So yeah this was amazing we actually had a chance to have a meeting with a special witness of Christ in these latter days! We have been working on a lot of things this week and our companionship has been doing really well. We didn't get an opportunity to teach to many people but that's okay because we have received a lot of guidance on how to be better missionaries and better people.
To start I will talk about the training that we had in zone conference. It was amazing! We talked about living and teaching in the way that the Savior did. The Savior was able to teach so well because He was in perfect communion with Lord. We need to have the word in our heart we have to know what we are sharing but even more important we must feel it deep down in our hearts. It started my process of thinking as we prepared for our visit from Elder Bednar.
How do we study? do we just read? Do we look? Do we get engaged and search hard? I'm here to tell you that that isn't enough. I thought I was studying really hard and that I was doing alright but that wasn't enough. We have to invite a perfect teacher and someone that will lead you to what you really need to learn. I was studying but I was studying solo. The spirit is so much better to have as a study companion.
So what Elder Bednar talked about was personal revelation and how are we doing as we study and teach. Most of us will probably not get another chance to talk and learn in a little room like this again in our lives. We learned about what a witness of an apostle really is. He talked about how the Holy Ghost is really the perfect testimony face to face appearance of the savior will not benefit us as much as a testimony through a perfect teacher.
I would encourage you all to read Doctrine & Covenants 8 again and think about how big of a miracle it is to receive a witness through the spirit. And all my nonmember friends I would encourage you to look at the words of the Savior about the Holy Ghost and a witness through the Holy Ghost.
I love you all sorry I had technical difficulties I will write more next week and mom has a picture for this week.
So this week, in sacrament, I literally had to pray for the Lord to increase my faith. Ill explain why later. We have been growing and changing so many things both as a companionship and personally. This week we have been trying to help everyone understand the importance of sanctifying the dia de reposo. (I looked this up - haha - it's Day of rest/Sabbath) It's a big problem here in Mexico and our investigators haven't really understood the importance of going to church and giving your time to the Lord.
Sorry I didn't write a lot about the visit of Elder Bednar but I think that I summed it up alright. It was mostly about receiving your own answers through the Holy Ghost and the power we all have to receive our own testimonies. We have been using that a lot with people. I feel like we have a lot of the answers to life's purpose in our church and sometimes it's tempting as missionaries and members to just give the answers. How often do we invite and allow people to receive an answer for themselves about their questions. It's not that we don't want to help and provide answers it's that we let people learn for themselves.
So the sad thing this week and the reason why I had to pray for strength in sacrament. We have had a lot of success and have found some great people and couples to teach and share our message with. I have huge hopes for them all. The only thing is that they don't come to church! This week we had changed our approach to change our results and made sure that they all had rides and that they were all sure about the time and everything. So we were sitting in sacrament and the minutes ticked by and all 9 our investigators didn't show up. I opened my scripture and I let the Lord guide my thoughts and I went to Ether 12- what a great chapter.
I want to talk about verses 4,6,12 of ether 12 because they helped me more than I can express. They are verses that we read millions of times probably as members and sometimes we can feel bored of the same scripture. At least that's how I sometimes feel. I want some cool unique verse every time I have a problem but that's not the way the Lord works. When I read these verses I changed. First verse 4 I needed an anchor in this moment I was losing hope really fast, but like it says in this verse Faith is the anchor. If we truly love our investigators we will have Faith and Hope just like the Savior has for us. One question in our meeting with Elder Bednar was if God has Faith. Elder Bednar shared a story about his life and how he knows his kids because he's raised them and when they ask for advice he knows just about perfectly what they will do. That's like Heavenly Father, He knows what we are going to do because He's raised us, but the choice is ours and He probably has to have faith in us. So I learned that I have to stop and wait on the Lord and have this faith. I'm going to talk about verses 6 and 12 together because I believe that they have a connection that's really strong. We can't see miracles or have testimonies until after our faith. Now let me be clear I'm not saying when we stop having faith we will have these things I'm saying that when we have done all that we can, acting on our faith, that is when we see the miracles and have a real testimony.
That's my really long spiritual thought. I love you all and I hope you all are exercising your faith and if you are struggling, ask humbly for a little more faith and the Lord will bless you.
Love
Elder Packham
I would like to share some more thoughts on Ether Chapter 12. The topic of Faith is one of great importance to me. I feel as though Faith is the foundation of testimony so it is vital. Today in church we were talking about prayer. The Sunday school teacher asked if and how faith and prayer are related. My opinion is that they entwined in an important way. I think of when Mic died and how many prayers I offered and having faith that they would be answered. It was during this time that my faith and testimony grew in leaps and bounds. Moroni, in Ether 12, says that there is no witness until after the trial of our faith.
Ether’s testimony of the power of faith must have touched the spirit of Moroni, for he interrupts his account of Ether’s teachings to insert his own thoughts: “And now, I, Moroni . . . show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because you see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith” (Ether 12:6). Like Paul in his letter to the Hebrews, Moroni recounts the power of faith made manifest in the lives of individuals (vv. 7–19). He then returns to a theme he discussed earlier: God is a God of miracles (Mormon 9:10–11) and if miracles cease among the children of men it is “because that they dwindle in unbelief” (v. 20). Moroni emphasizes that miracles are wrought after faith; faith in the Son of God is always a requisite (Ether 12:17).
