Monday, May 2, 2016

Letter from May 2, 2016

Daniel Buchanan <daniel.buchanan@myldsmail.net>  May 2 at 9:28 AM
To       

Hi, all!!

This week hasn't been to incredibly eventful, but it's been a good week.

-It's so sad to see people who once knew the gospel to be true fall away. We've been working with a less active member, and I've even heard her say to me that she knows the church is true, but she's stopped coming to church and started attending a different one. I don't know how I could have more boldly, lovingly, and clearly borne my knowledge of the truth to her, but it seems like it went in one ear and out the other. I love this gospel, and I want others to enjoy the blessings that come from it as well, and it's sad to think that she once enjoyed these blessings but has let go of them. We're prayerfully working to strengthen her, though.
-So, just an update on the whole thing that's been going on. It has a happy ending, I promise. :) So when I got here to Asutsuare, I discovered that there was a tradition of the District President having the missionaries over to feed them every single Sunday. It's nice of them, but the only problem is is that it's far away, we spend three hours there, and it wasted tons of proselyting time and money, too. I would try my hardest to make the best of the situation or to get out of it or anything in between, but I wasn't ever able to. So finally I turned to my mission president and informed him of what was going on and asked for advice. I want to serve the Lord with everything I have, and this entire situation has been hindering that. So I had been praying very fervently that the Lord would help me out in this situation. President Heid sent out a text message to the zone leaders and the district leaders reminding people about what "inappropriate behavior" is, and my district leader pretty much knew that I mentioned the whole deal to president. I had brought it up to my companion and the whole district and apparently I was pretty much the only one who felt like it was hindering the work and wanted to resolve the problem. I think the district leader just got tired of dealing with me, so he "banned" the Asutsuare elders from going there. That almost sounds harsh, but I was so glad when he said that, because I could finally relax on Sundays and focus on the work. I could see that even through this difficult situation, the Lord is mindful of me and blessed me with my desire to serve Him. Yesterday, the first day we were "banned" we had a member refer us to four new people to teach!! So I've learned that the Lord does indeed work in mysterious ways, and that He's ever mindful of each of us.
I know He lives and He loves us. I know it. I'm so grateful for the gospel and all the blessings that come because of it. I've seen the blessings of the gospel in my own life, in my family, and in the lives of those around me. It all comes from following the Savior Jesus Christ in everything we do.

Thank you all so much for all your love and support. You have no idea how much it means to me. I hope all is going well for all of you. I hope to hear from all of you soon!

With love,

Elder Buchanan

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