Though your sins be as scarlet...

     HELLO, AND GOOOD MORNING EVERYONE!!! This past week was just absolutely amazing! There is a God above that lives and loves us. This is the day of the Lords power here on earth. I know that God is a God of miracles and the work is rolling forth at an incredible pace. We are so blessed here in Issaquah, I feel the spirit of the Lord working within us. I testify to you that our Savior Jesus Christ is the Savior of all mankind and we can each be healed from our mistakes.

     On Friday we had our 3 month interview with President Larkin, something as a mission we always look forward to. That was a landmark interview for me and for my life. He is a man of revelation, and his words hit me with power. This work is a work that must never stop or slow down. This is a fight against satan and the fight to save souls. I thank God everyday that I am called to this work. This work is one that was foretold of old.  Joel 2: 28-29…. “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.” THIS WAS THE WEEK OF DREAMING DREAMS AND SEEING VISIONS. The work of the Lord is truly amazing.

     This week we ran from person to person to declare repentance. Everyone, from 8 to 108 must repent of their sins. In 2 Nephi 2 we learn that our days on this earth were prolonged that we might “repent while in the flesh.” Later on in the 2 Book of Nephi chapter 26 we learn that Christ has commanded “his people that they should persuade all men to repentance.” If we don’t repent of our sins, we cannot return to live with God. We live in a world that is completely caught up in the “eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die” lifestyle. That is not the case. We are here to prepare to meet God and we must prepare with our heart, might, mind and strength! I am in the final quarter now, and I am just going to wear out my life for this cause. There is no more important work, and it pains my soul to meet people who feel hopeless because of sin and don’t know that Christ can and will redeem them. 

     This week there were a few experiences that changed my life forever.  Saturday afternoon we had a great miracle. We went to teach a man named Ken who Elder Berry had met the previous day. When we showed up he had invited his friend Cody down to join us. As we began to share our message the spirit poured into the room. We knew that they were ready for a change in their lives. Cody just immediately opened up. We asked Cody when he had felt closest to God in his life. He said, “Two years ago, I was lying in the hospital and had just recovered from an overdose. The doctor told me that I shouldn’t have lived. I felt for the first time in my life that God was there.” Cody grew up in the rodeo scene, they were constantly traveling and never had time to learn about God. Cody then looked at us and said, “Is there anything I can't be forgiven of? Can I be forgiven of all my sins?” As we shared this verse from Isaiah, peace overwhelmed his soul. “….though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Here is a man in his mid 20s, living everyday with fear in his soul! I will never forget the face of this man as he learned of Christ. He said, “I cant imagine the joy of feeling cleansed from my sins.” Cody and Ken are progressing towards baptism on the 24^th of next month.

     The other is the story of a woman named Mary. A few weeks ago we tracted into a woman named Lacey. She said that she was a member of the church and hadn't been for awhile and asked us to come back. As we returned a few days later, Lacey wasn’t home! But we met her mother Mary, who was just moving in to stay with her. This week we got a text from Lacey asking that we come teach the both of them. So Sunday morning before church we did just that. My dear friends and family, this is a moment in my life I will not soon forget. Mary got caught up in drugs when her children were in their youth which resulted in them being taken away. EACH OF HER THREE CHILDREN ended up finding the gospel on their own! Now, Lacey in her 20's has taken her mother in. Mary recently has gotten clean and now wants to change her life. Only God could create a scene so great as this. We read a scripture from 2 Nephi 31, where the voice of our Father in Heaven comes among the people saying, “Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my beloved Son.” Mary began to cry she said, “I feel horrible for what I have done in my life. And for my children….can I be forgiven?” Mary put her face in her hands and began to cry. All she wants is to feel free from her past. We bore our testimony of Christ, that He truly had bowed under the weight of all of her sins, and that through baptism she could be healed. We left with warm smiles, and happy faces. Her face turned from despair to hope.

     We went by Kim's last night and took all of her cigarette makers! We had such a powerful lesson with her. She is a strong spirit, fighting to overcome the world to be at one with God. I leave you all with my testimony that this is God's work! This is the fight for souls. All around us are “perishing” under the weight of their sins. We know the key to helping them, don’t let your light be hidden. I LOVE YOU ALL, THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND AND LOVING LETTERS OF SUPPORT! Stay strong in this tough world, this is the only way to true happiness, just know that.

Love,

Elder Aiken

In Issaquah for a reason!

     GOOD MORNING EVERYONE! This past week has been absolutely great. It's amazing the tender mercies that the Lord places in our path. Because of the Holiday on Monday, I couldn't email until today. We are really busy and my mind is all over the place during the middle of the week. 

