🤌🙏- Week 56 - January 24, 2022

We found this man named Al this week. He lives out in the country and is a police officer. He is honestly seeking for truth and has asked a ton of questions about the Book of Mormon. We had a member at the lesson and this member is so smart he was answering all of his questions. Probably one of the best lessons I've had on my mission. We are very excited about Al. 

Honestly not too much happened this week. We went and did some service for a member that had some longhorns which was fun. The mom was swinging her head around and her horns were going everywhere so that was pretty sketchy. 

Hope y'all are doing well. Have a great week!

Elder Larsen 

FBI pulling up on us - Week 55 - January 17, 2022

Ok.

Tuesday we went and did some service for a member. We were pulling up the flooring in his workshop. It was fun because I got to swing an axe and just go ham at the floor. 

Also, on Friday we were at the park next to our apartment calling people. This lady walks up to us asking if we're missionaries. We say yes. Then she shows us a FBI badge like they do in the movies and says don't talk to my kids. I was tripping there for a second wondering what was happening bhaaha. 

We also had zone conference this week. It was pretty good actually. President Tveten told my companion that he's going to Ghana on February 9. So most likely I'll stay another transfer in this area. So that should be sweet. 

The work in the area is progressing very well. If anyone has any fun finding activities (to find new people to start teaching), please let me know. We just do the boring stuff like call and street contacting. We tried doing cookie runs yesterday and it went well. 

Next, I wanted to share this insight I made in my scripture study a couple weeks ago. 

We can all find our pulse by putting our fingers to our throat or wrist. How do we find our spiritual pulse though? Well Alma gave us some amazing questions in Alma 5 that could help us. I'm going to share these questions and then you should rate yourself on a scale of 1-5, please be honest. So now grab a piece of paper. 

1. Do you remember how good God has been to your ancestors?(v6)

2. Have you been spiritually born of God?(v14)

3. Have you received his image in your countenance?(v14)

4. Have you experienced this mighty change in your heart?(v14)

5. If you've experienced a change of heart. Can you feel so now?(v26)

6. If you were to die right now, would you say you're humble?(v27)

7. Have you been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ?(v27)

8. Are you stripped of pride?(v28)

9. Are you stripped of envy?(v29)

10. Are you of the fold of the Shepard? If not, what fold are you apart of?(v39)

If there is something you need to work on then start now; Don't delay. I have a lot to work on, so I hope that we can become more like our Savior Jesus Christ together. Please let me know if I can help you in any way! 

Love, 

Elder Larsen

How does the Priesthood effect you? - Week 54 - January 10, 2022

Hello everyone, I feel like a lot happened this week. While in quarantine we set up so many lessons. So we were teaching a lot this week. 

On Friday we did a lot of service. We went and helped chop down some branches for one of the people we were teaching. Then after that we helped a member cut up a huge tree. We had to use saws, axes, and shovels. It was really fun. This member came to pick us up and it was probably 2 and a half hour drive for him all together. It was about 40 minutes one way and he did it 4 times. Members are dedicated out here. 

Saturday was a crazy day. We drove 150 miles. Ya we won't be driving much these next few days. We had a lesson at the most south part of our area, then a member called needing help with service--they lived at the most north part of the area, and then we had two lessons about 30 minutes away from that. It was good though. There is a part member family from Jamaica we are teaching and we put two of the kids on baptismal date!! 

Yesterday, didn't feel very productive. We had church, then a member needed help to get something heavy up in Cibolo. So we spent about 1 and a half hours driving and picking this thing up, then we had a stake priesthood meeting. 

I really enjoyed the priesthood meeting. The priesthood was something that has been on my mind a lot this week. It clicked to me this week how amazing and special the priesthood really is. I was reading in Alma 13 this morning. It's when Alma the younger is talking to the people of Ammonihah about the Holy order of God (priesthood). I really loved verse 27, which talks about he had great anxiety for his people. He just wanted them to repent and change their ways. He did this because he loved the people. I wonder how we can more fully love God's children.  

Love,

Elder Larsen

MUST READ🤝 - Week 53 - January 3, 2022

This week was crazy! A few things happened. I hit my 1 year mark, I got bitten by a dog, and we were in quarantine. 

The other day I was doing the math and I get home the day before Thanksgiving! So I've only got 11 months left haha. I feel like I'll be home tomorrow; that isn't long at all! This past year has just flown by. 

On Wednesday, we were visiting some people. These two dogs start running to us. They were chill; I was even petting them. Then we started walking to the next house. All of a sudden I got bit. The dog was chasing me and I had nothing but a Book of Mormon. So I chucked the Book of Mormon at the dog bahah. I bet God was fine with that. It hurt, but I was ok. 

On Friday, we get a text from the stake president saying they have Covid. We were with them 3 days earlier. So we were put into quarantine for the past few days. It sucked. Luckily the members here are super great and helped us with meals and food. 

We had interviews with President Tveten and it went super well. Probably my best interview with him. 

I love being a missionary so much, it's the best choice I've ever made. I've grown more than I thought I could've. I'm excited for how I can grow this next year. 

On Tuesday, I really sat down and pondered a lot. I was thinking about what I really want to become before I go home. The biggest goal I'm working towards is, being changed by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I want my very nature to be changed, so when I go home I don't just go back to bad habits or fall back into who I was. The thing I'm working on to help me do that is being humble. Being able to take criticism from other missionaries, letting go of my pride, and giving thanks to all the many blessing I receive. 

I'd love it if y'all could keep me accountable with my goals. :)

Elder Larsen.