The new mission president comes in today (I included a picture). It will be interesting to see how the transfer takes place.
I
included some pictures of the beautiful Ohio. I am going to try to take
more pictures because I have been really shabby at it so far on my
mission. There are also pictures/videos of fireflies, a random pig a
farmer let us pet, and this turtle that we almost hit with our car.
I am glad transfers are over. Lots of changes in our
zone, which look as if it is for the better. We have a good group of
really stellar missionaries. And of course I am thrilled to still be
with Elder DuBose. We are good friends now, and after this transfer it
will be 6 months that we have been companions.
Cool story . . .
One of the
days this last week we were focusing on finding and we just were not
feeling it. Sometimes in missionary work when you are not where the Lord
needs you, you can feel it kind of weighing you down. At the same time
of day, the same thought, with the same location in mind came to both of
our minds. We knew we needed to travel to the very top of the area and
contact a small community known as North Liberty. So we did what the
spirit told us to do and rearranged our plans. The community has
probably 20 houses or so and is in the middle of nowhere. We began
knocking on doors and talked to one man who invited us back after some
persistent persuasion. And the last house we knocked on we talked to an
older couple (one of them suffering from cancer) and Both Elder DuBose
and I felt empowered in this lesson. We boldly declared what we know to
be true, that the gospel of Jesus Christ is back, and the Book of Mormon
is evidence of that. The spirit was super strong and it became apparent
why the spirit wanted us in that little community of North Liberty.
At the same time it was an extremely difficult week.
One
of the hardest if not the hardest thing in mortality for me has been
witnessing the fall of many of my friends. It happened again this week.
Sean Smith our recent convert and friend has decided to stop attending
the Church. He does not believe in it due to the logic behind the
doctrine. He does not believe the Book of Mormon is true or that Joseph
Smith is a prophet. He loves the church, the people, and is socially
converted, but he has declared that he cannot continue to attend
something he does not believe.
It hurts, for Sean is a good friend and he still
will be, but as a missionary our contact with him is now limited, not to
mention the eternal consequences of my good friend. After seeing such a
change in his life how is it that he can deny it! How can anyone deny
it! Yes it is true that there are things out there that are confusing,
and even that cause one to question if it is true, whether it is a piece
of church history, or a doctrine which seems absurd. But beyond the
many voices of logic comes a still small voice that instills truth. Just
look around you. Look what the gospel has done for you and those you
love. Remember how you feel, how God himself has spoken to you. Remember
that it is true. I often wonder to myself have I failed? Have I been a
bad friend? How is it that they could have fallen?
What more can I do for my vineyard?
Testimonies have a short shelf life, do not let the dust settle.
This
is my testimony to you, that no matter what you hear with your ears, or
think with your mind, the power of the spirit brings confirmation. In
the words of President Uchtdorf, "Doubt your doubts before you doubt your
faith." Do not forfeit your happiness, for what you, an imperfect being,
does not connect the dots with.
Love,
Elder Beutler
Thank you for those words of Wisdom Dad
Mission Goals (non-negotiables)
1. 10 pages of the book of mormon daily (read at least 6x year)
2. 5 pages of preach my gospel daily
3. nightly journal entries
4. 2 letters to family per week
5. Pray with "all the energy of heart"
No matter the cost, no matter how late, I commit to do these things.
Love ya Dad. Too many of the noble and great ones
have fallen in our day. Thank you for keeping our family strong. I know
we are in good hands.
Elder Beutler
