Interviews

Well this week has been a lot less eventful.  But we still had some fun things happen. Most importantly the church is still true! 

 

We had interviews with our new mission president for the first time. President Botchway is awesome! He is a dedicated servant of the Lord! But I can only imagine the adjustment to mission president life. He looked very tired and that's ok. I remember my first sacrament meeting as a missionary in Portland. I literally could not stay awake. I had no other option then to slowly close my eyes! The work is exhausting but the reward is refreshing.

One of the most important things I've learned from President Botchway is to really see the blessing in the small things. He is really stressing the joy of missionary work! 

 

Went on exchanges with the Elders that we live with. Elder Thompson and Elder Johnson. Both great Elders love the work. I was with Elder Thompson in my area and it was a good time. We knocked on a bunch of doors and just had a good time he is a funny guy for sure. 

 

Well President Botchway challenged me in my interview to share more of a spiritual thought in my emails home so here goes something. 

 

A scripture that has been on my mind recently is Alma 12:34 this chapter is when Alma is talking to Zeezrom and basically explains how to return back Home! 

 

 "Therefore, whosoever repenteth, and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine Only Begotten Son, unto a remission of his sins; and these shall enter into my rest."

 

We learn from this verse that the "Only Begotten Son" (Jesus Christ) has all power to renew us from sin, sickness, heart ache, mental and physical health. All that is wrong about life can be made right through Him! But most importantly in order for us to receive or partake of these blessings it requires us to turn to God in humility, trusting His ways are greater than ours! He invites us to repent. Now I understand that many people are righteous and trying to live the gospel the best they can and will still face these challenges. That's why it's important to remember that last line there. "These shall enter into my rest." God is the same yesterday, today and forever! Every blessing we are promised from God will be given to us. So sometimes it may not come tell the next life. But we will receive a perfect state of REST. Look how the word rest is used in the scriptures it’s there and it’s powerful to see how you can apply that into your life. As your righteously apply these principles in your life, you will come closer to God than ever before. I promise you that as a full time representative of Jesus Christ! 

 

Love 

-Elder Esplin