May 24th Week 33- Peace and Petrichor  Layton Utah Week 23(T5 - Trainer DL W/Gibson)

皆さん! 

Hope you've all been well! As per Utah volatility, everything's cooled down quite a bit. It actually feels like Washington - white skies, drizzling rain, humidity and a slight chill in the air... it's comfy. I kind of missed it. ...Is that weird?

Because of the cloud cover, one of my companions has taken to drinking a lot of juice - he says it's for the vitamin C, but I'm pretty sure it's just because it tastes good (although, can confirm - cranberry apple juice is fantastic, even with a fruit allergy!). All the more power to him!

Hey, I know a lot of times these emails and letters back to you all can seem like sunshine and rainbows, but there's a lot that goes into the mission that maybe we don't see beneath the hood at times. Believe me, it's a lot of fun - and I've seen so many miracles while I've been here, and the joy I've been able to feel has been life changing. I've come so much closer to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as a result, and I'm forever grateful for this opportunity.

That being said, there are weeks where we get discouraged. Where things seem hopelessly difficult. This week has been one of those. I've seen so many miracles this week as I've pushed forwards - but it was riddled with struggles and chaos. Last Saturday, I got sick with a cold - nothing new. I pushed through it and did some service for some members of the ward, and then almost passed out. Turns out I had blown up my cold through overexertion and heat exhaustion.

It took me out for most of the next week. I could barely get out of bed - but I forced myself to. We attended church last Sunday, but after two of our ward mission leaders saw me - Brother and Sister Pergler - they urged me to receive a Priesthood blessing. Afterwards, they took us home and forced me to get some rest. They brought over lunch later, too - they're amazing. Love them a ton! 

I asked for another one on Tuesday when symptoms didn't get much better. I felt impressed to have Elder Thompson give it - and what he said in that blessing was exactly what I needed at the time. And what's amazing about one who's in tune with the Spirit and speaking from the Spirit… there were a lot of personal things within the blessing that I had never told anyone - and had only prayed about. I know for a surety the Lord is watching over us and is listening to our prayers. Recovery was still slow… but I'm feeling much better. I could feel your prayers and support - you all are amazing.

But that wasn't even the end of it. With sickness comes being locked indoors. My focus was to make sure we were still being effective, and that Elder Gibson was able to continue to work at maximum efficiency. But being trapped indoors creates a little bit of friction - and Elder Gibson and I had some struggles this week. But we talked about it together - and we were able to come to an understanding and feel an increase of unity together. 

It's hard being a trainer. It's hard being a district leader. My mind is constantly focused on them - how to help my district, especially Elder Gibson, to become the best missionaries that they can be. It's fun, for sure - but it's hard. It's a lot of work. I have to keep going. 

So there's been a lot on my mind this week. I've spent a lot of time on my knees… when I was physically capable to do so, anyways. But I've felt the Lord's presence strengthening me, helping me to find peace and solace. There have been many times where I've found my burdens being lifted, and revelation flows as a fountain of light and faith.

Discouragement, I've found, comes in waves. Sometimes it comes in paths and routes we don't expect, and in bursts of such strength that at times, it feels hopeless. But at times, I think the Lord expects us to keep going… even if sometimes, keeping on going means resting for a short while. It's a frustrating lesson I've had to learn this past week. There are times I feel like I'm not doing enough - last week being a prime example. But the Lord knows our capabilities - after all, He knows us perfectly. I've always thought of it as a graph - where as we continue to move forward through life, our abilities increase. And yet, the Lord's expectations follow that graph exactly - but just a little bit above. 

Wait, what? If the Lord knows us perfectly, and knows exactly what we're capable of, why would he ever expect anything more than that? Why would he constantly expect results above what we are capable of?

The truth of the matter is that the Lord wants to help us. No loving older brother would ever leave his younger siblings to struggle alone. It's as it's written in James 1:5 - "If any of  you lack wisdom, let Him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." The Lord is willing to bless us with so much - but it's predicated on our asking. He wants to help us, but He can only do so if we are willing to accept His help. 

