This last Tuesday we were helping a recent convert scrape wallpaper with the Bangor Elders. It was fun to get to do some physical work again in normal work clothes - really, it does a lot for a man. Butthe best part was the miracle that came from it.
As we were driving the Elders home, we passed by the house of a referral that we had tried to contact several times, but he wasn't home each time. He was outside raking leaves, and we wanted to help, but the other missionaries we already late to a super important meeting (typical missionary standard time), so we dropped them off and rushed back to his house. Now usually when we offer service, people laugh and tell us no because of our clothes and how they don't want us getting dirty or ruining them...this is quite frustrating, but that's why were all the more excited to go serve in normal working clothes. When we arrived, we jumped out of the van, and without many words we simply picked up the extra rakes and got to work! It was great, and we had an awesome time working with him and getting to know him. Afterwards he invited us in where we had a great lesson about how he can repent, be baptized, and start over with a clean slate - putting behind him his past rough life. He has
been working for a while now to be clean and move on from his past life, and really desires to be baptized. We discussed how next time we come we'll set a baptismal date, and he is excited to do what it takes to prepare to be baptized and receive all the blessings that come from baptism and membership in this church. We know this man has been prepared to receive the gospel now and Elder Esplin and I both feel this wouldn't have happened so smoothly had we not already been serving that morning and been prepared for more service when the opportunity arrived.
Well, can I tell you how much I just love being a missionary? This last week I've realized how so many people complain that they are just too busy to read the scriptures or have Family Home Evening or go to church, and yet our schedule is so perfectly set that we get to do all that and more! I LOVE the fact that we get to study for an hour by ourselves and then another hour with our companion, and I've learned a lot this last week from studying the last week of the Savior's life and His Atonement. I found that everything - I mean EVERY little thing - that could have possibly happened to make matters worse, or more painful for Him throughout the Atonement, did happen. We've taught many time this last week about The Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ, and as I thought about every little thing that He went through for us, I realized that is just adds on to how much He loves
us - which love is an infinite love.
I want the world to know that I KNOW that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. That He gave up His life for us, and that He suffered all pains, afflictions, sorrows, and more, so that we don't have to. I know that His Atonement is real and infinite and through it we can find peace, comfort, and forgiveness. Not only did He die for us, but he was resurrected, and now HE LIVES for us. This is the Christ, the Savior of us all, and I am now serving our Heavenly Father by inviting, helping, and guiding His children - my heavenly brothers and sisters - to come unto His only Begotten Son, even Jesus Christ.
From New England with Love,
Elder Dustin Carr
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