This week transfers came, and Elder Lopez left for the city of
Cordoba. Thus, Elder Goggins and I remain with Elder Castillo, and we
received a new Elder (Lennox) who is finishing his mission this
transfer.
Thank you for writing to me—I do love to hear from you!
This week I thought a bit about how I never want to inactivate myself
from the church—ever! Case study: a family of seven who stopped going
to church ten years ago, and kept on telling themselves that they'd
come back one day. The Elders miraculously found them a few months
ago, and, without the gospel for ten years, but with the parents
feeling the truth of it, their family lacks unity, the children
outright refuse to try praying and some feel that nobody cares about
them, etc. They do want to come back, but they've really missed
blessings that the gospel brings.
Second case study: A family recently divorced, with two children. The
mother was baptized but stopped going to church eight years ago. Her
children feel the truth of the gospel, but are practically practicing
Catholics because of convenience related to attending a religious
school, and a lack of instruction in the home. Yesterday, from a
teenage daughter: "I don't want to come to church because... I'm
catholic, and... I won't pray either to know the truth because, I know
who I am." Eeek!
I know that this gospel is true—I know that Joseph Smith did see
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus Christ is the
Saviour taught of by the prophets of the Bible, the Book of Mormon,
and in these days. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet!!! The
real authority of God is in this church, and there is no other way
that will lead to real happiness in this life, individually and in the
family, than as is taught by God's prophets on the earth today, and
clearly explained in the Book of Mormon. I am so grateful for the
gospel, and for the love of God which I feel and have felt, and which
motivates me daily to reach out to others to bring them to Him.
Love,
Elder Schlachter Photos
P.S. Do send me a Photo Booth picture of Alex and Matthew's new
haircuts (and, of the rest of you too?)
