I am serving a mission for THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS in the TENNESSEE NASHVILLE MISSION. On March 31, 2010 I went to what is called the Missionary Training Center. I was there until April 19, 2010. While there I learned more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I learned in more depth about what I am called to go forth and proclaim. This is a message of The Restoration of the Gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Plan of Salvation. The MTC was an awesome place. I call it the spiritual bootcamp. Well worth the hardships you have there. Maybe it is being away from home or just maybe something you were not interested in but you did it for your family. Whatever the situation is I loved the MTC. It was well worth it.
On April 19, 2010 I flew out to Nashville Tennessee to start my field work. I met my Mission President at the airport. With me flew out 5 other elders. The start of our mission. The next day we had what is called a transfer meeting to find out where we would be serving at. I was assigned to the Tennessee Fairview Branch.
Fairview (April 20, 2010-October 5, 2010)
Oh how I love Fairview. I started out my real field work of my mission here. Which consists of knocking on doors, contacting people and teaching them about the Gospel. We also did many other things such as Service, Fellowshipping, Visiting other churches.. While there I was able to attend many church services. Very warmly received we were usually. There was a time or two that people were not happy that we came to their church. But while attending these churches we learned lots.
THE FLOOD
As many people probable heard about the flood in Nashville Area. I was there and experienced it. It was a HUGE eye opener. I never knew water would do so much damage. For months we were doing service projects trying to help people in their water filled homes and destroyed yeards. We would go and try to help anyone we could that we knew of which needed help. Such heart-breaking it was to see the damage caused and the families homes ruined. Never before had I seen a natural disaster like this. After numerous back hurting days and which seemed like endless service projects it finally came to an end. It was hard to be there because the families were in such great hardship but smiles on their faces. It sure made me think about what was happening and how good my life is. Even though I had pain it was no where near how bad these peoples lives were.
Churches
I was able to attend many churches as mentioned. Here are just a few of the churches which I went to.
Church of Christ - Liberty Hill, New Hope, Fairview Church of Christ, Liberty Lincoln
Baptist - Berean Free Will, Old new Hope, First Baptist, Parkers Creek
Cross Roads Cowboy Church
I attended more than this but here are a few of them. I loved going to all of these different churches. It was quite fun and rewarding. I made many friends here at these churches. I was able to grow closer to the community and be able to serve them. Many doors were opened to us by this small act. I can't believe I left there but I had to. I was able to attend some of these churches numerous times.
I grew very close to the families there in the Branch. I will admit I shed a tear or two or three or lots
when it came time for me to leave. I was not very excited but it was probably time to. We would go fishing on a members pond. We would just have a great old time. Bonfire preparation, hikes, kick off to summer, helping with calves, gardening in a white shirt and tie, spreading manure... These are just a few of the things which we did. Many people will tell you I knocked on their doors. No Lie! I will never forget my time in Fairview. I hold it very precious in my heart. Many times I was able to go and visit the members and just feel of their great spirits and desire to share God's word and do missionary work. I was able to be out with members visiting. As a missionary everything we do is help strengthen others faith in Christ. Always we are trying to help others come closer to Him. That is our calling! Oh the memories that will be with me forever from here. I have the opportunity to be able to help others come closer to Christ and go down into the waters of Baptism for a remission of sins. How incredible is that that we can be forgiven of our sins? I know and I testify of the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We are able to be cleansed from sin.
In my 6 monthish in Fairview I was able to increase the size of my family. Meaning I gained new friends and became very close to them. Many more friends I have now from my service there. In the mornings the LDS students go to seminary. It is a class where they study the Bible, Book of Mormon and other scripture early morning. We attended a few times and we had to be there at 6am. Very early but raised my spirit for the day. The students in this class taught me more than I can ever dream of. I honestly wish I was as righteous at their age as they are. They are not only great examples to me but to the people around them. They are very strong Disciples of Christ. They were able to share experiences from Especially for Youth Conference which sounded amazing. I respect each one of these young men and women who are so faithful in the Lord Jesus Christ.
From a father in the Branch I learned very much. I learned how to be a better father for the future. I learned more than I can even right. He taught me things about raising children and gave me different ideas on doing so. Just if I would have wrote a journal of all the things he said. They were all very profound. I would always tell him that one day he is going to be in church leadership. Gave him a hard time often which was needed. I respect that man so very much words can't even describe it. But I did not just learn from him. I learned from all of them. I have a great love for all the members of the Branch. In the hardest most challenging times of my life they were there for me. No matter what it was. I could depend on them. The examples of them do not go unnoticed. The Fairview Branch not only helped me but changed my life for the better. I want to thank each and everyone of them. They don't even no how much they helped me. many other remarkable families but I don't got enough time in my day to talk about them. Thank You Fairview Branch!!!
So many great experiences in Fairview that I will not be able to write on right now but this is the first 6 months of my mission. The best 6 months of my life. God Bless y'all!
"Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all units had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto the FAIRVIEW BRANCH, behold the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." Alma 48:17
TO BE CONTINUED...
