#35 問題 wèntí (Questions)

Good morning all! It has been another beautiful, and surprisingly hot week here in Dos Vientos. There are some very important things I would like to share my feelings about this week, but I will start with some other details.

First, our friend Natisse is back on Date for baptism! Hopefully it will be December 11th (please pray for her). This time it feels a lot more solid and she seems much more committed this time around. 

Secondly, we got our transfer calls and I will be staying here in Dos Vientos and I will be gaining one of my great missionary friends, Elder Hoffman! I am super excited to see how this next transfer goes and what I can learn. 

Alright now for the important stuff. I will start with a story.

We knocked on the door of a less active sister and she invited us in, we shared a spiritual thought with her, and her kids. She said she disagreed with some of the stuff we shared and we asked her why. We then stood on her front porch with her for the next 40 minutes and listened to her explain and justify the destruction of her testimony. It became very clear to me that she had been exposed to what is often referred to as "Anti" (meaning material or information that is antagonistic to the church, and demeans or defames it.) It also became clear to us that all of her Anti questions weren't really the problem. This sister clearly was sick of feeling imperfect within the church. This led me to a few realizations. 

1st. Answer your questions with faith, Not doubt. It seems to me that when some people have questions or are faced with things about church history they have not heard before, they are quick to doubt the church as opposed to doubting the doubts. Choose to believe not to doubt. Always err on the side of faith and always question the critics.

2nd. Check. Your. Sources. Anyone can say pretty much anything they want these days and get away with it. That is why We need to have the spirit of discernment and faith when we find our answers. Remember that questions are healthy, The whole church was restored based on Joseph Smiths honest question of which church to join. If you have questions about the church, look to the church. Don't look to the haters, they will never have anything positive to say. Look to your priesthood leaders, or your parents, or your friends, and honestly if any of you have questions. My ears are always open.

3. This goes back to this sister's feeling of inadequacy. She felt as though the commandments were unrealistic and unattainable. And that she was failing because she couldn't keep up. To quote Brad Wilcox from the last General conference: "Worthiness is not Flawlessness". We all make mistakes and we all have our trials. I have especially seen this true within the last 6 weeks of my mission. I have often found myself surprised as missionaries open up and confide in me, the thought that often comes to my mind is: "I never would have guessed ". Oftentimes they seem to have it all under control and are perfect. That is always wrong. Most of us are just trying our best at the end of the day. But that is why we have the Atonement. So we can become better.

Anyway. Those are some of my thoughts. If any of you are struggling with questions please let me know, if any of you feel imperfect, welcome to the club. Remember to trust in the lord and have faith in him. Answer your questions honestly and faithfully. And you will only come out stronger. Don't look for excuses to leave. Find reasons to stay.

Again I know that was a lot but it is important to me. I love you all dearly. I have linked some of my favorite talks on the above subjects and I hope you will consider listening or reading them.

(Also check out the gospel topics section in Gospel library, it's good stuff)

Elder Larson

Pictures!

1. Sleepy companion 

2. Zone lunch