Hi everyone!
The week was a blur of meetings and cancelled meetings and
teaching some people in our free time. Maybe that's what "normal
life" feels like. You finish the week and wonder what just happened in
that week!
Zone Conferences have been awesome (other than postponing
the one in Laramie twice). I really enjoyed the comments made in this last one
on Thursday in Boulder during our training. We were talking about challenges
being a missionary at this time of year and then asked them what blessings
their family back home has seen from them being a missionary. WOW! It was
inspiring to hear the personal stories of missionaries. One missionary said 10
relatives have passed away since she has been a missionary. Her testimony of
the Plan of Salvation and the Atonement of Jesus Christ have grown
dramatically. She can truly testify now that families can be together forever.
Another missionary's parents came back to church and starting living the Gospel
in their lives. He was just transferred down to Boulder so he could be with his
parents as their are sealed together and he with them in the Denver Temple
tomorrow. Another's dad lost his job. He fasted and his dad got a new job!
There were so many missionaries (20) who shared deeply personal testimonies of
why they are glad to be serving Jesus Christ right now.
There are so many people that struggle over the holidays.
One person I know hates the holidays because it reminds him of a few years ago
this time of year when his daughter was taken from him. There are tons of people
who don't have family or can't see their family. I know for us, we are trying
to get things set up so we can visit a lot of families this week and share with
them Christ's love. It is the best time of year to reach out and lend a hand to
those who are struggling.
Miracles... The Torres family came to the Christmas party at
church. We caught the Toroks at home and talked with them for about an hour after
not seeing them for two months. One of the most memorable days was Saturday
when we didn't have a lot of set plans, but dropped by at just the right time
to visit people. Feeling led and guided is the best feeling!
Lastly some things I'm learning... I've been reading towards
the end of Alma in the Book of Mormon, the war chapters! I was pondering about why
the wars were happening. It hit me this morning that nearly all of the hatred
and wars in the Book of Mormon originated in the same place. Laman and Lemuel
rebelled in the beginning. They sought to kill their younger brother Nephi
multiple times. Ever since the sibling issues in their family, their posterity
have struggled against each other. For about 1000 years, the issues between the
original siblings are brought up as a reason to fight to the death. Families
are so important! The relationships are so crucial because they truly impact generations
upon generations.
Constantly I am seeing the huge importance of strong
families. The example in the Book of Mormon this morning was just one of them.
The Prophet and Apostles today know this and has been emphasizing to keep the
Sabbath Day Holy. There are many positive things that comes from that (i.e.
Stronger faith in Christ, stronger testimony, etc), but growing family bonds is
one of the biggest! We are reminded regularly that the world is not likely
going to become a more Christ-centered place. Our families need to become
strong to become a refuge from the world.
Good week. Crazy it's Christmas in only a few days and that
I have less than a month left. Crazier that the last two in my MTC district are
heading home in a week so they can be back in time for school. It was unique to
read their last group emails!
Love you! And Have an amazing week!
Elder Campbell
Sent from my iPad
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