Hi everyone! I am currently somewhere in the world either on a bus, at the airport or on a plane. I wanted to briefly expound upon last Tuesday's devotional and share my testimony to commemorate my transition from the MTC to the Field.
This last Tuesday we were able to listen to Elder and Sister Uchtdorf speak to us. The Devotional was broadcast live to all other MTCs awake at the time (you know I was trying to get on the screen so Hermana Webb could see me- alas my efforts were in vain).
I had the opportunity to sing in the Choir and tell the story of Joseph Smith's First Prayer in a way I never have before. I wish I could share it with you all right now- that I could sing loud enough for the Spirit and its message to testify to you over thousands of miles!
Nonetheless, if I could fill your hearts up even a portion of how mine was filled that night I would be quite satisfied.
Friends- Joseph saw the Living God. Let me say that again. Joseph saw the Living. God. We don't share this story because a random boy went to pray and felt pretty good about it. Lots of people used to pray and lots of people still pray. That’s a gift. But, we tell the story of Joseph Smith because it restores sacred truths back on the earth. God LIVES, and so does His Son, Jesus Christ! They know us by name. The Heaven is open and if we seek for answers they will pour them down upon us. I know that God loves each and every single one of you and knows you by name.
Furthermore, Elder Uchtdorf's words were hopeful, and loving- they answered some questions of the heart I had been pondering recently.
I would however, rather testify of the gift that modern revelation is. Since being at the MTC, without actively seeking it nor realizing, I gained a great testimony and appreciation of modern-day prophets. (I actually started crying before I even saw Elder Uchtdorf because I could feel his Spirit right as he walked in the building and I was so grateful for the opportunity to hear from him.)
I've been reading scripture and praying and trying my best to make my Father in Heaven, and all of you, proud. I'm not perfect though, and despite my seeking and efforts, I still feel like I need extra help.
God knows we need that help, and so He sent prophets and apostles who live righteously in order to be able to speak the words of God and actively put them out into the world. They have a divine power and presence about them because they have been given the authority of God, to minister not to the masses, but to individuals.
This is my goal as a missionary, to be able to enter a house and have the air of the room change- to have people feel, a nearly tangible difference in the atmosphere. I want to be able to listen to God so well He blesses and trusts me to be able to speak His word.
What does that have to do with you? First, just as I am out sharing the gospel to those in need- so are the apostles. Except rather than just helping those who haven't heard it before, they are helping you. Listen to their counsel!
Furthermore, concerning recent changes in the stake boundaries: sustain your leaders, and trust these changes are inspired. As a missionary I've realized how important a ward family is for members (And I'm just now going out to the field). God is positioning you where you need to be to be touched by one another, and provide more opportunities to invite others into the fold. I invite you all to pray about the change, that you can have peace and faith to step forward to build up your ward.
Getting back to apostles, let me reiterate the scripture my best friend shared last week in her email (love ya Hermana Webb), D&C 84:88, which says that Christ will be "on your right hand and on your left... and [His] angels round about you, to bear you up."
Christ wants us to hear and feel and see Him all around us in as many ways possible and I can't think of people who are more Christlike than the apostles and prophets. They trully are His representatives. God doesn't and won't ever leave our side, not for one second.
What a blessing His words are, what a blessing His apostles are, what a blessing we live on the Earth at the time the fulness of the gospel- knowledge and truth, is being unfolded.
I love you all and I hope you can continue to study and search and feel for yourselves the great love God has for you. I testify in these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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I hope you all have a wonderful week! I'm excited to report back soon.
Much love,
Sister Martinez
MTC Group
Early morning video call before traveling
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