Dear family,
How are you? I am well, this week has felt better than the last. We've
also had various miracles. I know that the Lord directs this work, and
that there are people prepared in all parts of the world to receive
the gospel—these people are of Israel!, or, in other words, these are
people who have been given the opportunity to receive the gospel
because they will have the faith to accept it in this life, and to
choose the blessings, thus blessing their family eternally.
For example, as we were walking down the street Tuesday, Elder Melerio
contacted a young woman, thinking she was rather older (usually we
don't contact them). However, it turned out that her family had met
with missionaries previously, and she's really looking for God's help,
and her family needs the gospel. We visited them Saturday and were
definitely guided by the Spirit. I felt something of the responsibiliy
to really speak the words which the Lord would have me speak, the need
to really be His servant, His ambassador, as it were, in this sacred
work among His children.
Another special moment this week was when Elder Melerio and I happened
to be at the chapel making telephone calls—a twenty minute task.
Suddenly, we heard a knock at the door (actually, clapping), and upon
investigating, we found one of our difficult-to-find investigators. He
had had a vision in the morning which led him to visit the chapel,
despite it being Saturday morning. Thus, we had a good lesson, and
yesterday in church, he spontaneously stood up in our Gospel
Principles class to offer a prayer of gratitude that he has found the
truth he has been seeking for twenty years.
However, the thing that is most precious to me is the knowledge of
when I am being directed by the Spirit, the sustaining feeling of
confidence, of help through the Atonment. I know that only through the
help of the Saviour, through the path of His gospel, can we be clean
and worthy, and thence receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is a
manifestation of the Father's mercy, and the guide to return spotless
to our heavenly home. I especially felt the Spirit's guidance in
speaking in Sacrament meeting this week, about the need for personal
conversion in order to be a help to others.
And, to me the question recently has been how to apply the gospel. How
do we become converted? How can I be filled with love? What is the aid
of the Atonement, in practical daily terms, and how is it received?
In considering the answers, perhaps the need is to consider the
asking! No one can know of spiritual truths without revelation,
teaches Preach My Gospel, and spiritual truths, the mysteries of the
kingdom, and, in part, the practical, changing, powerful applied
principles of the gospel. This knowledge is found by studying the
scriptures prayerfully, with real intent, seeking real application,
and in sincere prayer.
I was reviewing a study journal yesterday (or so) and noted a phrase
that studying the scriptures is, "absolutely critical"—this is where
testimony, conviction and faith start, and are nurtured. I've been
considering how to improve my personal study time, and I'm trying to
focus more on the doctrine, more on the application, the principles
involved. I really want to meditate upon the word, and qualify,
through sincere exertion in faith, to receive the spiritual knowledge
that I need. I know that Heavenly Father will give more light
"liberally."
Thus, I wanted to ask each of you, how is your personal scripture
study? How are you planning to improve this week? What do you want to
learn? Please do send me a note this week—I'm looking forward to
hearing from Levi, Alex and Matthew.
If it's not going so well, I invite you to try something that my
companion started doing at a time when he wasn't studying the
scriptures—read a bit (he started with one verse) each night before
going to bed! Offer a prayer, think briefly about how you can apply
what you read. Start a habit! Let me know how it goes and what you
learned!
I'm glad to hear that you are well. Do let me know how the temple trip
goes. Thank you for writing to me! I enjoy hearing about missionary
work at home.
Thank you for offering to bring me things, but I think all I could use
right now is information! I'm seeking mission mailing addresses for
Dawson Lybbert, Tyler Keith, David Benson, Chris Benson (as of March,
I believe), and Dave Brule. I'm also seeking family addresses (aunts,
uncles, cousins). I could also use the recipe for haystacks. For Dad
in Buenos Aires, I recommend trying an alfahor. I don't much like the
triple layer chocolate and chocolate type variety—I'd go for something
simple looking!
I love you and thank you for your prayers and support,
Elder Schlachter Photos
P.S. I had some trouble sending photos today—I'll send this week's this
coming week.
