Week 58: Preparing a Way for All Things

 It was a fantastic week. One of the best. 

Some new photos that made me really happy this week. 

Spiritual Thought:  

Despite all the craziness in the world right now, I've found there is so much to be grateful for. 

I really like hymn 71, “With Songs of Praise,” especially the lines that say 

“Express the heart too full to speak In one exultant hymn.”

Now, well, I don't sing, but I like to think about how I would express gratitude with a “heart too full to speak.”

By serving others, loving them more, and inviting them to the things that bring me joy. 

This week, despite everything, I've felt and tried to “express a heart too full to speak” to those around me. 

I feel so happy here sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I know that it is because Jesus Christ provides hope and answers. 

I'm so excited for General Conference. I invite you to watch it because I know you will find hope, peace, and answers from the messages that are shared. 

I know you will leave with “a heart too full to speak” and more hope because of Jesus Christ. 

Short Version of Email: Zone leader splits in Kouvola were absolutely miraculous, we did some awesome service. Found so many people to teach, met some very faithful members, and had fun with other missionaries at the “Birthday District Council”. 

 Finnish Word of the Week:    “Pullahiiri” means “someone with a sweet tooth,” but literally translates to "bun mouse."

5 Amazing Things This Week:

1: Splits with our zone leaders Elder Gillespie and Hazelhofer, both of whom I've served around before. It was wonderful, so much fun. And we found a lot of new people. 











2: We went to a beautiful summer cottage to help a member build a shelter for their outdoor furniture for the winter. It was such a pretty day and kinda fun to build. Our recent convert came too. I love how much the ward tries to include him. 









3: District Council was on my birthday. I chose to make one of my favorite meals for the other missionaries. It turned out well. District Council was fun, even though trying to get into the church was…challenging. 






4:  On Sunday, we took the Sacrament to a member I haven't met before. She is 95. It was astonishing to see her in such good health. Finns really know the secret to living long lives. 

5: We taught a great lesson to our friend. He really likes the gospel. It has been really cool to see how much the gospel can answer his questions. 

Tender Mercy of the Week:

On splits, we gave out quite a few Books of Mormon, much more than we usually do. We had given out all the ones we had.  I only had one Book of Mormon left, and it was in Arabic. I'm honestly not even sure how I ended up with it in my bag. As we were walking back, we stopped one last person, and they were interested. We were talking to this person in English. We told them we didn’t have any more English Books of Mormon. We asked if any other languages worked. To our shock, he said Arabic is best. It was a testament to me that I just need to be available, and God does the rest. 

Where I am/Who I'm With: I am serving in Kouvola. My companion is Elder Redd.

Fun Facts about Elder Redd

  1. His favorite band is called Steely Dan. Shoutout to you if you've heard of it. 

  2.  His first area was a small town called Kemi

  3. He's been to Sweden and the island of åland on his mission. 

Scripture of the Week:  

1 Nephi 9:6

9 But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen.

 My thoughts:  This scripture reminds me of 1 Nephi 3:7. It gives me comfort to know that God prepares a way for all his works (which right now is my work too) to be accomplished. He always keeps his promises. 

Talk of the Week:  

1985, The Only True Church

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1985/10/the-only-true-church?lang=eng

1971, The Only True and Living Church

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1971/10/the-only-true-and-living-church?lang=eng

Elder Boyd K Packer

My Thoughts: 

Shoutout Elder Clark for these two talks. They are so good and give good insights for something I've struggled with on my mission. I realize I need to not be afraid to be bold. 

 

Miss you lots, send me an email if you so desire! 

 -Elder Balls











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