WEEK 6 Email

MTC
COMPANIONS: Seumanutafa, Parkinson

Hello all who read this,
Well this has been a very good week for Elder DeSchepper. I have become very comfortable with speaking Cebuano only for long periods of time. I imagine that the sooner i forget all of my English the better. I am preparing the best that i possible can so upon my arrival in the Philippines there will not be any reason for me to not be able to teach. It will definitely take some time getting used to the culture, and being fluent in the language, but i have full confidence in my ability to speak through the Holy Ghost. This week has been very eye-opening for me, and i have received answers to prayers through diligence in seeking the spirit. It is true that all missionaries should have the Holy Ghost always, but recently i have had some experiences with some certain Elders where that has not been the case. I feel so honored and proud to wear the name of the savior of the world over my heart all day every day for two years. There was a story one man told in a devotional a while back where a man from Ecuador was baptized into the church, along with his family. Over the years this man and his wife were finally able to serve a mission, and that day when he pinned that tag onto his lapel, he never felt closer to Jesus Christ. It is amazing how this statement is only true if all of the missionaries heart, might, mind, and strength, is put into this work. I am happy to say that I feel worthy to wear this name tag and there is not a day where I take it for granted. It is really true how missionary work blesses the lives of missionaries along with all of those around. There was one day this week where my companions and I taught our teacher, Brother Morrey, a lesson about repentance. The spirit of the Holy Ghost was definitely apparent throughout the lesson, and it turned out to be a very emotional time for me. I am so grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ in my life where I am able to repent and forsake all of my wrong-doings. Our Savior Jesus Christ has already suffered for the sins of the world, so there is no reason why repentance should not take place in each of our individual lives. I know that throughout all of our lives we will all make mistakes, and feel the sorrow that comes from sinning. Our father in heaven knows and loves each one of us so much that we have this wonderful opportunity to live our lives here on this earth. To learn and to grow in the ways that the Lord has asked of us. I testify that through all of the trials and the burdens we each face, there is a way. Jesus Christ is the light and the way for us to return to live in the presence of our father in heaven once again. I know this to be true for I have felt the love of God in my own life. I pray that we all find this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

with all of my love, Elder Jake William DeSchepper