Hey
ya'll! Hope you all had a wonderful week! They don't seem to stop, they're just
flying!
What
a special and crazy week here in the mission. This week we started to get into
the rainy part of the summer and it's been raining off and on all week long. We're
also in the hottest part of the summer too. To put it simply, we're wet all the
time. I'm starting to lose a lot of weight just simply from tracting all day.
But hey, we're seeing sooo many miracles. This week we had an investigator who
committed to baptism on July 10th! We're helping him to
overcome some trials and challenges and hope to keep the date solid. We
also invited another young man to baptism and he accepted, but right now he
can't attend church because he attends school every single Sunday. What a crazy week of
miracles. We have more investigators than I've ever had, and the work is at a
peak. It's been incredible to wake up knowing that people are looking for the
gospel.
This
week it was crazy as I reached my year mark. The last year has flown by in a
blur in ways that words will never be able to describe. Looking back, so much
has changed and I'm so excited to see what the next year has in store for
me.
It's
incredible what the gospel can do in such a short time. Today I would just like
to bear you my testimony of the things that one year has brought me.
Before
I stepped foot into the MTC, I knew this gospel was true. I knew it. However,
with the things I've seen, done, witnessed, and everything else, I know more
surely than I know the sun is shining outside that the gospel of Jesus Christ
has been restored to the earth. I testify that through Joseph Smith, God
restored the one and true gospel so we could partake of it. I know that on a
spring morning, Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His son Jesus Christ, and
that He brought forth the Book of Mormon only through the power of God. I know
that it is God's word. I've read it, and I know it's true. I talk about it
every single day on the streets, in people's homes, in lessons, and I can't
even mention the Book of Mormon without feeling a sincere sense of gratitude
that I have it and get to live by it.
I
know that God is aware of us and aware of our situations. He knows us
personally and will guide us through every little thing that we will face. He
truly lives for us, and wants us to succeed through His perfect plan. I know
that He hears and answers our prayers. Some of my most spiritual moments have
come through the peaceful spirit of a prayer and learning what God needs me to
do.
I
bear my witness that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the greatest miracle of
this world. He died for us, and took upon Him our weaknesses, pains,
sicknesses, and sorrows so we could always progress. Only through His Atonement
can we progress. The Atonement makes us whole as we exercise it and repent
daily. I've seen it change my life and my investigators. We are nothing without
the Atonement and Christ's eternal sacrifice.
I
am a witness that families are eternal. This life is a stepping stone to that of
eternal worth. If we live right, and keep our covenants, we will live with our
families in glory that surpasses all understanding. There is no greater peace
than knowing that me and my family will be together forever. The happiest day I’ve
ever had was the moment when I was sealed to my family. And I push forward
through the trials of missionary work so I can bring that to others.
I
know without a doubt that Jesus is the Christ. He is the living son of the
literal living God, and He loves us. I know that He was crucified for the sins
of the world. I know that He was the promised Messiah, and that by Him and
through Him, we can receive all that the Father has. In the words of my
favorite hymn, "Oh sweet the joy this sentence gives... I know that my
Redeemer lives." May the whole world know it and live by that knowledge is
my humble prayer.
I
love you all and thank you with all the love that I possess. You all mean the
world to me. Thanks for everything.
Elder Roper
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