We have come to the earth in troubled times. The moral compass of the masses has gradually shifted to an “almost anything goes” position.I’ve lived long enough to have witnessed much of the metamorphosis of society’s morals. Where once the standards of the Church and the standards of society were mostly compatible, now there is a wide chasm between us, and it’s growing ever wider.Many movies and television shows portray behavior which is in direct opposition to the laws of God. Do not subject yourself to the innuendo and outright filth which are so often found there. The lyrics in much of today’s music fall in the same category. The profanity so prevalent around us today would never have been tolerated in the not-too-distant past. Sadly, the Lord’s name is taken in vain over and over again. Recall with me the commandment—one of the ten—which the Lord revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai: “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” I am sorry that any of us is subjected to profane language, and I plead with you not to use it. I implore you not to say or to do anything of which you cannot be proud.Stay completely away from pornography. Do not allow yourself to view it, ever. It has proven to be an addiction which is more than difficult to overcome. Avoid alcohol and tobacco or any other drugs, also addictions which you would be hard pressed to conquer.What will protect you from the sin and evil around you? I maintain that a strong testimony of our Savior and of His gospel will help see you through to safety. If you have not read the Book of Mormon, read it. I will not ask for a show of hands. If you do so prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you. If it is true—and it is—then Joseph Smith was a prophet who saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. The Church is true. If you do not already have a testimony of these things, do that which is necessary to obtain one. It is essential for you to have your own testimony, for the testimonies of others will carry you only so far. Once obtained, a testimony needs to be kept vital and alive through obedience to the commandments of God and through regular prayer and scripture study. Attend church. You young men, attend seminary or institute if such is available to you. The Savior of mankind described Himself as being in the world but not of the world. We also can be in the world but not of the world as we reject false concepts and false teachings and remain true to that which God has commanded. Now, I have thought a lot lately about you young men who are of an age to marry but who have not yet felt to do so. I see lovely young ladies who desire to be married and to raise families, and yet their opportunities are limited because so many young men are postponing marriage. Now, I have thought a lot lately about you young men who are of an age to marry but who have not yet felt to do so. I see lovely young ladies who desire to be married and to raise families, and yet their opportunities are limited because so many young men are postponing marriage. This is not a new situation. Much has been said concerning this matter by past Presidents of the Church. I share with you just one or two examples of their counsel.
"Said President Harold B. Lee, “We are not doing our duty as holders of the priesthood when we go beyond the marriageable age and withhold ourselves from an honorable marriage to these lovely women.”
President Gordon B. Hinckley said this: “My heart reaches out to … our single sisters, who long for marriage and cannot seem to find it. … I have far less sympathy for the young men, who under the customs of our society, have the prerogative to take the initiative in these matters but in so many cases fail to do so.
I realize there are many reasons why you may be hesitating to take that step of getting married. If you are concerned about providing financially for a wife and family, may I assure you that there is no shame in a couple having to scrimp and save. It is generally during these challenging times that you will grow closer together as you learn to sacrifice and to make difficult decisions. Perhaps you are afraid of making the wrong choice. To this I say that you need to exercise faith. Find someone with whom you can be compatible. Realize that you will not be able to anticipate every challenge which may arise, but be assured that almost anything can be worked out if you are resourceful and if you are committed to making your marriage work. Perhaps you are having a little too much fun being single, taking extravagant vacations, buying expensive cars and toys, and just generally enjoying the carefree life with your friends. I’ve encountered groups of you running around together, and I admit that I’ve wondered why you aren’t out with the young ladies. Brethren, there is a point at which it’s time to think seriously about marriage and to seek a companion with whom you want to spend eternity. If you choose wisely and if you are committed to the success of your marriage, there is nothing in this life which will bring you greater happiness. When you marry, brethren, you will wish to marry in the house of the Lord. For you who hold the priesthood, there should be no other option. Be careful lest you destroy your eligibility to be so married. You can keep your courtship within proper bounds while still having a wonderful time. President Hinckley taught that it is up to each of us who hold the priesthood of God to discipline ourselves so that we stand above the ways of the world. It is essential that we be honorable and decent men. Our actions must be above reproach. The words we speak, the way we treat others, and the way we live our lives all impact our effectiveness as men and boys holding the priesthood.
The gift of the priesthood is priceless. It carries with it the authority to act as God’s servants, to administer to the sick, to bless our families, and to bless others as well. Its authority can reach beyond the veil of death, on into the eternities. There is nothing else to compare with it in all this world. Safeguard it, treasure it, live worthy of it. My beloved brethren, may righteousness guide our every step as we journey through life. Today and always, may we be worthy recipients of the divine power of the priesthood we bear. May it bless our lives and may we use it to bless the lives of others, as did He who lived and died for us—even Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. This is my prayer in His sacred name, His holy name, amen."
President Monson stated how it keeps him up at night and is emotional for him. This is a Prophet of God who worries about this. I think we better rethink our lives and correct anything to become more in line with God's will. Through the Prophet Joseph Smith we received revelation on what is known as the Law of Chastity. Which warns us about sexual intercourse before and after marriage. We are to be virtuous at all times. Complete fidelity after marriage and abstain from sexual relationships before marriage. We can know us this by praying and asking if Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God. In the Bible it talks about Adultery and in the Book of Mormon also. I know that the worlds moral ideas have fallen. This is horrible. God has a plan for us and we need to find out that plan.
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