you put your sole focus into helping other people.  The sole purpose is to find the need of a person and build a sense of trust.  This week we taught a lot of lessons and had a bunch of surreal experiences that were very touching.

This week I had one of the most powerful lessons since being here.  We taught a couple who are friends with our good friend Ivone, the mom of Amanda.  We taught the restoration and for the first time since being here, I felt like I taught through the Spirit.  Instead of worrying about how to pronounce words or what to say, I just spoke.  There is no greater feeling than bringing people peace and hope from the gospel.  Seeing the Spirit confirm the blessing Jesus Christ has promised us is the best.

We also taught Altair and his family a lesson on temples, which was so amazing to be a part of.  The temple is such a sacred place and to teach a family about the eternal blessing that comes from being sealed for all time and eternity showed me how much happiness can come from the gospel.  The simple truths that the gospel is built upon truly can change your perspective on life.  The knowledge of the gospel is so precious and has been kept in the unknown for so many people.  As missionaries, we get the chance to teach these things and there is nothing better. 

Each and every day, I'm reminded of how important it is to align our will with the Lord.  Every day we have an opportunity to start over and aspire to better.  A scripture in Ether 12:27 says:  "And if men come unto me, I will show unto them their weakness.  I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."  We can find peace and hope through faith in Jesus Christ.  This life isn't about being perfect but to try our best to follow the teachings and example of him.  He has the power to strengthen us and it's our choice on whether or not we will accept him in our lives.

Thank you all for the emails!

Elder Copeland❤️