How are you? Thank you for you letters! I'm glad that you enjoyed
Conference!—the Villa Dolores chapel is equipped with a large
satellite dish, so we watched Conference, and, both Spanish and
English were available. I watched all the sessions in English—they'll
be considered in Spanish in language study!
Elder Bednar gave a talk in the MTC (of which I watched a video
recording of) where he specifically instructed those listening: 'I
don't want you to write down a single thing that I say,' urging
listening for inspiration, mentioning that sometimes one is so busy
writing what was said that they don't listen to the quiet voice of
revelation. I've found this counsel very useful, in helping me to
focus in listening for personal revelation, pondering, and thus I more
or less applied it this weekend.
Conference is very instructive to me as a missionary. I like to apply
teachings about families to the missionary companionship, children to
investigators. Sometimes the comparison doesn't quite work, but it's
often very useful to understand principles. I also noted many things
that I want to study, and the central importance of studying in
learning the gospel, and learning to live and apply it.
I also know that President Monson is a prophet, and that the Twelve
Apostles are, in verity, apostles of Jesus Christ, called and
authorized by Him! I've been carrying around a sticker of a dinosaur
in my daily planner, and using it in some contacts—"Senor, many people
think that prophets, like the men that wrote the Bible, are like
dinosaurs: they existed, but now they don't. I know that…." I know
that the words we heard in Conference are the words of God, as Elder
Holland testified.
Otherwise, the week has been somewhat busy as we've been preparing for
Conference. We had a Zone meeting this morning in Rio Cuarto, and
we're heading back at five in the morning tomorrow by bus (four-hour
ride)! Thus, we'll be working here tonight.
I know that missionary work is God's work. I know that Jesus Christ
lives and loves me, and all people. I want to know Him better. That's
one of my general mission goals, but I know that it is best
accomplished by bringing others to Him with what knowledge and power
He has given me, with the assurance that His support will increase,
conditional on my obedience and service.
Also, this week we have transfers! Thus, on Saturday I'll see if I get
another transfer in Villa Dolores, or if I'm needed elsewhere in the
mission. I would send photos, but forgot the memory card reader!
Thank you for your love and support and prayers—I love you, and hope
you are well this week.
Love you and pray for you,
Elder Schlachter Photos
