Wednesday, December 14, 2016

DECEMBER 13, 2016

Hey Y'all, 

This week was fantastic! Sorry I have no time this week, and it has been super crazy today with transfers and everything. The news on transfers is that I will be staying here in New Orleans for at least another transfer to finish training Elder Hicken. Some of the other missionaries in the surrounding areas are getting transferred though so that has been a bit of a bummer to see them leave. We were running all over the place, but luckily were able to make one last district excursion to the NOLA Zoo today so that was a blast! There were some massive gators and elephants and such!

It was super cold last week, but has been blazing hot the last few days so that has been weird. I feel like I am in Idaho or something :) It was nice though, because while in the short amount of time that it was cold people were inviting us into their homes and open to hear a message! Most everyone smokes here so that was interesting. Getting nose assaulted by the heavy smokers inviting us inside never seemed so nice :) It was great regardless!

Starting in December I am sure many of you have heard about the "Light The World" Christmas theme for this year and hopefully have been able to see some of the amazing videos that the Church has put out. If not just head on over to Mormon.org! It has been super awesome to share the light Christmas videos while tracting. Also,  I love how the Christmas spirit opens up people's hearts to hearing about the restored gospel. We were able to go tracting on the University of New Orleans campus as well and that turned out really well. We hadn't ever tried sharing the gospel or even went contacting on the university campus ever, so it was a really cool experience. It was nice though since all the college students that we talked to are our same age and very open to hearing about different ways of life and the gospel. It was really cool to share the little light the world Christmas cards with them and watch the short videos together. Many of them were very open and seemed interested in learning more. So that will be cool to continue to try and go contacting up there. Not to mention that they are very receptive and seemed like they were able to understand what we were saying :)  

I was reading in the Book of Mormon the other day and especially liked the scripture found in Mormon chapter 8: 14-16 The gospel truly is a light that has been brought forth out of the darkness and of such great worth. What a blessing it is to be able to be a missionary and share this wonderful truth with everyone. 

14"And I am the same who hideth up this record unto the Lord; the plates thereof are of no worth, because of the commandment of the Lord. For he truly saith that no one shall have them to get gain; but the record thereof is o f great worth; and whoso shall bring it to light, him will the Lord bless. 15 For none can have power to bring it to light save it be given him of God; for God wills that it shall be done with an eye single to his glory, or the welfare of the ancient and long dispersed covenant people of the Lord. 16 And blessed be he that shall bring this thing to light;for it shall be brought out of darkness unto light,according to the word of God; yea, it shall be brought out of the earth, and it shall shine forth out of darkness, and come unto the knowledge of the people; and it shall be done by the power of God."
The gospel truly is a light that has been brought forth out of the darkness and of such great worth. What a blessing it is to be able to be a missionary and share this wonderful truth with everyone. I know that the Lord directs this work and I am so glad that I have the chance to be a small part in sharing the light to all the world. "Ye are the light of the world"- Matthew 5
May we all strive to remember the true meaning of Christmas this year and have the courage to share the light of Christ with our neighbors and those we come in contact with. It is up to us to share the good news with others and allow the joy that we feel to be brought into others lives that seek it. I promise that it will bring happiness into your heart and you will feel God's love for each of his children. We will be able to further our relationship with Christ and feel of the wonderful spirit and knowledge that He was born to be a blessing to ALL.

Well, I love y'all so much! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas season! 
Love, 
Elder Wilson