Week 80 "Easiness of the way"

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! It was great to be able to celebrate with very few distractions and to focus on what I am truly thankful for. In response to the question "what are you grateful for"? Given by my oldest sister, Heather. I thought of many things, my thoughts initially went straight to my parents and my family and all that they have done for me. After briefly reflecting upon my conversion, I am filled with gratitude and love for Heavenly Father and the Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the personal witness I feel from the Holy Ghost when I ponder the verses of Mosiah 14. There truly is much to be thankful for.

Elder Jowers and I are doing great I love him and appreciate his constant friendship and brotherhood. I am sad to see our time winding down together. Towards the end you start thinking about the begging and everything in between. I am grateful for the many things we have learned together that will play major roles in our futures. As I now share a quarter of my mission with Elder Jowers and all the experiences, ups and downs that entails, it unites us and strengthens our friendship. These last two transfers have truly been amazing and ones worth remember. There is still much great to come in our small amount of time left together.

This last week was full of greatness. We try our best and the Lord does the rest. I see this time and time again in every way. We have a lot of great investigators that I know will be baptized. Many of them are progressing at their own rates but we are doing all we can to activate their agency. This last week it was incredible to see the Lord place many in our path to find and teach. There are so many people that are ready out there. The Lord knows where all of them are at and how to reach out to them. I pray daily to be filled with the spirit to know where to go, what to do and how to do it. The idea of heeding to the spirit is so general but as we act (faith), the spirit becomes specific and unique for the situation and the individual being taught. It truly is all about keeping this member of the God head with us at all times.

As I have been studying the gospel in greater depth I recognize the simplicity it contains. I am grateful for the scriptures and the pure knowledge they contain. I have recognized them to be a blue print for our days and the pattern of life that brings true, lasting joy and happiness. I am learning many things and trying to internalize them all, however, I take solace in the fact that having the spirit in my life through the basics of prayer, study and applying Christ like attributes encompasses all the areas of improvement. I love you all and I hope we remember the basics and cut out the noise in our lives. Smile!

Love, Elder Lunt

To the missionaries:

Dear Missionaries,

Much has happened these last few weeks, as we have been blessed with revelation, the work hastens to an even greater degree. It is clear that "the principle of gaining knowledge by revelation is the principle of salvation" (progression). Lately, as we receive knowledge and revelation in a variety of different methods and small means to accomplish our purpose more fully, it is critical to remember that it is given to us to simplify our approach in discipleship and help us more effectively help others-- in essence, our core purpose.

Alma 37:6 "By small and simple things are great things brought to pass, and small means in many instances doth confound the wise."

"The more fully the details are understood, the greater will be our appreciation for the theme, If we fail to catch the glimpse of the theme, we fail in our comprehension no matter how many details are understood." -Bible dictionary; revelation

The theme is The Gospel of Jesus Christ; faith, repentance, baptism, receiving The Gift of The Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. Everything we do is an appendage of God The Father,Jesus Christ and their gospel. Our part is inviting all... Why? Because we love those we serve. How? The Holy Ghost, which by pure osmosis encompasses all areas of missionary work and more.

"Life is hard, not the gospel". As we seek to internalize and apply what we have learned and will learn, let us seek to remember the overall theme and appreciate it as we understand and apply the details--small and simple things. Let us keep things simple, not overwhelm ourselves with things that are out of our control (1 Nephi 17:41). Happiness is the product of righteous actions and desires. From there happiness is a choice. Faith, hope, charity and virtue "qualify him for the work"--The Holy Ghost.

Love,

Elders Lunt & Jowers

Week 79 "Much to be thankful for" PICTURES

Dear family and friends,

Thank you for all of your emails, love and support. It sounds like everyone is doing well and is enjoying the holiday season. This last week was full of learning and confirmations of faith. Elder Kacher finished up Zone Conferences in our mission and left us with plenty to facilitate and ponder. He is a great leader and I am thankful for his advice and counsel.

There were so many incredible miracles that took place this last week. As I was reading in the book of Alma, specifically Alma 29 I was pondering what it really means to be a successful missionary or person in that sense. I have often felt that the happiest times on my mission is when I can feel that the Lord is using me as an instrument in his hands, and like Alma says "that is my joy".

 At times it is hard to know weather or not you are doing what the Lord wants you to do. It goes back to supplicating the power of the Holy Ghost, the right to have a member of the Godhead with us all the time. Heeding to that power that Heavenly Father waits so anxiously to give. Many of which were the items that we talked about during Zone Conferences.

As I had a self assessment one evening this previous week I felt that I was changing lives as an instrument in God's hands. Allowing him to work through me, as a tool in his hands. As I notice God's love by feeling the Holy Ghost speaking through me, expanding my knowledge and granting to me gifts of the spirit, I feel so blessed and at times wonder why I have been given all that I have. Although I have a ways to go to attain the level of conversion Alma had, at times I feel so immersed with joy and love that all I want to do is be better in helping others come to Christ  and "my joy exceeds that of my strength".