Think of it like a present. Jesus Christ has already held it out for us to take - but we have to choose to grab it. We have to choose to accept it. Otherwise, the present just hangs there. If He were to throw the present at us, it still wouldn't be open. It would just be there, still - tied up in a bow, the present waiting inside. We have to accept the gift. Open it up. Take the present out… and utilize it. Otherwise, it's a nice box.

Thus, the Lord expects us to act. He wants us to accept what He offers, but we have to act in order to do so. And yet, just as when someone gives a gift, they expect it to be opened, the Lord's expectations are set higher above what we could do… without his help. His hopes are that we utilize what He offers - His Atonement. After all, it was not just a one-time suffering for our sins. I've referenced this scripture before, and by heck will I reference it again:

"And He shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith He shall take upon Him the pains and afflictions of His people.

And He shall take upon Him death; that He may loose the bonds of death which bind His people; and He will take upon Him their infirmities, that His bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that He may know how to succor His people according to Their infirmities."

This passage, out of Alma 7 within the Book of Mormon, makes it clear - the Atoning sacrifice, paid for with drops of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane, was never meant to just be an offering for sin. This was meant to turn sympathy to empathy - a way to allow the Lord to feel and know each and every emotion, pain, and struggle we would ever face in this world. Was this - taking upon Him the suffering of the world - necessary to overcome sin? Perhaps. After all, it is truly knowing us that allows Him to stand as our advocate with the Father in the day of judgment - to plead our case and our repentance. But I'm of the belief that wasn't the primary purpose.

Have you ever been frustrated with someone? Have you ever thought, "If I could only get into their head! Then I could understand how I can help them to become better."

Is this not the same?

The Lord, above all, loves us. If He didn't, it is my belief that He would have never gone through the grueling, agonizing hours within the Garden of Gethsemane. And because He loves us, He won't abandon us. He wants to help us. He is our Shepherd, the Great Redeemer - the Prince of Peace, and Savior of the World. He took upon our tribulations and our sorrows so he could heal us. To bind our broken hearts. To mend our shattered souls. And to ultimately, innately understand us - how we feel, what our circumstances are, what we are struggling with. He knows it because He has descended below it all - and is helping to push us upwards.

Are we worthy of redemption? Yes. Absolutely yes. 

Paul writes in his epistle to the Romans:

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine… or peril, or sword? … Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."

The Savior Himself said it himself: "What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which as lost."

No one is ever beyond redemption. His arms are outstretched still. His gift - the Atonement - is still there.

Reach out. Take it. Open it. Use it. He suffered for you. You are loved. You are worthy of being loved.

It is my belief that He would have done it all again if it were for even just a single one of us.

"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." - Isaiah 53:3-5

Take care, everyone - you all are amazing.

Elder Decker

デッカー長老

 

May 17th Week 32- Heat  Layton Utah Week 22 (T4 - Trainer DL W/Gibson)

皆さん! 

 Hope you've been doing well! Weather is heating up here... and simultaneously cooling down. It's... Utah. Not sure what I'm expecting at this point. Hope you all have more... temperate weather than we do. Rain, thunderstorms, wind storms, blazing heat... it's been a whole thing. 

 We've continued to try our best throughout this week. Our focus has been shifted to the members here - we're working hard towards that goal of meeting with everyone from the stake, and we're so hecking close! Just a few more now... it'll be good. 

 We also have a couple of new opportunities that have presented themselves to us, and so we're going to keep going towards those. In addition, those we are teaching are progressing well and are slowly learning more and more, and letting go of more and more of their fears. It's been pretty fun! 

