The Lost Sheep

July 28, 2018

Family and Friends,

Another Two weeks has passed by here in the mission and we are flying along as ever before. We are halfway through our July transfer, and things are always changing and we always have to adjust to the ever moving and changing work here. The restoration of the gospel continues now more than ever before. We know that the gospel has not been “Restored” but is “Being Restored” (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland) and to keep up in the process we must always be attentive of others and ourselves. Self-Sufficiency is a key role in how we care for ourselves and how we can continue to care for others. In studying on how I can better care for my fellow brethren, I came across one of my favorite parables that Jesus Christ taught, that of the Lost Sheep. It goes as follows:

3 ¶ And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together hisfriends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

To add to my thought for the day I would like to include a thought given by President Wirthlin:

“When we hear the parable of the shepherd leaving the ninety and nine to find the one lost sheep, our attention is usually focused on the lost sheep.  We think about the stray lamb wandering alone in the wilderness.  We imagine the relief and comfort of being found, and the rejoicing that took place when the sheep was gathered safely back to the flock.  Maybe we think of the attention and care that one sheep is receiving, and wonder if it might not be worthwhile to occasionally leave the flock ourselves.  Being part of a crowd can often make us feel more alone, unnoticed, and forsaken than when we’re physically alone.

When we ponder on the situation of the ninety and nine, we realize that something else is evident in this parable:  Just as much love and care are given to the sheep who stay within the fold.  For one thing, before the shepherd went searching for a lost sheep, he would check to make sure the fold was secure.  He would check for predators or other imminent dangers that could threaten the remaining flock.  If there were any problems, he wouldn’t leave until the danger had been alleviated.  Then, while searching for the one, the shepherd would listen carefully for any signs of danger that might come from the flock.  In addition, the shepherd knew the needs of the flock.  He knew how long he could be gone before the sheep required food or water.  The shepherd also knew that while he was gone, the sheep would keep each other warm and comfort one another.  They would not be completely alone.

As we ponder on this parable, we understand that the lost sheep did not receive preferential treatment.  The shepherd cared equally for all one hundred sheep.  When we’re tempted to think of ourselves as only one among many and therefore unnoticed or forsaken, we can remember the shepherd in the parable, and take comfort in the fact that the Good Shepherd likewise cares for us.  He loves us.  He knows us, and blesses us with the things we need.  That’s why we can forget about ourselves, and concentrate on comforting and encouraging others in the flock.

This work of reclaiming the lost sheep, as Jesus so vividly expressed it, must receive top priority by every stake, ward, branch, and quorum leader. All inactive members should be considered candidates for activation regardless of their response to any previous approach. We must use kindness, patience, long-suffering, love, faith, and diligence. They must feel our genuine concern and untiring love. –Joseph B. Wirthlin”

These words penned by Isaac Watts in the 18th century still comfort the weary soul today. “Who has not wandered from wisdom’s path? Who has not felt the need for mercy?” Paraphrased from the beloved 23rd Psalm, the hymn reassures that the Good Shepherd is ever mindful of His sheep: “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness.”

That we may think of all others and ourselves in the work of the restoration of the gospel and the gathering of Israel is my prayer for today and this week.

I wish a good week to everyone! Keep on keeping on!

-Elder Matthew Arscott

Pizza with Elder Garzon

More pizza with the Assistants

Another Pizza

Sunset

Ahh! Hi Chew 

Champions of Life

July 14, 2018

Family and Friends,

Another great week and another transfer here in the mission has passed. This week was full of tough goodbyes with good friends leaving the mission. One of which wrote me and was talking about his past two years. "It flew by so quick now" he said. "I hope that i really can look back and say that i won." To win is not the answer, and ill tell you why: It is not to win in what matters, but it is to how hard we fought.

With credit to LDN, It’s been said that “life does not determine winners. Winners determine life." Most true winners have “lost” at some point in life. They have been hurt and disappointed; they have experienced setbacks and sorrow, but they do not let these difficulties determine their destiny or define their lives. Instead, they strive to rise above their challenges and keep moving forward one day at a time. In fact, it is very often the defeats, just as much as the victories, that bring out the greatness in a true champion. 

