February 11, 2013

Hey there everyone!
I cannot believe it is already February. Well it's true what they say, time flies when you're having fun. I think that's how it goes at least. I, by the way, am having tons of fun here on the mission. We had a great week this past week and I just felt like I learned a whole ton. This month, President Stucki is trying to help us focus on strengthening our faith in out Savior, Jesus Christ. So this week we had a zone meeting that was all focused on exactly that. Strengthening our faith in Christ. I was also able to read a lot from Preach my Gospel, and a lot of conference talks as well, all on faith and how to strengthen it. It was wonderful because I just learned so much more about my Savior, and what He has done for not only me but all of Heavenly Father's children. The best one that helped me out was reading a talk given last General Conference about trials of our faith. It was really assuring to know that Christ is always there and sometimes He tests us to see if we really, truly have faith in Him. And when we show Him that we do and that we trust Him, He blesses us for it. It just helped me out a lot because the mission is tough sometimes and knowing that I am doing what Christ wants me to do at this time just helps me to press forward, with full trust that He will help me out. Another talk was awesome giving by Elder Bednar. I forget the title and the date, but it was about asking for Heavenly Father's help, and then acting after. 'Faith always leads to action' was the overall theme. We cannot just have faith in Christ without acting after and showing that faith to Him and to others. So it just taught me that when we ask for help, we have to ask in faith, and that means not only asking for help, but asking for what we need to do for that help. The example Elder Bednar gave was when Joseph Smith asked Heavenly Father about which church was true. Elder Bednar said Joseph Smith didn't ask which church was the right one, but he asked which church was the one that he should join. He asked Heavenly Father what he needed "to do." This ensured that his faith was going to lead to action. I know that Heavenly Father answers prayers, that He is there whenever we have needs. If we just humble ourselves and ask Him, He will tell us what we need to do. I love this gospel and all the things I learned from it. This week we have a zone conference and I'm way excited to learn even more. I know this church is true with all my heart. I love you all. Until next week.

Elder Stephens