Week 57 (June 19th, 2017)

Well happy fathers day! Out here in the mission I have my 3 sons (the three elders I have trained). Its tough being a parent, but I have learned a lot and become a better person because of it. Currently training has also made me reflect a lot on how I have progressed as a missionary and the things that I still need to work on. 

When I was first starting in the mission field I always thought that if I could just speak the language I would be able to teach and baptize anybody. I have now learned the language and another part I must also learn many things that aren't just how to teach and speak. I have learned what it means to be a representative of Jesus Christ, and to wear his sacred name on my shirt. I have learned that I must act as he would act and be as he would be out here. Always focusing on the attributes of Jesus Christ and always having an eye single to the glory of God. I have seen this with each person I have trained, and in my time here as a missionary, we must always be working on being better people, and as we read about the life of the savior and study his teachings we will be more apt to follow his council, as well as teach others how to do so. I love in the introduction of the Book of Mormon where it says that whoever reads the Book of Mormon will grow closer to God by abiding by its precepts than any other book. I whole heartily believe that. I love then to apply Alma 12:24 that this life is a probationary state and a time to prepare to meet God. We must always be developing our Christlike attributes if we want to prepare to meet God. That's the big message that I learned this week. Focus on that and we will be great missionaries as well as people. 

Well I love and miss all of you!! Happy Fathers Day dad! Thanks for being the best dad and example ever!! 

Elder Hamblin