Week 28 - February 3, 2026 - Koiwa

It has been another week! It feels like P-day was yesterday, but there was so much that happened it also feels like it's been two weeks. It's a weird feeling that's been haunting me here in Koiwa... 2 years feels long, but it is also way too short! I've learned so much this week I pray I can concisely share some of it with you. 

Highlights:

-Awesome DCM about the Book of Mormon

-Transfer day (both me and my comp are staying so not too exciting, but the new missionaries in my district are amazing!)

-Met some amazing people, and taught some amazing lessons!

-Best Fast Sunday I have ever had! 

READ THIS PART

Please read Elder Bednar's "They Are Their Own Judges" from October 2025 in conjunction with Alma 40-42 if you are wondering about Judgment or agency (freedom to choose)

I have always been a little confused when I read scriptures on the condemnation of the wicked. Thinking, "Why would a loving Heavenly Father send so many of His children to earth, knowing that they would suffer?" or in Alma's words to his son Corianton, "Ye do try to suppose that it is injustice that the sinner should be consigned to a state of misery."

God loves His children!

"The Prophet Joseph Smith declared that God, “before [the earth] rolled into existence, … contemplated the whole of the events connected with the earth. … [God] knew … the depth of iniquity that would be connected with the human family, their weakness and strength, … the situation of all nations and … their destiny, … and [He] has made ample provision [for mankind’s] redemption”"

"Moreover, though we live in a failing world, we have not been sent here to fail."

-Elder Maxwell

The very reason that we have our agency is to grow. We have the opportunity to choose God and love our neighbor. In fact we have been commanded to do so. 

The use of our agency, or freedom to choose, so vitally important in our eternal progression. Now is the time to show God who we want to become. This state is the probationary state for us to choose whether or not we desire for good or evil. 

"And it is requisite with the justice of God that men should be judged according to their works; and if their works were good in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that they should also, at the last day, be restored unto that which is good."

-Alma 41:3

This is why the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is crucial in Heavenly Father's Plan of Redemption. He has already planned for all of our mistakes, sins, guilt, and all "uncleanness," so that if we choose, everyone can return to His presence in eternal happiness. 

"And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement, should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also."

"Therefore, O my son, whosoever will come may come and partake of the waters of life freely: and whosoever will not come the same is not compelled to come; but in the last day it shall be restored unto him according to his deeds."

-Alma 42:15, 27

One last quote, this one is from Elder Bednar, "A familiar hymn is titled “Choose the Right” for a reason. We have not been blessed with moral agency to do whatever we want whenever we will. Rather, according to the Father’s plan, we have received moral agency to seek after and act in accordance with eternal truth. As “agents unto [ourselves],” we should engage anxiously in good causes, “do many things of [our] own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness.”'

I have had experiences that give me confidence is saying I know that souls are eternal. One day we will be restored to our bodies. I know God loves His children! 

I love all of you! 

Elder Wardle