 We were also able to help teach the baptism lessons to a young girl in our ward. (Different from the returning family I talked about last week.) It's so special to be able to see the faith that these eight year olds have, and how excited they are to perform this ordinance! It's such an amazing spirit there - it was our honor to help! She was already super prepared, and we just added onto her knowledge a bit and helped get her excited. It's been something we mentioned we could do when we first taught her family as member lessons, and every single time she saw us, she would always say, "I can't wait until you teach me about baptism!" Literally. This started about two months ago. 

 And for the actual baptism - which she asked me to play piano for, and asked Elder Gibson to conduct music for - she was just glowingly radiant and excited. And to see the love her parents have for her, and the talks that they gave... it was just such an amazingly sweet moment. It's such an important ordinance - and we're glad she chose to make that decision!

 Other than that, I caught a pretty nasty cold which got blown up by heat exhaustion after I tried to push through it... so I've been out of commission for the past two days in terms of physical activities. We've been setting up appointments in the meantime. No time left unused! But that does make this email a little shorter...

 But first, happy birthday to Elder Caryotakis! We siphoned time from lunch to have a little party in the apartment. He's amazing - and we're glad to have him for a little bit longer until he gets going to Mexico! He's pretty great. But that's in another couple of weeks, so... yeah! 

 For the scriptural thought, I've been looking at Jesus Christ, Savior, and I found this little gem out of Exodus 15:

 2 The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

 I did a little bit of research before this, and this is the song they sang after the events of the Red Sea. They witnessed firsthand the power of the Lord, and this was their praise. What's interesting is that this theme of praising the Lord was passed down from generation to generation, and not only that, they took the traditions of their fathers and made it their own. I think it's important that when we see the Lord, we not only look to Him with the same lens as our parents and leaders, but it's important to also see Him and study Him for ourselves, in light of our own experiences, choices, and situations in life. That's why the points of light are so powerful - they enlighten the mind to a new awareness of Him and how involved He is in our lives, and how to tap into the power of His love. He is all knowing and all powerful, and for that I am eternally grateful!

 Thank you so much - you all are amazing! Take care, and have a great week!

 Over and out,

Elder Decker

デッカー長老

 

May 10th Week 31- Serenity in Revelation  Layton Utah Week 21 (T3 - Trainer DL W/Gibson)

皆さん!

 So sorry for the late email! Today has been a little bit crazy with all of the things going on.

 I wish I had more to report to you all, but this week got blown up by so many things, it's not even funny. So.

 Monday we received our second rounds of Pfizer vaccines (except Elder Gibson who received his first) - and except for a sore arm, we were all fine!

 I woke up the next day, and it felt like I was walking amongst the living dead... It was kind of funny at the moment. Every single one of them were dazed out of their minds, and most were just barely awake. I felt bad, and I tried my best to help our where I could.

 ... And yet, it felt like something out of a weird dream, everyone else stumbling along while I'm just watching everything seem to walk in slow motion. It was kind of surreal, to be honest.

 But it's okay, because the next day that became me. So that was fun. Basically, we did the best we could. And we got a lot done! Well, we got a lot of seeds planted, at least.

 Thursday was Zone Conference! It was all about using questions in teaching. It was really good information, and though it wasn't anything particularly new, it was really good to be able to just review and talk about it! It was great. Also, did I mention I performed a musical number there? Because that happened. I played a piano arrangement of Lord, Is It I? from the musical Lamb of God. It was so much fun! Not my best performance... but I think that the Spirit was there.

 Then, us district leaders were informed that afternoon that the next day, we would be teaching all the other districts a principle of our choice. So that was... exciting. Luckily, it was only a ten minute lesson, so it wasn't too bad or too hard at all. It was good to get to know everyone in the zone and talk to everyone there!

 The rest of the week has been pretty quiet. We've seen miracle after miracle - running into people, learning new things, and finding new ways to help other people. I'm grateful for the Lord's hand in this work - we can feel Him consecrating our work as we try our best to do His will!

