Finally getting around to updating Ethan's mission blog.  Sorry it took so long!

Hop, hop, bunny, bunny 

Monday, April 21, 2014

Everyone,

I apologize in advance for the disjointed email, the FHC (Family History Center) is a little distracting today and I'm just now able to focus and send this off.

This last week we had an awesome lesson where we got three new investigators. And it was really nice because the members at the lesson really knew their stuff, so we didn't have to hold their hand during it and they were able to teach parts of the Restoration and relate it to their friends way better than we ever could.

Elder Hosteen also shared a really cool illustration in regards with missionary work. Out here in the field, there are leaders in place to help guide and direct the work of other missionaries. Every companionship had a Senior and Junior companion, and many missionaries have the senior do all the thinking and work. However, Hosteen likened the work to two dots with a line drawn between them: when one is leading the the other following, there is very little ground covered; but when the dots are side-by-side and the line is horizontal, then lots more ground can be covered. That is why they send us out two by two so we can work together for the salvation of souls.

The other momentous event this week was clearing out our recent convert's house with the sisters from Relief Society. I'm so proud of them for having the desire to finally do this. When I first met them they were in pretty poor conditions with no real desire to change and clean up; but now with them progressing in the gospel, they realize that they don't need to live in such unsanitary situations. They can be better and they finally decided to change something about it. President Packer said that "True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.” This is so true! And President Kimball also talked on this subject, saying, "Substitute habits, change environment. Change comes by substituting new habits for old. You mold your character and future by thoughts and actions. You can change by changing your environment. Let go of lower things, and reach for higher. Surround yourself with the best in books, music, art, and people."

I also learned a lot from Mosiah 3:19 on how to be a better man: 1) Listen to the Holy Ghost; 2) Put off the natural man by gaining light/truth through studying the scriptures (see Alma 19:6); and 3) Become as a child by yielding your heart to God through fasting and prayer (see Helaman 3:35). And above all, use the Atonement to relieve yourself of all unrighteousness. What a great Easter message! Speaking of, this Sunday was awesome and the Holy Ghost was testifying like crazy to me that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. He did die on the cross and suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane for my sins and for my pains that I will have in this life. I know that the power of his Atonement is real, and that as we lay our burdens at his feet that he can lift us to new heights and help us to become the men and women we need to be to live with our Father in Heaven again.

Love you all and hope you have an excellent week,

Elder Cox