Week 2

This week I've learned that God IS willing to use me as an instrument in bringing to pass His work and glory. I have had many opportunities to teach lessons and lead spiritual thoughts in the church before, but never found that I was an exceptional gospel teacher. After the past two days, I know that God will indeed help me to know what to say, and He will send His spirit to accompany my lessons.

My district with one of my teachers, Hermano Clayton

To begin my experiences, my companion and I were asked to teach both Priesthood, and the zone meeting yesterday. We began preparing our lessons on Thursday, in zone meeting we taught about the doctrine of Christ, and in Priesthood, we taught about receiving and recognizing personal revelation. On Saturday, I couldn't help but notice that the new guys in the zone (we welcomed 5 new Elders on Wednesday) were having a tough time adjusting to missionary life. I had no idea if it was the language, depression, homesickness, etc, I just knew they were struggling. I was prompted to pray and ask if there was something I could do to help them out. Now at the time, I probably couldn't have told you it was a prompting, I just wanted to help, I guess that's just how the spirit operates. I felt impressed to lead a zone study session, and used time that I had previously set aside for preparing lessons for Sunday, to prepare some scriptures and thoughts. I made a little scripture chase where I showed many instances where God proved His promise found in D&C 84:88, "And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." I showed them how Enoch, Moses, And David all felt inadequate, weak, and alone. (Exo 3:11 Exo 4:10-12 1 Samuel 17:43-45 Moses 6:31-32). Later on, one Elder shared D&C 31. Another discussed how Gordon B. Hinckley nearly returned home from his mission early.

With the new elders in our district:
Gomez, me, Auman, Stock, Eng, Smith, and Fragoso

As I began sharing these scriptures, some of the other boys on our floor (all headed to the Philippians) found their way into our room. They entered at an awkward time and were talking amongst themselves which made it difficult for me to get my message across. But they paid attention as I bore my testimony that God was with us, and he will strengthen us as we endeavor to build up His kingdom. Then one of those missionaries added their testimony to mine and as he was talking the Spirit entered the room stronger than I had ever anticipated nor expected. Most of the missionaries in the room proceeded to share some thoughts and bear testimony. One of the most powerful thoughts came from one of the new Elders who had previously been involved in a popular Latino gang called the Sureños (I think). He has tattoos up and down both arms, holes in his ears where gauges used to be, heavily greased hair, and no one exactly knows his backstory. Needless to say, he was powerfully equipped with faith unto repentance (Alma 34:15-16). Another one of our new Elders shared that he had suffered from chronic migraines before his mission and was relying on the Lord's help to make it through his mission. It was evident to me that he had faith to be healed (D&C 46:19). After an hour, we were finally able to end the meeting; there were no dry eyes in the room. I knew by the spirit that those struggling new missionaries heard and felt exactly what they needed to hear and feel that night. More importantly, I learned that a living God, will do everything He can to bless His servants. I testify that all of our weaknesses, challenges, and inadequacies will all be taken care of, because God so loved the world.

That Sunday, I had felt blessed that the spirit had abided with us, but feared that we were unprepared to teach both of our lessons that day. By the end of each of them, the messages that we were attempting to explain were so clear. I could tell that the spirit was in the room, teaching the gospel truths to us. Remember how I said I don't feel like a great teacher? Well, after leading three powerful lessons in the last two days, I still don't feel like a good teacher. But I know that if I can continue to have a desire to help others grow in the gospel, then God will continue to send His spirit to guide my words, and to touch the hearts of all who are under the sound of my voice.

As for my life as a missionary, everything is going great! While I do miss you all, there is little room for homesickness as the work requires complete focus. I received my travel plans and can I just say how excited I am to get to Nicaragua! I don't think I've ever been this excited for anything in life. It was a little tricky trying to come back to Earth and focus on my studies to be honest. I leave at 3:30 AM next Monday morning (so don't be surprised if you don't hear from me for the next two weeks). I am going to Managua with 13 other missionaries! Crazy! Though some might be going to the North mission. I will have a 5 hour layover in Atlanta, plus two 4 hour plane rides, and I should arrive in Managua at 8:00 Monday night. Thanks for sending emails throughout the week, they are very nice to read.

I love you all!

Elder Stephen Watts