Family and Friends,
Sorry that it has been a few weeks since you have heard from me, things here are soaring. We have been blessed these last few weeks with fruits and success. As i approach a vital part of my mission, I seek to take advantage of the spirituality of the mission and finish making progress that will have an impact on my life. I was just not being able to achieve all of my goals that i was seeking after, and i sought change. Preisdent Oliveira, President of the Brazil Curitiba Temple, gave me some insight on what i was missing. I hope that i may bring about the secret to great changes in my email to you all today.
In seeking for changes as well, the Prophet Joseph Smith recieved this revelation: "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great." (Doctrine and Covenants 64:33) Alma spoke in a similar manner when he said: "..behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass;...and by very small means the Lord doth confound thwise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls." (Alma 37:6-7, edited) In searching to move mountains, i forgot in the little steps. In applying these principles taught by Prophets, i have adquired a testimony of what we need to do to have changes in our lives. President Dallin H. Oaks cites these same principles in his talk from last April, 2018, in General Conference. He said: "We are taught many small and simple things in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to be reminded that in total and over a significant period of time, these seemingly small things bring to pass great things." "After reciting a seemingly small event that had great consequences, Nephi wrote, “And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things” (1 Nephi 16:29). The Old Testament includes a memorable example of this. There we read how the Israelites were plagued by fiery serpents. Many people died from their bites (see Numbers 21:6). When Moses prayed for relief, he was inspired to make “a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole.” Then, “if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived” (verse 9). Such a small thing for such a miraculous result! Yet, as Nephi explained when he taught this example to those who were rebelling against the Lord, even when the Lord had prepared a simple way by which they could be healed, “because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished” (1 Nephi 17:41)."
My testimony today is that when we do the small and simple things, such as pray daily, fast often, study daily, and partake of the sacrament weekly, we too may be worthy of the changes that our Father in Heaven has in store for us. And what great changes does he have in store, for you and for me.
-Elder Matthew Arscott
Photos:
1. Antony's Baptism
2. Julio Cesar's Baptism
3. Red, White, and Blue
4. Zone Conference - Jardim do Sol
5. Snakes
6. Family Night with Rafael, Danielle, and Raquel
7. Family Home Evening with Valdir and his family
8. Leadership Conference
9. Gray Suits
Great update and pictures! Time is short for Matthew - he must have mixed emotions about concluding his mission....
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