There is evident power in ordinances done by correct authority. We are currently teaching a family from **** (Husband, wife and they have a son that doesn't come for now..). The husband could be baptized tomorrow and has received his answers. The wife was having a hard time with understanding faith and the true relationship in which we have with our Father in Heaven through prayer. She had prayed many times and didn't get direct answers. 

She and her husband came to a baptism this last week and as we met with them after the baptism the wife looked at me and in her best English said "Lunt, I felt those feelings you were talking about. I got my answer". The spirit of revelation pervaded the room and then what happened next magnified the presence of the spirit.

She said they both want to be baptized but because it is to dangerous for them, only the husband will be baptized. At this point both of them in tears, the wife said "If something happens to us for converting to Christianity, one of us needs to be alive to raise our son". As I looked into their eyes, I was overcome with such love for these amazing people who only want the best for their family in this life and the life to come. I asked them to think and pray about it and whatever they decide I respect. They agreed and we had a great lesson on faith I will never forget.

The missionary fireside was a great time and we had a lot of fun with the youth, practicing role plays and getting them involved. The youth in the Church in Armenia have such great potential that I love to see the leaders foster.

 I love this work, I love this knowledge that keeps me grounded in a world of shifting values. I love my companion and his example and many things he has taught me. I love these people and how open their hearts are to the gospel as they connect with the light of Christ.

 I am so grateful for my many opportunities and blessings. I am overcome with joy and happiness whenever I think of the perfect love of Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. I am grateful for my earthly parents and all that they went through to teach me. Truly each of us has much to be thankful for. It is in our example that we truly exude that love and light as a sign of gratitude towards all and our Father in Heaven.I love you all and I pray for you daily. 

Thank you, love Elder Lunt

Week 78 "All is well that ends well"

Dear family and friends,

This past week was great,full of much learning it was probably one of the most tiring weeks I have had on my mission, however much learning followed. We have many investigators but only a hand full are progressing for now. 

On a more personal note I found myself with out any clarity or ability to really connect with the spirit simply said. I felt like I was relying on myself and natural abilities for the majority of this past week without the spirit or his guidance and help and it was obvious. It was exasperating and demoralizing, however full of learning opportunities.

I am grateful though for the things I learned in much in pondering, prayer and the importance in "maintaining the simplicity in Christ". I am grateful for Pres's and Elder Kacher's inspiration about the Holy ghost and how to supplicate his presence. I am grateful for the myriad of things learned this past week.

Elder Jowers and I fasted for the investigators this last week, for personal revelation, the work to pick up and to help us know how to change in every element of the work to bring the desired results. There is an excitement and change that is taking place in the mission as the work hastens and we more rapidly start our ascent to reaching another level of missionary work. All for helping others...

I learned much from Elder Kacher and his wife and you and Sister Carlson. I thank you for that and the amount of preparation put into to all of the Zone Conferences. In our interviews I  got some great advice from Elder Kacher about leadership and what to change. I am grateful for him and his inspired discipleship and profound advice. 

The miracles and the power behind us further outweigh the trails and task ahead. We found some great families this last week and many of which will make it to baptism. One of which we found in a park while on our way to another appointment. They are from Jordan and speak Arabic and English. They are incredible and progressing.

 Another funny highlight, I got thrown off a bus for preaching the gospel about the Book of Mormon specifically, yes literally "thrown" luckily they stopped the bus. It was pretty funny. A guy at the bus stop saw the whole bus yelling at us and kick us out and asked what happened. I just said "I don't even know". It was something Elder Jowers and I had a good laugh about. Elder Jowers is awesome and I love him much. We correct each other and build each one another up in every in every way out of a motivation of love. 

Love you all!

Week 77 "Go to work"

Dear family and friends,

We spent the majority of this last week in Georgia with the objective in mind to build, help and strengthen missionaries. It was another great opportunity to help learn from those we serve and minister to them on a personal level as we went on exchanges with all of the elders and the sister training leaders with all the sisters. I often realize the simplicity of just going to work doing what we are suppose to do for the right reasons. It is a question of intelligence, of happiness, peace and joy. If we want to be happy and have success, we need to give our whole selves to the Lord, "no half measures will do".

 I wish we could all truly understand the magnitude of giving our whole heart, might, 

mind and strength to the Lord and the correlation it has with happiness and success. We reap what we sow. God always has something much greater for us in store as we internalize the simply stated scripture of D&C 4:2 -- "Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength. In the book of Ether the Lord's desire for us is made clear. 

" And the Lord would not suffer that they should stop beyond the sea in the wilderness, but he would that they should come forth even unto the land ofpromise, which was choice above all other lands, which the Lord God had preserved for a righteous people". 