 And that's my testimony - that He will be with us every step of the way. Even when struggles and problems and issues come our way, we can always rise up and continue forwards. I've shared this scripture before, but I'd love to share it again - revelation given to Joseph Smith from within the dark confines of Liberty Jail - where there was no food save that which was smuggled in, hardly any water, no practice of hygiene, and all within a dark, cramped room.

 In the midst of this darkness, Joseph Smith cried out to the Lord - "O God, where art Thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth Thy hiding place?" (D&C 121:1).

 The reply? "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment. And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands." (D&C 121:7-9). I love that the Lord refers to Joseph as "my son" - there is such power that comes with that familial connection. Because it's true! Heavenly Father is truly our Father in Heaven - and if we pray, seeking with pure intent and with a genuine, innocent desire to learn and know for ourselves... the answer will come in a still, small voice.

 I'm not sure why this scripture came to me, but Alma 34:38 came to me:

"That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ... and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth, and that ye live in Thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you."

 I know that this church is true. As we listen to the promptings of the Spirit with full purpose of heart, we can receive the answers we desire. If we have a pureness of heart, and real intent, the answers, the blessings, the miracles - they will all come.

 Take care for now, everyone! Love you all - you all are amazing!

 Elder Decker

デッカー長老

 

May 3rd Week 30- Serenity in Revelation  Layton Utah Week 20 (T2 - Trainer DL W/Gibson)

皆さん!

 

Sorry for the late email! I've been fighting Gmail all day... 

 

It has been a crazy week this week. We're seeing some amazing miracles happen even through our short time here thus far - Miracles I haven't seen even in my time here before Elder Gibson!

 

I'm convinced Elder Gibson is the lynchpin in this area. There have been so many miracles we've been able to see while we're here - and I know miracles will continue to occur. He has such an enthusiasm for the work, and the way that he sees things and the spirituality he carries with him... it's remarkable. There have been many a time where his advice has helped me to calm down - whether he knows I was panicking or not - and there have been so many things that he's said that I know came straight from the Lord. And it seems that the people here need exactly him - his spirit, his kindness, his joy, his love for all he meets! 

 

Weekly planning, for example - it literally felt like we were in the celestial room. It felt as if the Lord was sitting next to us as we spoke - talking about each others' fears and struggles, and helping each other through it. That, and just the love that we were able to feel for all of the people we're teaching... it was just amazing. I can't quite find the words to describe it.

 

One of the days this week, we took a bit of comp study sitting on one of the overlooks which faces the entirety of Farmington and the Salt Lake Valley. It's beautiful. One of the things we agreed on, gazing out at the city we both love, was this:

 

The Lord has placed us together not only for the people we serve... but for each other.

 

The miracles we've experienced have been amazing. I think I've made more contact with nonmembers by working with him and following the Spirit than I ever have before. And for each of them, it's felt like Elder Gibson has been the exact person that they need. We found one particularly recluse nonmember out on a proactive walk as he stepped out of his truck - extremely nice, but very uninterested in a message, unfortunately - we tried in natural ways twice! Another was on our way to deliver cookies to one of the families they're teaching for one of their birthdays - we met a part member family out in their garden and garage. We were able to set up a lesson with them - and the nonmember might be there, too!

 

And the other was after one of the inspired walks with one of the members of the stake presidency. 

 

He offered to take us back to our apartment, but as we were walking back to his house, I remember feeling this sense of just... unease. I wondered if it was just over thinking it...

 

But as we turned onto one of the roads back, I decided that I should act on that feeling. I asked if we could walk back, and he was more than happy to accommodate - especially when we told him it was a prompting. We stepped off to the side, and said a prayer - and just as we have been doing all throughout all of our walks, Elder Gibson and I counted to three and pointed in a direction. With the same direction, we bid our member friend goodbye and began our trek and walk down. Immediately, a rush of the Spirit flowed through my heart and soul. It was almost as if I heard a voice - "Hey! You're about to see something really cool!"

