By popular demand, my original form of weekly email writing shall be utilized once again. Those of you who love me know that many of my previous emails have been more like an essay. To accommodate those who may bore easily, I have titled the stories and experiences of which I am going to write about. Pick and choose as you please.
Stake Conference
Physical "growth"
Well, I found a weight scale. That's how many of my problems start. We went to another missionaries' house and I was quite curious as to how much I weighed. I took advantage of the opportunity and the results may not have been... expected. Changes are going to be made. I have given up soda and candy. As my mom knows, usually I say that and then it lasts for about a day. I'll let y'all know how it goes. (All the members give us insane amounts of rice, so this "losing weight/being healthy" thing might be a challenge.)
Jesus the Christ
I will say it right now. This book has changed my perception, my way of thinking, and so much more. It was written by a latter-day apostle of the Lord named James E. Talmage and he is absolutely brilliant. The process that he used to write it is also fascinating. I have strengthend my testimony and my love for Jesus Christ so much by reading it. Outside of the scriptures this has to be my favorite book. It goes into great detail of the life of Christ, and helps the reader understand the many different factors that went into His life and ministry. The Jewish culture, the traditions and practices of the pharisees, the scriptural backround of His teachings and miracles, the many prophecies fullfilled, etc. The Spirit testifies of it's truthfulness and has helped me be a way better missionary and disciple of Jesus Christ. A for sure 10/10. I will 100% recommend it to everyone.
Baptism!
Well we had a baptism in our building but it was because the elders from Boquete needed a place to do it. So we were able to assist someone be baptized by God's authority and make a covenant with their Heavenly Father! It was a really special baptism. A brother and a sister together and it was the sister's birthday. They both were so excited and prepared to make that decision. My old comp Elder Brinkerhoff baptized the brother and it was really special. He has already changed a lot and become a much more obedient missionary. I'm glad the Lord allowed us to be a part of it.
First of all, I have to talk about Hermano Julio. He's been a member for only a year, but has such a strong testimony that this is God's church. This past Sunday we had our stake conference, and the stake center (chapel where we were going to have the conference) is really far away from his house. To our suprise, as we were arriving, Hermano Julio passes us on his bike like a champ. Full speed, passing traffic, and yelling at us telling us that we're late. Dang it Julio. That man's faith is amazing. The conference went well. We had three different choirs sing: the primary children, the youth, and the young single adults (in which we as missionaries took part of.) A Nobe (member of another indigenous tribe from the mountains of San Felix) gave a talk in her dialect and it was crazy cool. At the end we all took a massive photo in the parking lot (I don't have it 
) and at the end we had over 800 people there. They're trying to split the stake and get a temple here so it was pretty cool.
) and at the end we had over 800 people there. They're trying to split the stake and get a temple here so it was pretty cool.Friends
Well, in our area we only have 40 people that consistently go to church. It's been difficult because our decently small area has been thoroughly worked for 20 years. We're putting in the work and are trying to improve. Roberto is one of our friends who is progressing towards baptism. He works a lot, so teaching him is sometimes difficult. He's reading the Book of Mormon and really wants to arrive at baptism. We have a lot of hope for him. Another is Christian Loo. He is also working towards baptism and wants to be baptized so bad. The only problem is that he works most weekends. Meaning he can't come to church, and church is crucial for conversion. He has all the lessons, he knows the Book of Mormon is true, believes that president Russell M. Nelson is a prophet, and that this is Christ's church on the earth. So prepared. He just needs to get to church. We recently asked him to pray about what he needs to change in his life so he can make this essential covenant with God. We're hoping he'll search for a different job. Prayers would be greatly appreciated! Georlin and Jorge also have expressed a desire to be baptized, but haven't been keeping their commitments. They live close to the church and want to include Christ in their lives, but don't understand that Christ needs to be EVERYTHING in their life. They aren't all in yet, but we're working with them. Prayers, again, would be greatly appreciated.
Spiritual thought
Sometimes I think God sees me like a parent sees their child who won't eat their broccoli (not that that ever happenned in my childhood...) And that analogy is absolutely true. I'm kind of a stuborn guy. I like it to go my way. As I have learned here in Panamá, my way is almost never the Lord's way. As I throw my tantrum and refuse to eat my spiritual "broccoli," I'm missing out on opportunities to grow and become more like Christ. To experience His power in my life and in the lives of others. To understand what He truly meant when He said, " or whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." (Matt. 16:25) He also said, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9. These two scriptures will decide how your mission goes. If you submit to the Lord's will and "lose your life for [His] sake," (aka, living the mission rules, working hard, relying on the Spirit, seeking the kingdom of God and not that of yourself, etc.) As you do these things you will see the Lord work His power in your life and mission. If you decide to do your own will and follow your own desires, you will see a mission equal to how much you can do on your own. God can do infinitely more than we can. We just have ti be humble enough to accept it.
Well, that's my email for the week. I hope it suffices. I'm still working on becoming a person that Christ wants me to be and a missionary that these people need me to be. I still need to make a lot of changes and become even more dedicated, but little by little we'll get there. I love this work. I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I know this church is God's church on this earth and that Christ leads it today through his prophets and apostles.
Love,
Elder Lincoln Nelson
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