stories, learned many interesting facts, and have had many nice
learning moments. This week I want to write a list of some of the
lessons I've learned since the beginning of my East German
adventure...
-You can make friends on your mission. In fact, you should make
friends on your mission.
-People are good.
-Understanding is far better than being understood.
-public transportation isn't half bad! (Though I do miss my car)
-Work makes happy.
-God has a plan for his children, and will guide them to places where
they can fulfill that plan.
-All culture should be cherished, and we should know where we come from.
-Being late is not good. At all.
Oh man, this week was guided. Just guided. I don't really know how to
describe it other than that. Here's what happened...
Nadine, one of our good friends who has been investigating the church
for the past 4 months just arrived in Budapest. We still have contact
with her and she just told us that she wasn't sure if she wanted to go
to church there yet. (She wanted a little bit of time to think about
everything.) well.... then she texted us randomly that someone who she
randomly met was just baptized into the church and that they both
decided to go to church together. So of course she goes to church,
meets the sister missionaries, and will be meeting with them again
tomorrow haha. Nadine is going to be such an awesome member and will
support Jena so much once she comes back. After all of this happened,
Nadine just texted us and said, "well the signs couldn't be clearer,
and I have just been guided."
I like that thought. I think we could all be a little more easily
guided. We could all take some time to just look for the times that
we've been pushed in different directions in life. It seems to be like
everyone I've met in Jena has been guided here. Some were driven from
their homes and forced to move here, some came here to study
psychology or optics, and some have no idea why they ended up here.
They have been guided to peace, religious freedom, and to a place
where they can feel comfortable learning about new ideas.
The biggest lesson that I've learned on my mission is how valuable a
knowledge of Jesus Christ is. I've taken it for granted my whole life,
and have forgotten to read and study about Him far too often. I have
met people here who cherish every opportunity they have to learn about
Christ, because they never could before they moved here. The value of
learning about Christ comes through following his teachings. Any
person, family, or nation that follows the teachings of Jesus will
find greater peace, joy, and happiness in this life. That promise is
universal, regardless of whether you believe Christ is the son of God.
But the real treasure in following Christ comes through believing that
he is all that he says he is. Believing that we can be redeemed, that
sins can be forgiven, that our hearts can be changed. I believe in
Christ, and I invite you to do the same. Learn what he taught, try it
out.
"3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for
they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and
shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven:
for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."
(Matthew 5:3-12)
Well, thank you if you read all of that. This week was good. Sorry,
elder Larsen isn't very good at reminding me to take pictures... so
this is a picture of a t-shirt design for the branch that I'm working
on.
I love you all!
Make sure you wish max a happy birthday on the 14th for me!
Elder Openshaw
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