New Mission President

Hi, it's been a while.

I've been doing pretty well. I can't complain, we've been extremely busy running around Providence. That in and of itself is a blessing in disguise. Staying busy is what's keeping me going right now. 

The week before last our new mission president arrived. President Brough, his wife, and five children are so awesome. They've made a huge sacrifice to up and move their family to a not so friendly place all because they love God. 

This last week we got the aftermath of hurricane Elsa. It wasn't nearly as severe as last years, but nevertheless it rained like cats and dogs all day friday. 

Like I said earlier, we've been driving all over the city. One might disagree, but I would much rather do visits in person. So, that's what we have been doing. I want to highlight a visit we had with our friend Victor. He was a self-referral asking to feel closer to God. He told us over the phone a few weeks ago that he's had some demons in his life that have tormented him for a while now. When we payed him a visit, we encountered what has been tormenting him. Worldy substances of all kinds littered his tables and shelves. I looked at my companion and we decided this guy needed a blessing. That's exactly what he needed. 

Victor has been improving ever since. We've had some very powerful discussions that were guided by the Spirit. 

I wanted to share this story because it can teach a good lesson. First, we need to understand a principle that is explained in the Book of Mormon. If you read in 2 Nephi 2:26, it explains that there are two forces in this world. Things to act for themselves, and things to be acted upon. You'll see that this can apply to a number of examples and situations. In this case with Victor, he has allowed these vices to control his life for a very long time now. Not until recently, he decided to stop them. He changed from being acted upon, to the force to act. Just as it is stated in James 1:6 ''...For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed''. 

Apply this to your life. What are you struggling with? What's holding you back from receiving your full potential? Are you being acted upon? Or are you the one that's actively staying engaged in the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

In know, it get's tiring trying to do your very best to follow the commandments. More importantly and perfectly, He knows. You can do this though, all He asks is that you give Him your broken heart and contrite spirit. 

Thank you for reading my emails. I'm never the best at making it a habit to write, so thank you for your patience. 

-Elder Rasmussen-