Fin

Well, it's over. C'est tout, my dear friends. What should I say? It was a relatively good last week. I had a lot of loose ends to wrap up for going home, and a lot of things kept getting in the way of proselyting (especially having a flat bike tire), so I didn't get to do as much work this week as I would have looked. Still, though, it was good.

I am grateful for this wonderful opportunity the Lord has given me. What a blessing. I loved this mission. I know that Jesus Christ leads this church. His sacrifice can change us to be the people we want to be. I know of the power of the priesthood, and of the reality of revelation. God is involved in our lives. He wants to lead us. He wants to guide us. He will if you let him. This Gospel is so beautiful. It is simple to use, and it works! These two years on a mission have taught me so much. For any of you out there who are considering serving a mission: do it. I love you all. I know the Book of Mormon is true. It has brought me so much closer to my Savior. It truly contains His words meant for us. I say all of that in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.

Ciao, my dear peoples. 'Til we meet.

--

Elder Benge

It's Been Confirmed

There have been a lot of rumors going around that our recently baptized investigator Stacie has received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Well, I'd like to let you know, it's been confirmed. In fact, the confirmation happened on Sunday. Yay! She had to wait a couple of weeks because of General Conference, but now it is done! We are so happy for her. Sunday was just great. We had the confirmation in Sacrament meeting, and then just all of the lessons and testimonies were very spiritual. One man got up and bore his testimony about how he got an answer to prayer when my companion and I stopped at his house for a glass of water during those hot summer days when the air was filled with smoke. It is amazing how God uses us as instruments in his hands. As we were speaking with the guy, we mentioned that we knew a member had lived in the house, and so we decided to go there for water. He said that he received a witness, clear as a bell from the Spirit that God loved him and knew him. It was great. I didn't even know we had blessed that man at that time, but he had really needed it at the time. We then finished of the day with a rousing missionary musical fireside... my last one. I was asked to play the piano 10 minutes before, but I got through it with a lot of prayer and it  ended up being the best I have ever done on the piano in a fireside. Which is good because they were recording it. Other than that wonderful Sunday, I must admit that the rest of the week was a little drab. It was fun and I enjoyed it, because the work always feels good, but there was not anything even remotely interesting that happened. We knocked many a door. Most people didn't answer. We didn't find anyone to teach. No worries, though: We always have this week to try again. The most interesting knocking story that happened was when some nice Catholic brother let us in and let us look at his board game for red necks. He was nice, but didn't want to hear our message at all, he was just lonely. 

So yeah. I know that was a pretty lame weekly email, especially because I just rambled on the whole time. Oh well. Have a great week, amigos.

--

Elder Benge

Variations On A Theme

What a great week.We had the wonderful opportunity to go as a mission to the Seattle Temple, and it was fantastic. I most certainly love the temple, and the peace and many blessings that are promised in abundance there. Then, to add impulse to instancy, we finished the week off with a effulgent "bang!" by listening to our beloved prophets and apostles. Here are a few themes noticed throughout conference:

-Don't let small things take priority over the Gospel in your life and block it off

-Listen to the prophets, for the speak the words God wants us to hear in these days.

-The Book of Mormon is awesome and important. Read it and you will be guided.

-The Restoration brought so much light into the world and can bring it into our lives. Use what we have been given! It is such a great gift

-Serve those around you!

- Go to the temple

Those are some things I noticed.

I definitely know that these things are important and true. I hope I can incorporate them into my life better.

Those who listen to the Lord's servants are blessed if they act on what they hear. Otherwise, if we rebel against the prophets, all we can do is "cut the thread that [binds us] to the Prophet and to God and sink [our]selves to hell." (Brigham Young).

(That part was awesome, by the way)

If we choose not to act, then we just miss out on blessings and progression that we otherwise could have experienced. God is a loving God. He loves us, and wants us to live with him again some day. I know that to be true. Have a wonderful week.

--

Elder Benge