One reason we love sports so much is that they provide countless inspiring examples of this very truth. Grantland Rice, a legendary sportswriter from the previous century, spent more than 50 years observing and writing eloquently about the wins and losses, the triumphs and failures of great athletes. He wrote these words that have been paraphrased by parents and coaches so often that they have become a familiar motto of athletic competition everywhere: 

When the One Great Scorer comes to mark against your name, 
He writes—not that you won or lost—but how you played the Game.

Every two years the world gathers in celebration of sport to witness world-class athletes compete in the Olympic games. While the medal count is interesting to follow, what really grabs the heart are the personal stories of the athletes—their hard work, persistence, dedication, and teamwork. Every one, it seems, faced challenges that could have tempted them to give up and give in, but they discovered—as we all must—that the key to a winning life is to keep going. 

Every Olympic athlete is a living reminder that if we can rise when we fall, pick ourselves up when life knocks us down, and continue on when it seems easier to quit, we will see in time that winning is not as much about talent or luck as it is about grit and perseverance. Winners and champions just keep trying. This thought is expressed well in the Olympic creed: “The most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the fight; the essential thing is not to have won, but to have fought well.”

My prayer is that we continue to fight as hard as we can. Because for those that fight the good fight, there is a place in the kingdom of heaven for each and every one.

-Elder Matthew Arscott

Photos:

The parting group, including friends Elders Reid,                                                                               Nydegger, Herlin, and Eschenberg.

 Elder Arscott is now available on the iPhone X as an emoji

Last day as well with (left to right) Elders                                                                                                 Eschenberg, Nydegger, Reid, and Hall

. Last day with Elder Freitas, we were working the Graveyard shift to get these guys ready to go ith their flights, etc. Just dont look at that time hahah

 Last day with Herlin

 Also my Mom sent Duct tape with me in my mission and i thought "I will never use this Mom come on haha", well Mom, looks like i was wrong. Elder Freitas' carry on bag is now good as new.

Optimists make life better....

July 7, 2018

Family and Friends,

Another two weeks have passed by in a rush! Things here are moving along normally and we are always seeing progress in the work. One interesting aspect of the mission is that of trial and error. I have shared a lot about how we must overcome our trials, but with what attitude must we do so? Author Don Gale and L. Newell explain profoundly:

“It’s interesting how two people can approach similar circumstances with entirely different outlooks. The optimist tries to look on the bright side, believes that good days are ahead, and holds on to the hope that things will get better. The pessimist sees dark rain clouds even on sunny days and believes that the best has passed him by.

There’s no question whom we’d rather be around. As one commentator writes: “Optimists . . . make life better just by being part of it. They enjoy people, places and things. Their enthusiasm is contagious. . . . The greatest gift anyone can give another is a positive attitude, a smile and genuine interest. Some claim the only person you can change is yourself. Not true! You can and do change everyone with whom you come in contact. The question is whether you add to or subtract from the day’s experience.”

Some people seem to have more hopeful dispositions, more natural cheerfulness, and more affirmative expectations. But most of us are not always the optimist or always the pessimist. There’s probably a little bit of both in all of us. We’d like to be the optimist more often, but depending on the day, the weather, the aches and pains, the disappointments and challenges we face, that can be harder than it sounds.

Even during our difficult moments, however, we can decide to be happier, more positive today than we may have been yesterday. Optimism is learned; we can practice and work at it until it becomes a habit. We can talk to ourselves and others in more upbeat ways, look for the bright side, and resolve to be more optimistic. When we do, our optimism is a gift not only to ourselves but to everyone around us.”

President Hinckley at the death of his late wife Marjorie left his wise counsel in the program of the funeral itself. It states “It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers.” “Carry on. Things will work out. If you keep trying and praying and working, things will work out. They always do. If you want to die at an early age, dwell on the negative. Accentuate the positive, and you’ll be around for a while”

This week I invite all of us to look on the greener side of all things, always knowing that everything will “Be alright”. I promise that If we do so, if we look for more happiness, we will find more happiness. If we are more positive, more will enjoy our company. Life will be better. I close with the invitation of the same President Hinckley: “"Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine."

“Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."

Until next week, stop enduring and start enjoying.

-Elder Matthew Arscott

Had a visit from the Batista Family today

Official Office Staff June 2018

Unofficial Office Staff June 2018

Elder Holland cracking jokes

Elder Vilar é gente boa