The Lord chastises the brother of Jared for remaining in the wilderness (complacency) for 4 years, "because he remembered not to call upon the name of the Lord." I thought of this story as I was talking to one the missionaries that seemed to be just fine with where things were at. The importance of seeking the Lord's will and acting accordingly brings about the faith,confidence, blessings and every other attribute of light. Again, we reap what we sow.  For me I have noticed that means "remembering to call upon his name", and most importantly, as described in Ether 2:16 The Lord says it this simple "Go to work".  God has a land of promise, potential and opportunity waiting for all of us, prayer, faith and work are the price.

6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

"Arise from the dust, my sons, and be men, and be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things".

" President Carlson in his letter this week hit it right on..."It's interesting in this chapter Lehi uses the word awake, l believe four times. I have noticed during my lifetime that many people go through this life sound asleep. Asleep to all that is important. And when they finally awaken, often it is too late. Are some of us living in the very same way? Mostly asleep to understanding the importance of progression. And then one day when we awake, will it be too late?"Armor of righteousness, chains with which ye are bound". Unrighteousness truly does wrap us in chains and binds us down. Taking away our most important and essential tool, the Holy Ghost!"Come forth out of obscurity and arise from the dust". Once again he ends with wake up and arise from the dust to realize our potential." -

I love this work and my companion. I love the opportunities for growth and development and helping others realize their divine potential. I love this service and these people. My companion is amazing and my love grows for him by the week. As Alma describes when he sees the sons of Mosiah after many years, he is overcome with joy to see that and that they were still his "brothers in Christ". I know one day I will see Elder Jowers down the road and be filled with the same joy as Alma describes and remember these great times as we were able to help each other change and prepare for life as "brothers in Christ".

I hope that all of us will take the time to account to the Lord daily and notice the blessings he gives us and ask him what it is that we need to do. How we can improve in every facet of life, then get up and "Go to work". I pray that you will all have an increased portion of the Holy ghost and follow his promptings and have peace and clarity in this confused world. "For Latter day saints it is not a question of weather or not it is wrong but rather it is something Jesus would do" The trick is to remember this simple phrase before you do. I love you and appreciate your love and support.

Smile and be happy, 

Love Elder Lunt

Week 76

Dear Mom and Dad, family and friends

Wow, it has been a while since I have been able to write you guys a personal note. I want to start off telling you how much I am learning and growing in every single way. I have been blessed in every facet of life.

 As I reflect upon my mission the reality of God's omniscience and power is incredible.I attribute all accolades of success, empowerment, joy and more which I have experienced upon him. I also want to underline the fact that nothing has come without exhausting effort, disappointment and set backs, there is always a price for anything we aspire to do in life. 

Today I want to take a brief moment and express my thoughts and feelings; as I realize that many of my letters lately have been a bit impersonal and abstract to address a general audience. This may be on the blog or social media sites, but today this letter is directed specifically for my family.

As I said earlier I have grown in so many ways. I often only write about positive uplifting experiences, but as I said nothing has come with out a price. It is not always easy, there is a list of things that try and test me daily many of which I will wait to talk about until I tell you in person but there a few I will share with you today and more importantly the power to overcome and become.

I miss you, I miss my friends that have passed away while serving my mission, I hurt for these people when they have an opportunity of a lifetime and throw it away. I hurt for missionaries when they limit themselves and feel that they are the exception and can't overcome their trials. The list goes on. The solution is small but the consequences are enormous. The power of reaction. "Life is based upon 10% of what happens to you and 90% how you react". 

The biggest difference is to whom we turn to in times of trial. At times I look in the mirror and just think "look what you have become"; in all reality it goes like this "look what you have let him make of you". I often think of the C.S. Lewis quote "Give unto me yourself, hand it all over, no half measures will do, I want the whole thing, give me your all and I will give you my all. I will make of you a new self in my image". We all have divine potential within us, foreordained purposes, the power is within us all if we give all of ourselves to Jesus Christ in times of both tranquility and testing.

A brief explanation about my future as I have pondered and prayed about some big decisions that need to be made and after a few months of procrastination I felt I needed to tell you now. I plan on going to U of U when I get home and becoming an officer through the OCS program (use the guard to get me where I need). I want to go into law or business and set my path for Harvard or an ivy league school, after that the options are limitless, politics, CEO, etc. I want to have the biggest sphere of influence for the good. Biggest priority is and always will be family. 

I love these people so much and I cherish the eternal relationships with them. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity and learn much from those I serve. Mission Leadership Council this last week went well. After the matter I was overcome with exhaustion but I thought after the meeting how much I have grown and learned. I love Elder Jowers and this time with him I learn so much that prepares me for marriage and life. He is a great man and a partner for life.

Although it's nothing close to what I would like it to be, these are just a few personal thoughts, feelings and promptings, I wanted to let you all know. I miss you and love and pray for you daily.

Love,

Elder Lunt