So we're still in the MTC,
but we've almost hit the halfway point. We're starting to get the hang
of things, and hopefully we can continue to learn so that I feel at
least slightly prepared for the mission field. Every day I think about
how much my testimony has grown, and then I remember how much Chinese I
know... Almost none. But I'm not worried, the Lord loves His
missionaries, and He will provide a way for me to teach the people of
Taiwan. Even if it's in 3 word sentences!
This
week has been pretty action-packed! We had the opportunity to hear Elder
Rasband come speak to us, and we actually got to participate and answer
his questions! I answered one of his questions, and I even made him
laugh!! How cool is that??? I made an APOSTLE laugh! But, I mean, it's
whatever, it was only broadcast to ALL the MTC's... No big deal. Also we
got our new district to replace the sisters that left, and they're all
awesome!! They're pretty quiet, but I'm sure once the massive stress
attacks subside, they'll be great. They made it to P-Day, so that's
good! Elder Raty and I were also just called as Zone Leaders for our MTC
branch, which means we'll be "in charge" of about 3 districts. I feel
honored and a little overwhelmed to be given such a position, but the
Lord will help us.
As we've been learning more
about the Gospel this week, I've noticed that everything we've done this
week has revolved around a specific topic: the Holy Ghost. As the 3rd
member of the Godhead, and the only one without a physical body, we
sometimes forget why the Holy Ghost is important. But as we've learned
more, I've begun to understand how amazing the Holy Spirit is. He can
testify of truth, and he can warn us of danger. We have the opportunity
to very literally have a MEMBER of the Godhead with us at all times. If
he had a body of flesh and bone, he could not be with us. But God, in
his love for us, provided us a way to know right and wrong, to feel
comfort in hard times, and to feel His hand in our life. I don't know
the doctrine around the Holy Ghost, and I don't know the specific
blessings he has been promised, but I do know this. He is very literally
a personage of spirit, and I personally believe he sacrificed his
opportunity to come to Earth and have a body so that he could make sure
we were not left comfortless in this dark and vicious world. He loves
us, and just like our Father in Heaven, he wants to comfort us. But his
voice is quiet, it is still, and small. He comes as a feeling, a
thought, a whisper. We have to seek it out, find it in the massive
tumult and clatter of our modern minds. In the chaos, the loud noise,
the sadness and sorrow of this world, the Holy Ghost speaks softly,
offering peace we cannot possibly find anywhere else. He gives clarity,
he gives impressions, he bears witness of truth. He gives rest to the
tired of spirit, and uplifts the weary of mind. But we have to seek him
out. And we have to be worthy of his counsel. I am so grateful for his
whisperings, and for the love of my Father in Heaven I feel through him.
He wants to be with you, all you have to do is allow him in. He will
warm your heart, and give you hope. I testify of it. Just live worthy of
him, and follow the promptings he gives. I love all of you, and much
more importantly, your Father in Heaven loves you.
Love,
Elder Shope
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