 

As we passed by one of the circles, both of our heads felt drawn towards it. Curious, we both looked at each other, and agreed to go and walk. Immediately, we felt our hearts pulled towards a garage, just opened a couple of seconds earlier. As we talked with the man inside, we learned he's a nonmember, but Christian, with a lot of faith! It was such a fun conversation, and the Spirit was definitely there - and powerful! It was great - and even though he's busy for the next week with an iron man, we're going to be setting up a lesson afterwards and set up Bible study with him! It's really exciting - and a huge miracle. We talked about it later - and Elder Gibson had felt the exact same things I was feeling.

 

It could have only been because of the Lord! 

 

There are so many miracles happening in this area with the two of us - I'm convinced the Lord has a plan for us. I'm going to continue to keep trying my best to keep up - and together, I have a feeling that the Lord has something in store for us we don't even recognize.

 

All of these things line up for me with Mark 2 - the story of the man afflicted with palsy, from my studies out of the New Testament. I love the expression of hope and joy that comes from the expression of both physical healing and spiritual healing! 

 

5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

 

The Savior has the power to work miracles in our lives. I've seen it here on the mission - and I know it's true. I'm truly grateful to know that He who never sleeps or slumbers is actively engaged in this work with us - walking with us, talking with us, and showing us the path that will help others to come back unto the fold. And whether it be physical ailments or spiritual... the Lord wants to help us all. I know that and testify of that because I've seen it in my own life, both before and here on the mission! 

 

Take care! You all are amazing - love you all!

 

Cheers,

Elder Decker

デッカー長老

 

April 26th Week 29 - Music of Miracles  Layton Utah Week 19 (T1 - Trainer DL W/Gibson)

皆さん!

 

...What a week. This week has been more of a whirlwind than I expected. I don't have room in this email (or enough time) to go over every single moment… but allow me to say one thing:

 

We believe in miracles.

 

My new companion's name is Elder Gibson! He's a native of Michigan, and I've never seen someone more eager to get out and work. His faith and his work ethic are amazing - and it's been incredible to see how prepared he was when he came out! I took him on a walk of the area, and we had the chance to share a couple of scriptures. And wow - he took to it like a duck to water. He's maybe still a touch nervous, but that's quickly fading. I'm still teaching him the ropes and all of that, but when it comes to teaching, it's as if he's been out forever. And he only continues to improve! I'm humbled the Lord would send someone like him here - and I couldn't have asked for a better trainee.

 

And not only that… we're continuing to see miracles everywhere we go.

 

Here's just one small example.

 

This entire week, we've been meaning to make our way up to one of our wards (on the opposite side of the stake from where we live). But things have continued to come up - Talking to someone that really needed it for longer than we expected, or just simply not having enough time. It's been a little bit weird.

 

But the Lord seems to always have the best timing.

We finally made it up to the ward on Saturday - and after comp study, we decided now was finally the time to get to know that area.

 

As we prayed for inspiration, Elder Gibson spoke up. "Hey, why don't we try praying for something specific?"

 

We did - but as I tried to go through each name in the ward that I could think of… nothing came up. So I prayed we might be led to someone who needs the Gospel or needs a message of the Gospel.

 

And then… we set off.

 

"Elder," my companion called. "Do you believe in miracles?"

"Do you?" I replied.

"Of course I do," he smirked.

"Good. Because I do, too."

 

What followed in the next two hours could only be described as a miracle. Each turn, we would call out which direction we should go - and we only conflicted once. Every single time we chose a direction, we looked within ourselves, searching for the direction that felt right the most. And then, on three, we'd point - and we'd get the same direction.

 

And it seemed the Lord had a very specific course He wanted us to follow.

 

We walked past a party one of the members was having, and we were able to share a message of the resurrected Christ to everyone there. We might never know what may come of that. We were able to encourage another member to reach out to their nonmember neighbors, and share just how much this Gospel has brought them joy. We ran into a part-member family (well, the member part), and we were able to share a scripture with them and just talk about how the week has gone.