     I am so grateful for the miracles that we have seen this past week, miracles that only God could perform. This past Sunday Vickie was confirmed. It was the most special experience of all my life. She looked beautiful. I have never seen such a dramatic change in all my life. She entered the chapel and looked like an angel.  Vickie is a testament to me of the reality of this work. A woman once bogged down by the weight of the world now looks happier than any soul I have ever seen. After her confirmation she was asked how she felt and she said, “I feel like I am floating.” Truly, how great is the importance to make this gospel known unto all we meet.

     There's a miracle that I would like to leave with you, one that has left an eternal impression on my soul. Over a year ago I tracted into a couple named Ty and Michelle. They are in their 50s, and are just the kindest couple. We taught them on and off when we were in the area but it was going nowhere, so we decided to move on for a time but kept close. Two weeks ago she was diagnosed with a kidney disease, one that is progressing at a rapid pace. She texted us and asked if we could come and give her a blessing. A couple that was all smiles when we would enter their home, was now stricken with fear. What would this bring? Who will watch over their grandchildren? Without the gospel of Jesus Christ, fear fills our soul. There is no hope and no cure for saddness in those moments, only fleeting things. As I sat in their home, tears filled my eyes. I pondered the blessing and reality of our Savior. That He truly was there to comfort them. Michelle was given one of the most tender blessings I have ever heard. As we ended the blessing, Michelle stood with tears in her eyes and said, “Thank you!” As she sat back on the couch, tears again flooded her eyes. She said, “Since the diagnosis, I have been filled with guilt. Worry has been constant. For the first time in weeks, I feel complete peace. The fear and guilt is swept away. As we began to teach The Plan of Salvation, drooping eyes and sad faces turned into beautiful smiles. They are now preparing for baptism as a couple. I have often wondered why we have been left in this area for so long? But now I know. It’s a powerful thing to create a relationship with these people, to become their confidant and friend. Sometimes it takes the pitfalls of life for people to turn to God. Once they have, they have someone to turn to.

     Today I sit here in awe, humbled by the blessings of my life. I love this gospel. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored in its fulness. Fulness not meaning that we know everything that God knows, but that the fulness of everything taught to man has been brought back in one. Could there be a greater blessing? I don’t think so. I testify to you all that we do have a living prophet today. God, the God who created us all and who loves us perfectly, is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This isn't a time to fear. It’s a time to rejoice and a time to prepare to meet God. I know that through Christ we can all begin that preparation, to one day meet the Savior at His feet. I love you all! Know that God lives and He directs our lives. Be safe. Have a great week.

Love,

Elder Aiken

Leave No One Behind!

     HELLO EVERYONE! Happy Monday! This has been an absolutely amazing week. God lives and loves us, I have felt so near to the spirit this week. I am amazed at God's ability to answer prayers. Serving God is how we find true happiness, that is how we each draw near unto Him, and how we come to learn who we really are. We must serve Him. Our lives are busy, and being pulled in many directions! But this work, the fight to save souls, is the greatest thing we can be engaged in! I have come to learn that every conversation we have is an opportunity to turn their hearts nearer to God. We must all return together, to live with God again! We are all Brothers and Sisters, and how important it is to leave no one behind.

     I have been particularly focused on the words written in Doctrine and Covenants section18 verse 10: “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.” Those are the most precious words we can ever hear. We must never forget the worth of our soul in the sight of God. Life can become dreary and troublesome. There are times we make mistakes and feel trapped and removed from God. BUT OUR SOUL, IS WORTH MUCH IN THE SIGHT OF GOD. 

     That verse coupled with 2 Nephi 2:5-7, is powerful: “And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil. And the law is given unto men. And by the law no flesh is justified; or, by the law men are cut off. Yea, by the temporal law they were cut off; and also, by the spiritual law they perish from that which is good, and become miserable forever.  Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.  Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.” Each of us agreed to the law that was laid before the world was. And as we break that law, or fall short we are cut off from God. Each of us will break that Law. We are not perfect. But Christ offered Himself to answer the ends of that law. God loves us all. I bear you my wittness that I have felt His love for me and His guiding grace. I know, that Christ lives. He did answer the ends of the law and we all taste of that sweet joy.

Vickie's Baptism!

     God performed a mighty miracle his week! We had been praying with all of our souls that God would lead us to someone that was ready for baptism. Because of the lack of time that we had in our area with the number of meets we had, it seemed a bit dreary. By some miracle Saturday morning we set up a lesson with Vickie! We went over on Saturday and taught her! She said, “Everything you promised me, everything the members promised me, came true! I know that this is the true church. This the truth!” Our Bishop then looked at her and said, “Vickie we want you a part of this. We love you. Come be baptized tomorrow night!” Vickie agreed and simply said with tears in her eyes, “I am ready.” The smile on her face at her baptism was one that I will never forget. I have been knocking on Vickie's door for over a year now, and her change is remarkable. This is the work of God. The worth of her soul is great in the sight of God. And God is a God of miracles. We don’t understand His workings or timing, but we do know this. That He lives, that as we draw near unto Him, happiness fills our soul. And that we can each be apart of this great work. We must live so that we can be in tune with the spirit and qualify for the blessings of heaven. I love you all! Be safe, and remember that your soul, and the souls you are surrounded by daily, are of great worth in the sight of God! Don’t leave anyone behind!

