Hello Everyone! I hope that you have had an amazing week. This past week has been spectacular! I am filled with joy as I recount all that happened. I have learned many tender lessons this week, some that I feel will change my life forever.
I am amazed as I read the scriptures and study the life of Christ. Christ led the perfect example for each of us. I feel blessed to have the scriptures and study His teachings, for in them we learn how to be truly happy now, and to be happy for eternity.
Wednesday we were driving down a road to see one of our investigators. As we drove down the road we saw a man on the side of the road struggling to walk. A woman stood with him and tried to help him stand. As we drove by it seemed he regained strength and was able to walk once again. As we reached the end of the road a feeling came over us that we needed to turn back and we did. As we approached the part of the road where the man once stood we saw him lying in a ditch. We quickly pulled over and ran to his assistance. After some time we were able to get him on his feet and stood on each side of him to balance him on his way home. The walk wasn’t easy, in his drunken state he wasn’t necessarily the nicest person, but we kept walking to get him to a safe place. It was easy to jump to conclusions as we walked along, to be frustrated and annoyed. Soon after, we got him to a neighbors yard and we talked to the woman who he first stood with. She said, “He was beaten by a group of men years ago, and struggles with many pains in his body.” It was tough to balance him with a shoulder that had never healed from the beating. He now had to walk with a cane and struggled speaking. Alcohol was to numb the pain and to help him feel whole again.
In life it's easy to leave people behind. To judge them for who they are or how they act. Whether it’s a neighbor, someone on the pew behind you in church, or a classmate a seat over. It's easy to be caught up in our lives and hope that they have someone else to comfort them or to be there in their times of need.
Today I read in the book of Helaman, chapter 3. The people during this time in the Book of Mormon have experienced a great period of peace and prosperity. Soon, some begin to stuggle and aren’t as blessed as the rest. In verse 33-34 we read “….In the fifty and first year of the reign of judges there was peace also, save it were the pride which began to enter into the church-not into the church of God, but into the hearts of the people who professed to belong to the church of God-. And they were lifted up in pride, even to the persecution of many of their brethren. Now this was a great evil, which did cause the more humble past of the people to suffer great persecutions, and to wade through much affliction.” Now I don’t know that all of the persecution that is spoken here had to deal with beating others. At times we might not see the sadness that we bring to others, when we pass by them or fail to offer a helping hand. But we never seem to forget the sadness or misfortution that is brought our way each day. In those moments we then petition God for help. But do we do our part in helping those that might be in a similar situation? Suffering their own afflictions and pleading with God that someone would be kind enough to not pass them by?
I love to read in the New Testament of the example our Savior set, for he never let anyone pass by. For we are all in this together! We are all here preparing to return to the presence of God! Christ knew well that life's walk would not be easy, so he never let the lame, the blind, the leprous, nor the sinner pass by without offering comfort. He always paused to take time to give a helping hand and help the less-fortunate. He was rid of pride.
My dear Brothers and Sisters, our Savior will never leave our side or leave anyone behind. Nor should WE. I learned a life long lesson on the side of 8th avenue that I will never forget. Never leave anyone behind. “…unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved.” 2 Nephi 31:16. And why shall we follow the example of Christ? “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all energy of heart, that we may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that we may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.” Christ has set the example of offering help to all those that stand in need. Oh how we will be blessed by following that example. There truly is happiness in purity! As we follow Christ we will become pure! How true that statement is.
This past week we have focused on re-dedicating ourselves to Christ! It has been one of the most powerful weeks of my mission. The spirit of the Lord has burned within us, it seems that at every turn we have been prompted to find those ready for the restored truth! We had 4 families come to church on Sunday, I will update you next week! Their lives are being changed by the goodness of the Gospel. I just wish to scream for joy as they begin to feel true happiness and understanding of Gods plan for them! I have a firm testimony that Jesus is the Christ! The example and rock we can all build our lives upon! For by following His example, we can be made pure! We can prepare to stand before God. And we can learn and gain the attributes that will assist us all of eternity. Each day and each moment is a blessing from the Lord, a chance to learn a lesson that will be with us forever. How blessed we are to have come to this earth. I love you all! God Bless You!!
Love,
Elder Aiken
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