The Adversary Works to Thwart Progress

Whatever we are doing, it’s working. These past 2 to 3 nights in a row, the devil has been sending demons to torment me in my sleep. This wasn’t anything too serious, it’s like having a nightmare, except I felt as if I was awake. Jesus Christ reigns supreme, and by His power they are cast off. It’s reassuring to know that the work we are doing is so important, that Satan is actively trying to thwart its progress. Each morning following those nights, I have felt a complete renewal and boost of energy. It’s honestly quite incredible, the reality of the enabling power of Jesus Christ’s Atonement has clearly been made manifest.

Receiving Direction on the Final Training

With the set of sisters now, the idea of attending all Zone Conferences and giving training became unsure. President Vincent prayerfully sought the answer to this. After a few days he got back to us and concluded that he’d like us both attending.

This is my last cycle of Zone Conference training. Planning this one was quite difficult—but over the course of a few days I believe we nailed down something that could work. We sought for President’s direction as to what he would have us focus on. His direction was to focus on members and finding. After spending a day brainstorming we kept hitting barriers. Simply figuring out how to get the training past the missionaries, bridging the gap between missionaries and members is something that’s quite difficult, especially with the goal of having them share the gospel in a 20 minute Zone Conference training.

Looking for further direction, we sought out President’s direction again. However, he was occupied with interviews. Luckily Sister Vincent was available. Discussing with her was full of the Spirit and revelation. In our short meeting with her, the Lord’s will clearly was manifest. It’s difficult to describe in words what it was like, but it was a great blessing. She also shared that while speaking with us, she has the impression that this is not only something that’s important in my mission right now, but I will be involved with this after my mission as well.

Justin’s Baptism

I’m grateful to behold the day of Justin’s baptism. It was a great blessing to share a part in it near the end of my missionary journey. Looking back, he is the most prepared individual I’ve taught and witnessed being baptized. He’s absolutely incredible! Cristian—a wonderful member of the YSA he’s gotten close with—taught and baptized him.

Ever since the day he first saw the missionaries on the streets of Vancouver, he saw the light of God and has followed it. He earnestly searches and ponders upon the things of eternity found in the scriptures. With more than half of the Book of Mormon completed, he asks us incredible questions and seeks to understand the deep symbolism. He shares his wonderful insights at institute, actively participates in activities, has made many new friends, and ultimately has found true and lasting joy.

I bear witness of the reality of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In just over three months Justin has been transformed by Him! Though he didn’t need to make drastic changes in his life to live in accordance with God’s commandments, his character and countenance has changed. When we first met him, he was very shy and struggled to explain his thoughts and feelings. Now, he’s open, joyful, and full of light.

You Are the Gospel Message Initiative

I’ve had the blessing of traveling around the mission field one final time to deliver our Zone Conference training. It’s been just miraculous. This training is just the perfect culmination of my whole mission; everything has fit together so well. One may say that my mission is chiasmus, to which the Gills would be pretty excited to hear haha (they love chiasmus).

One key aspect of this training was a video I put together. The original video was an interview with Elder David A. Bednar following up on his invitation to ‘flood the earth’ with gospel messages on social media. This video is an engine in bridging the gap between missionaries and members. We invited missionaries to use this video when visiting members, when opportunities arise with local leadership, and if possible, ward/branch council. I am just amazed at the impact it’s already having! My prayers have been answered, several missionaries have been sharing great successes from this effort. This movement has the potential to exponentially magnify missionary efforts in bringing souls to Christ.

Though this may be my last training here in British Columbia, this is God’s work. This is a future movement for the mission. At the end of our presentation, we shared a timeline. There has never been so much opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, great things are coming to pass, and many more to come. We look forward to this upcoming general conference, this Christmas season to celebrate the birth of our beloved Savior, and this Easter to rejoice in His literal Resurrection. I pray that we may engage and work with members of Christ’s Church to invite many who are seeking, to find the peace and joy of Jesus Christ at many of these upcoming events.

Homecoming Details

I’ll be speaking about my experiences serving the Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, September 28th. Details for this event are found on my website.