 

And then, as we approached the intersection, we felt ourselves drawn towards the other side - the beginning of the other ward. Trusting in the Spirit, we decided to act.

 

Pressing forward, I looked down one of the streets to find a man finishing up repairing some of the interior of his truck. My spirit immediately felt pulled towards him, for some reason.

 

We approached him, and based on the house, I immediately knew - he's someone we've been trying to talk to for the past five months.

 

We talked for a while - talking about why we as missionaries were here, how much joy this Gospel brings, and how much we've seen it bring comfort and peace to other people. He smiled and nodded, but said he wasn't religious, and fell away from the church about when he was sixteen. But we were able to have a really good conversation with him… and we were able to build something of a relationship there.

 

The following day, his neighbor, who's in the Relief Society presidency, mentioned that just five minutes prior, she had been talking to him about religion, as well. In fact, it was funny because we looked over at her house, and we saw all her kids eagerly waiting to see what would happen. It was pretty fun.

 

But it was such a miracle. The timing of it all, and just… how much the Lord loves each of His children. It's incredible, isn't it? To know the Lord is willing to keep us and make sure that we're safe… it's a little bit of a miracle every day. And all because He and Heavenly Father love each and every one of us, and want us above all to have the joy and love.

 

I'm grateful that we had listened to the promptings of the Spirit. I realized later that though I wanted to pray for something specific, and the Spirit seemed to agree… the reason none of the names I came up with were because the ones I tried to say were in the wrong ward. Only Heavenly Father would have known that exchange could have happened. Only He. He guided our thoughts, our hearts, and actions - even the words we spake seemed to resonate with the Spirit. We tried our best to speak according to His will, inviting this friend to change. Though he never did accept… I believe we might have made an impact even bigger than we could even possibly comprehend.

 

But now, it's up to him to choose what path he wants to forge.

 

That's just one example of miracles happening with this companionship. The Lord seems to be mindful of every detail. When we chose to make it to one of our wards on time instead of eating lunch, another ward mentioned they had brought sandwiches for some of the youth, but they hadn't eaten it all. So they gave us an unopened catering tray of sandwiches - all safe to eat. ...I wish I were joking.

 

Miracles seem to be prevalent everywhere that we've gone. We're constantly seeking the Lord's will in everything we do - and following the Spirit no matter where we may be going. It's surprising just how much we're able to see blessings in not only our own lives, but the lives of others as we serve! We've found by seeking others' needs and helping them before our own needs and wants, the Spirit works through us even more than we could possibly imagine - and we're truly able to touch their hearts through Heaven's help and strength.

 

I've found that the Lord is involved in the details of all of our lives… because He, our Older Brother, would never leave us alone to struggle by ourselves.

 

I know that if we pray sincerely, reaching out to Him, and asking of Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ if They are there, and if They love us - and not just us, but you, yourself, individually… They will answer. I've seen it in my own life. I've done the same thing in times of trouble and mire. And I've been able to feel the Spirit testify to me of their love.

 

And now[...] I would ask of you, have all these things passed, of which I have spoken? Has the end come yet? Behold I say unto you, Nay; and God has not ceased to be a God of miracles.

Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes? Yea, and who can comprehend the marvelous works of God?

Who shall say that it was not a miracle that by his word the heaven and the earth should be; and by the power of his word man was created of the dust of the earth; and by the power of his word have miracles been wrought?

And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles.

And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.

Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth. (Mormon 9:15-19, 21)

 

And after that he came men also were saved by faith in his name; and by faith, they become the sons of God. And as surely as Christ liveth he spake these words unto our fathers, saying: Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men?

For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave unto every good thing; wherefore he advocateth the cause of the children of men; and he dwelleth eternally in the heavens.

And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men. (Moroni 7:26-29)

 

You all are amazing! Hope you have a fantastic week!

 

Take care,

Elder Decker

デッカー長老