Must have missed posting this one.... Junta de Zona
This week has been an interesting one! We had a personal visit from the zone leaders to see how my progress is going and to check on our companionship. I learned so much from these two young men it was really incredible. They made me feel like I was a great missionary even though I recognize I have many weakness´s and difficulties.
Well I don't know if you all have heard this or not but in 2 weeks we will be having the pleasure of hearing from Elder Bednar the 16th of may and it is a mystery to everyone why he is coming. I can not wait to hear specific instruction from this inspired servant of the lord for our mission. We have been studying a lot of his talks especially, "the answer is the doctrine" and it has changed the way that I read everything in my mission. I have started to look for the doctrine, the simple foundational, eternal truths, set out for our eternal progression. I know that we have the truth and fullness in the gospel because everyday I look and find the harmony of a gospel that has and will be foundationally the same forever.
So I have taken a whole bunch of pictures that I am so excited to share with you all!! Another day because I am on a really bad computer for that today :( I know its sad and I apologize. My companion and I like to have fun in between study and after planning at night that's all I will say about the pictures.
A spiritual experience this week. We have been working with this couple for the longest time and for about a week I have been wanting to asked each one specifically if they are ready for baptism. I know that the wife has a genuine desire for the truth and I have thought that she has received an answer. I asked her and she looked at her husband and I could see she wanted to and that he just needed to say yes and he did! The husband has some things that he wants to work on before he commits but I think that he will be following the example of his wife.
I want to share my testimony about the power of women in this world and in the home. In this world there is a big push for equality and I am all for that I know that the lord does not want anyone to feel that they are being deprived of any of there god given free agency. However there are things that inherently we don't have the capacity to do. I recognize the power of a strong women in the home and the power that they have. I remember one time in my life when I wanted to stop going to church and no one was going to change my mind. My mother had another idea she shared scripture and testimony stronger than any discipline I could have received. I know that women have a greater capacity for many things. When I think of the true spiritual leader of the home it is always the mother she is the power direction to the family. This Mothers Day I want to invite you all to think about a special moment with your mothers and share that with them. I know that they will love it appreciate these spiritual giants we have in our lives.
I love you all and I know that the lord will demonstrate the small but powerful miracles in your life if you are looking with your spiritual eyes.
DC 43: 49-52
Love,
Elder Packham
SILLY PHOTOS OF MICHAEL & MOM
Counting the days till that Christmas Skype Call!!! Just sayin'
I have decided to throw my own post into Michael...aka Elder Packham's blog. We just had our first Skype session with Elder Packham and I can proudly say that it was a HUGE success!!!
There is probably nothing better as a missionary mom then seeing your missionary for the first time after they have left home. I wanted to leap through the computer and squeeze his guts out!!!! haha So here are a few things he shared:
He loves his companion
He loves his ward
He loves his investigators
He is walking a lot
He has lost some weight
His Spanish is coming along but he still wants us to pray for the gift of tongues - haha
All the walking is wearing out his shoes very quickly
They can only use the bathroom in their apartment
He loves the food
He needs a tide pen
He loves his mission president
He loves the Book of Mormon and the power of prayer
It was AWESOME to hear him bear his testimony in Spanish!!!! I had no idea what he was saying but it brought tears to my eyes! It was filled with the spirit and it filled me with gratitude and love.
His testimony is growing by leaps and bounds and though I know that our testimony is constantly growing - I thought his was pretty darn amazing before he left!!!! He just radiates light and goodness. He loves the Lord with all his heart, mind and soul! IT. IS. AWESOME.
So Ladies and Gentlemen we have pictures this week I hope you all enjoy them! I had to plead with someone for this computer for a chance to send them so y'all better think they are the bomb.com. One is of me when we cleansed our house of all the garbage from the past with a bag from the presidents wife that was gigantic! Another is my trainer and I with Elder Jones our zone leader and Elder Candilario (i spelled that wrong) an assistant for a personal training that we had.
Well the high light of the week is probably something you might have guessed from my title. I got to call my family for the first time! It went by so fast but I got to share so much of my mission with them I'm just sad that you all couldn't listen in. I was in the bishops house and used his laptop and the connection was pretty good only had one hichup.
We have seen amazing miracles in our ward.
So I will share the coolest thing about the about this week missionary wise! We had a missionary come home from his full two year mission and the first thing he does is have a family home evening. Here everyone practically lives in apartments cause there are so many people. So the mom invited everyone in the building and the surrounding building to and ohh man was that great. It was packed with people! We gave a short lesson, had an activity, and before having the food we had received 8 references for people that want a little more happiness in there lives! We talked to all of them in 24 hours because that was our goal and we also wanted to help people remember why.
Also we have been going through our area book for people that have been interested in the past but haven't progressed and what not. We have found some people that are now genuinely interested in changing! The Lord really prepares people for us to teach.
