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
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