Week 74

October 12, 2023

For this week I thought I'd share something I wrote in my journal this week.

"October 9, 2023

     "Right as I'm ready to get everything up and running, working like crazy, all that. Of course I get sick... again... I'm so tired of being sick. I've been more sick physically here on the mission than any other time in my life. And you would think it's some of the most precious time. I'm working on trying to have a constant connection with Christ, my faith & willingness to act upon spiritual impressions. I know I'm connected to Him, because people will tell me how great our message made them feel, how whatever thing we did was exactly what they needed. When other missionaries compliment on some way I've helped them. It's not me. I hope they know that.

     "We lit up some candles & the Christmas lights around the bar. It reminded me of home in Colorado when I'd have a candle lit with lights strung up in the room.

     "Something I've really come to realize recently is that absolutely nothing can replace the completeness we feel when we are close to Christ, understand His will, and feel His love. Like when the angel asked Nephi if he understood the condescension of God.

     "Everything Christ is, was, and will be, is a demonstration of God's love for us. Only Christ fully understood & was willing to submit His will so perfectly to conform to the Father's superior love & knowledge. And He provided salvation for all.

     "My role is to a much lesser scale, but to testify of everything that Christ is. To testify of the Father's will. To bring them home, as I learn myself what that really & fully means.

     "I'm tired of being sick, & weak, tired, unfeeling. But I know it all has a purpose, and makes all the sweet moments in life that much more special.

     "Faith

     "Hope

     "Charity

"KO"

I remember a blessing my companion in the MTC gave me. I wrote it down, but there's a specific part that always calls my attention.

"June 6, 2022

     "There are those who have experienced the same difficulties as I, and my job is to find, and share the love of the Father with them."

I've seen this countless times in my time here in Guatemala. Where I find someone who's passed through similar difficulties or trials that I have, and I can sympathize with them and share with them how Christ can heal them, just like He's healed me.

If I hadn't gone through these specific trials, I wouldn't have been able to help these people to the same degree.

Your trials are sacred experiences that can bless not just your growth, but the healing and guidance of so many others.

I've learned to pray for trials, that I can submit myself to the sorrows necessary to help me grow and become better, and to be able to lift others up unto Christ, that they may experience His healing light.

I find no fuller joy, than the privilege and opportunity to suffer for others, that their lives may be filled with the light that Christ has to offer all. For so did Christ for each and every one of us.

What an honor it truly is to testify of His love in His sacred name, and I never tire of it.

I've still got a bit of time left here on the mission, but I grow sad knowing that the time is quickly coming when I won't have the privilege to wear my name tag with Christ's name on it.

I will never tire of sharing His love, and I will not shy from being His representative. I hope I'll have many opportunities to share His love continually in my life after the mission. Because He is the master healer.

Of such I know for a surety, down to the very core of my being, and of such I testify with my missionary service and mantle, in His, even Jesus name, Amen.

With love,

~Elder Owens