There is Strength and Peace in Jesus Christ

Se que hay fuerza y paz en Jesucristo

Hola mi familia y amigos, 

I can't believe how fast this week has gone by. And I can't believe how fast my P-day is drawing to an end. 

I want to talk about the title of this email. It says: I know that there is strength and peace in Jesus Christ. 

First things first. Earlier this week, after one of our classes, Hermana Eddy ( one of our teachers) took us to the top of the third floor. On this particular day, I was having a really tough time learning the language. I was really struggling and not being able to memorize the words and phrases of our lesson. As a result of this, I was being kind of hard on myself and asking myself why I couldn't learn as fast as those around me. So, on the walk up to the third floor, I was questioning to God what I should do in this situation. As we approached the third floor lobby, Hermana Eddy brought to our attention this massive floor to ceiling, wall to wall mural of Moses parting the Red Sea. I previously had seen this before and I didn't really think much of it. Hermana Eddy began studying in the Pearl of Great Price in Moses. In Moses 6:31-32, the Lord is speaking to Enoch. To give some background, Enoch, before he was called of God, he was slow of speech and he was only a lad. When I read these verses, I likened myself to Enoch. I can barely speak this language and I am young in age. Why would God put his trust in such young people to spread His gospel? My answer soon came in the next verse. In verse 32, the Lord says to Enoch: "Go forth and do as I have commanded thee, and no man shall pierce thee. Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled..." At this moment I felt the Spirit tell me that I can do this and I can overcome my challenges only through the Savior. Then looked to the mural beside me and I received an answer to my questioning. The thoughts came to me came in a question. It goes like this "Do you have the faith sufficient enough to allow God to move the mountains and seas in your life? Will you submit your will to the Lord to let him fill your mouth with His words?". My whole perspective changed on learning my target language. I was enlightened, uplifted, and strengthened. My friends and family, I want you to know that we can do all things through our Savior Jesus Christ. We just need to have enough faith for Him to catch us. On my HEFY trip I heard an interesting analogy. Picture this, you are standing at the top of a large ledge. You can't see the ground below you, but you know that the Savior is standing down below. This is the important part. We can't say "Catch me, then I'll jump". That isn't how faith works, it has to be the other way around. "If I jump, catch me". Faith requires an action, a motivator, a decision to choose Christ. We MUST put every bit of faith we have in our Savior. It is the only way. 

When we do fully put our trust in our Savior, he will catch us and be with us every step of the way. When we go through our trials, we must trust that He will carry us out of them. We must trust in his power and saving atonement. While in the temple today, I saw a painting of the Savior with his arms out stretched and in a cloud of white and white robes. As I gazed and looked upon it, I had an overwhelming feeling that He will be there every step of my mission and so after. Soon after, the word "forteleza" was going through my mind. Then it clicked, he will strengthen me throughout my life if I keep my focus on Him. 

Well, that's all I have for this week. Sorry this is so late and rushed. I love you all and can't wait to hear from you all. Feel free to send an email, letter, or even a package.

con mucho amor,
Elder Rasmussen