Elder Nathan S Moser: Cottonwood in the Fall

October 24, 2016

Buckle in.

On Monday, we had a police officer from Zillah come and show the YSA how to do some wicked self-defense for FHE. It was super fun. Jerald and Maseo were defense partners, and it was so funny watching them try to beat each other up. I wish I had pictures :) Speaking of the YSA, things were going well. Maseo was ordained a Priest in church yesterday, and also gave a talk in sacrament meeting about his conversion story. It was awesome. Maseo is someone who just gets it. He gave on of the most beautiful talks I've ever heard, and it has been the coolest thing ever to watch him grow in the gospel. It was Jerald's first time at the YSA branch, and we were glad it was such a good sacrament meeting! We met with Jerald yesterdayafter church and had a lesson on temples. Jerald was actually in the Tri-Cities with his non-member cousin on Saturday, and he told us that they decided to visit the temple grounds. He said that while he was there, he got his answer to everything he had been wanting to know. The feelings he had while on the temple grounds confirmed to him that the Book of Mormon is true, the church is true, and that this is something that he wants to do in his life. He explained it as goosebumps, and said that his cousin felt the same way but didn't know what it was. Jerald had the opportunity to explain to her that what she was feeling was the Holy Ghost. Jerald will make a great missionary!

Elder Bird and I have been doing a lot of finding this week, but also a lot of teaching. I think that we are starting to find the balance between the two. Yesterday, while out tracting, we drove down a long driveway that led to the top of a hill way out in the boonies with one house at the top. Before we even got to his door, an older guy named David came out and welcomed us inside. David is probably the nicest guy I have ever met. It's unreal. We talked about his family, about his life, and then introduced what the gospel could add. He was very accepting and invited us back. The thrill of finding and teaching our brothers and sisters never gets dulled. It only gets more and more exciting! We even got a referral this morning for a sweet old lady named Reetha. Sister Akins form the neighboring ward met her at a bus stop and they had a conversation about the Plan of Happiness, since Reetha's husband died a few years ago. We are super excited to meet her! Miracles.

Yesterday was Coby Johnson's mission farewell. We got permission to go to his farewell from President Lewis, which made me super happy because we are like brothers. I often look back to the times that we had back in Sunnyside and the things that we learned together. It was a period of growth for both of us. I hope he remembers the miracles we witnessed together when he's living in a mud hut eating leaves in Mozambique. :)

Something that has been on my mind lately is faith. I've been able to tell that most of us have the faith to expect and see miracles; But I wonder if we all have the faith not to see miracles. It sounds counterproductive, but when we have the faith to keep working even when God's will is difference than what we thought it would be, then that is when we will see the miracles. Real faith is understanding that God can lead you to those people who are ready--But that that day might be tomorrow. Real faith is going out into the boonies and finding people to teach, even if those people don't want you around. Real faith doesn't change God's will; it empowers us to act on God's will, whatever that may be.

These emails home are always kinda frustrating because I just want you all to experience missionary work. It's hard, it makes me tired, and it is the best thing in the world.

Love you all!

Elder Moser