Alright my spiritual thought for this week. The difference between happiness and joy is one of few words but great sentiment. I have been learning that a lot of the mission as I see these families that have everything spiritual and are rich in these things. I know that its possible to buy happiness. Let me clarify I know that its possible to buy temporary happiness. If you want true happiness the joy of the gospel there is only one place to find it and that is with Christ. I know that He is the well that we all must draw from in our darkest days. I know He will provide for us forever he is the well that will never run dry in our lives.
My scripture for today is DC 42: 49 - 53. I love these scriptures because they talk about faith and belief and the power of these things. I know that with Christ everything is possible and I know that he will help up overcome our trials. Sometimes we feel weak and lame but like it says in verse 51 we will be able to leap over our obstacles. Verse 53 is for families we all have our roles if we perform them with Christ we will be a boon and help for our family.
Love,
Elder Packham
The scripture that Elder Packham reference:
Doctrine & Covenants 42: 49-53
49 He who hath faith to see shall see.
50 He who hath faith to hear shall hear.
51 The lame who hath faith to leap shall leap.
52 And they who have not faith to do these things, but believe in me, have power to become my sons; and inasmuch as they break not my laws thou shalt bear their infirmities.
53 Thou shalt stand in the place of thy stewardship.
So this week I made notes so that when it came time to write I was prepared! This week has been interesting we had a lot of training but still managed to get a lot of work done! I wish I could send you all pictures this week but yet again I am on a computer that needs some tlc so I will wait for next week.
Last week mom wanted to know about all the food that I have liked so far on the mission. That's a hard question because I have liked pretty much all of it the thing is that there is so much of it! Here they plan on 2 courses and because I am American they plan two plates of the main course for me. I didn't have a big stomach before my mission and I was raised to accept what I am offered and eat it all so sometimes I struggle! haha. So first was Marizco with shrimp! It was so good they have this version of ketchup here that is to die for! Then their is this pie with cheese and sarsomora which I think is blueberry but to be honest I was in heaven so I didn't ask specifics. Finally a type of water that you make from oatmeal it sounds weird but its so good! Weird thing that's good rice and bananas that's good stuff but a different combination.
Back to more spiritual things! So teaching like crazy has helped me so much with some of the challenges that we face the days that we teach a bunch its like being on a cloud. The days that we walk up and down our area are tiring and not as fulfilling but I know that these days of extremely hard work are the foundation for the good days. Funny story about one of our investigators he basically asked if he could just got to church listen to our lessions forever but never give up drinking. It was needless to say a little heartbreaking! haha
I learned a lot this week from a young adult in our ward. She received a list of less active young adults and started calling people on the list and getting information. When she felt comfortable she asked us to help her find people (because in Mexico there are no rules for addresses) So we started to help her and found two families that were not on our lists and that have been wayward for two years or more!
My testimony about going after the 1 that's lost. We typically visit between 6 and 8 less/inactive members a week and a lot of the time they still don't come to church. However we keep working and keep cultivating and hoping that one week that commitment will be fulfilled and we saw it. Not only that we all receive a lot of opportunities to share with people in the household that aren't members.
For my scripture this week I want to share the picture I have picked for my mission scripture. D&C 123: 16-17 This scripture is so beautiful, simple, and powerful. A lot of times we are this ship we have a huge faith and we think we are progressing but we forget the little things and the little things are what guide us. When we are in the middle of the storm and we have done all that we can will we be calm and at peace. This scripture is about work and patience when we have both we will succeed in life and in a mission. Ask yourself everyday what kind of ship you are. A barge that needs to be dragged through, a sail boat that's only good with good weather or an oceanliner that will press forward undeterred. I love you all press forward!
Elder Packham
Here is Michael's mission scripture:
D&C 123:16-17
16. You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and and waves.
17. Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.
I have given this a lot of thought. Here are some of those thoughts......Be assured that there is a safe harbor. You can find peace amidst the storms that threaten you. Your Heavenly Father knows of your heartaches and suffering. He loves you and wants the best for you. Never doubt this. He has promised the faithful peace even in their trials and tribulations. And how beautiful that is. That we can find perfect peace through Him because he provided a way for us to find comfort in times of distress. God isn’t asking us to conquer the world, or do the impossible. He is simply asking us to try our best, and make the best with what we have been given. And stand still. God expects us to have enough faith to stand still when difficult times arise, and enough determination to trust in his plan for each and everyone of us. God is anxiously waiting to help us through this journey we signed up for, and I couldn't be happier that through Him, we can find peace and everlasting happiness.
I can clearly see why Michael has chosen this as a mission scripture. What a great message to share with those he teaches. It is a good reminder for me that God isn't asking me to conquer the world or do the impossible - he is simply asking me to do my best!!! And let's not forget that we need stand still when difficult times arise and have trust in His plan for us.
I found this talk by Joseph B Wirthlin that I want to share with you.
It is entitled, Concern for the One.
True disciples of Jesus Christ have always been concerned for the one.
