Elder Isaac Wardle's Mission Letters

Highlights -President interviews! -Baptism date! -Becoming evil Santa for a friend (I told him my gift wasn't from me) -Cougarettes came to Japan? READ THIS PART As always, interviews with President was insightful and spiritually defining. I expressed my goals about trying to be more loving and charitable, and he asked me this question: "Why is it hard to love?" Good question. He then shared this with me: the opposite of love = hate = enmity "The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means “hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.” It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us." - President Benson ("Beware of Pride" April 1989) After some reflection and study, yeah I think I'm the most proud (冗談). But honestly, I have held myself back by feeling like I can do something better than another, or feeling more capable than someone else, or being stressed with other people...

Had some drastic up and downs this week, but no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing! Highlights: -Streeted a guy who came to english class and church! -Had 6 friends at church! -Zone Conference (I am now smart) -Put a friend on baptism date! -Took that friend off baptism date! (still progressing though don't worry) -Gave a talk at church! -Talked to sooo many awesome people READ THIS PART I love the members in my ward! It brings me so much comfort knowing that the light of Christ lifts, strengthens, and blesses others around the world.  Discouragement with the language, rejection, and feelings of inadequacy are all comforted and eased as soon as I talk with the incredible disciples of Christ that I am blessed to work with.  The joy that comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ is real!  "O how great the holiness of our God! For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it" (2 Nephi 9:20). God has a perfect plan for your happiness! But on t...

Super fun week of learning and even more learning Highlights: -made some awesome district goals!  -Indo curry -6 friends come to our brownie activity! -seeing progression in our friends -got an awesome refferal from the APs -mystery rat infestation  -solving the mystery rat infestation -our new DCS leader is amazing! -got cursed out for the first time in Japan (I consider it a win) READ THIS PART For Zone Conference this week, we were asked to give the training for the missionary standard, 4.3 Stress Management. I felt a little called out, but it has been a great opportunity for me to reflect on what has helped me throughout the mission, and recognize how much I have grown to rely on my Savior! Missionary work is the best! Sharing about Jesus Christ brings so much joy. But I also like this part from "Adjusting to Missionary Life,"  "At other times, however, you may face unexpected problems or experiences that are more difficult or unpleasant than you anticipated. You mig...

This week has been so much fun! Highlights: -Survived Friday! (4 lessons in very different locations, plus making an ad) -Had Udon for the first time with a member! -Had three new friends, and three less-active members come to church! -Being humbled, and letting love be my motive READ THIS PART There is peace in Christ! When we learn of him, listen to his words, and let them come alive, there is peace in Christ! He gives us hope, strength, and shelter when we can't go on, and when there is no peace on earth, there is peace in Christ.  "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27) There is peace that your efforts are enough, that you are worth it, and that the people surrounding you are  precious sons and daughters of the Living God!  God never leaves us alone! Even during the times of extreme distress, anxiety, and it seems like the heavens are closed, Th...