Love,

Elder Aiken

Another 6 weeks in beautiful Issaquah!

     Hello my dear friends and family! Happy Tuesday to you all. 

This was transfer week, and for the 11th time, I get to stay here in Issaquah!  Elder Berry and I remain companions and that's great!

     This past week has been wonderful. I love this work, and my Savior Jesus Christ. This past week I have marveled over life, and the world in which we live. How blessed we are, and how very ungrateful we tend to be. I have come to realize that our Father in Heaven has a perfect plan for us to follow, and if we do, that will lead to true happiness. I am deeply blessed to see it from this point of view, to see the lives change of those we teach, and their fight to stick to it. The path isn't easy. This life never was meant to be. There are many that preach and teach that all we need is faith, that no matter what we do, it doesn’t matter, we just have to believe. Yes, to some extent that may be true. Faith IS key. This life is the time for each of us to prepare to return to live with God, and enjoy the blessings of eternal life which wait for us. With the agony of Christ's suffering, it doesn’t seem this existence was meant to be easy. It is a time of great learning, where we can prove ourselves. Whose side are we on? Can we control our passions? Who do we lean on in time of need? This life is a rich blessing. In God's infinite wisdom and mercy, He has established a plan that if followed leads to inner peace. That peace becomes lasting as we establish Zion. Zion is a rich and powerful concept, one that was restored with the restoration of the gospel. A state that the early saints were always seeking.  Zion is becoming of one heart and one mind. A people that love, and aren't in search for, “What's in it for me?” Zion is what Abraham sought for. Zion was the state of the people of Enoch when they were taken up to dwell with God. When Zion exists in a home, community, or relationship, blessings flow. God can be with us. I am saddened and amazed to see the lengths people will go to, to find that peace and Zion-like feeling. People will join gangs, drugs and alcohol, hang out with the wrong crowd, search for fame, all to just fill that void that can only be filled when we are at one with God. If I have learned one lesson, it's that the God's plan is the way. God lives and His plan is the only way to true happiness. We can search all our lives, among all the right places in search for that feeling. We don’t have to search any longer, we can rest in Christ.

Tory's baptism!

     This Saturday we went to Tory's baptism. The lady I spoke of weeks ago, who works in the place we go to get our haircut. She asked that I speak at her baptism. It was a moment that I will never forget. I looked at this woman, whose life is completely different now. Her face glows. I will never keep my mouth shut about this gospel!  I will never be afraid to share this glad message. We are so blessed. I have learned that I must love God enough to give back to our Brothers and Sisters. These blessings can be shared, and what an amazing thing it is to watch it change lives.

     This week we taught a woman named Michelle. She is in her 30's with two little kids. At four Michelle was abandoned by her mother and sent to foster care. For years she was abused by her husband and resorted to the streets. A place she lived for years, becoming an ddict. Finally rescued by a shelter, she has spent the past few years getting her life on track. This poor woman, tarnished by life, beat up and torn down, never accepted by anyone. She too sought all of the wrong places to just feel love. Lonliness is the most painful thing, a void that can only truly be filled by God. Now we are teaching her this glorious gospel! Tears filled her eyes as we taught her this message! She is now progressing towards baptism.

      The Castro family is still progressing towards baptism, they have hit a few bumps in the road, but through prayer I know they will make it! Vickie, who lost her husband a few months ago from cancer, was supposed to be baptized this past weekend! But her son, one year younger than me, was just diagnosed with that same cancer. One of her last family members!  The rest have all died from cancer in the past few years. My heart aches for her, and with no resources to support this disease, tears water my face as her life turns to despair. It's hard to see someone you have come to love so much, suffer so deeply.

     This life and this path can be tough. But GOD LIVES AND LOVES US! Christ will be the captain of this troubling life, if we will but turn to Him. I leave you all with my testimony. A testimony that burns deep within my soul. I have come to love the Atonement of my Savior Jesus Christ. It is the ultimate “medicine”. It is the only way we can return to live with Our Father in Heaven. Rely on it, come to love it. For through it lies eternal joy. I LOVE YOU ALL, HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK!!! Be safe, and don’t be afraid to give a little more, because in reality none of this was ours in the first place.

Love,

Elder Aiken