Letter 1/14/13

Dear Family,

Again another week flies by, and again I write you my weekly epistle.  My memory is very elusive, and details are often shaded into a fog of a distant memory.  What comes to mind is the usual, standard, and basic workings of the week, and monatany ensues.  (Shippa, if you haven't noticed, I am just trying to keep up to your scholarly ambiance.)

But, this week our mission has completely changed its focus.  We are still focusing on the main doctrines of the Gospel, but we are shifting our MAIN focus on the "Principles and ordinances of the Gospel"  (Articles of Faith 1:4).  The main principles of the Gospel are found within THE Doctrine of Christ as missionaries, though, we teach people the 42 basic principles of the Gospel to help them advance in the Doctrine of Christ.  WE:  Teach them to build FAITH; Invite them to REPENT; lead them into ordinances such as BAPTISM and CONFIRMATION; and encourage them to ENDURE on the path which leads to Eternal life.  (These 42 principles are found within the 3rd chapter of "Preach My Gospel").

In reaction to this newfound focus, President Greer has asked that we transform our personal and companionship studies.  We first read the principle in PMG and take out the main points contained within it.  Then we think of inspired questions that we can ask during our lesson with invistigators.  We find scriptures to back up claim and teaching.  Finally we come up with concerns or analogies we think the investigator will ask.  As the new "study program" begins, there are many advantages.  WE begin to prepare ourselves to train the new missionaries coming out and we, in turn, grow further ourselves.

I know you probably would like an "awesome story, or something "Epic", but I really won't think of these things until about a month later.  I try to write them in my journal, but it is much worse than the letters I send.  I do write every night, but it is more full of thoughts and impressions rather than actual, daily content.  I I know I will want to remember everything that happened, but when I try to write it all down it sounds very mundane.  I will try to have more next week!

Love,
Elder Rex Hamblin