Hello once more my dears! I never know how to start these things off, but I do want to show some gratitude and thank you for reading this! Really, it means a lot getting emails from people and talking about things I may have written. It feels good to be remembered while I'm away in England! So yes, Thank Youuuu! I hope I can get better each week.
First off, why not another fun fact about England. I learned this from a senior missionary couple. Why is it that they drive on the left side of the road?! It really is quite mental, yet the reasoning is quite understandable? In olden times, riding on the path, you would pass another knight. I guess they would salute, or clang swords together as you pass? Most, of course, were right handed, so that's why they would have to ride on the left. I guess they just kept that tradition, hence they drive on the left. Not to mention, the driving wheel is on the right. Roads here are mental. No organization whatsoever. Their rule on jaywalking? Its completely legal, but if you don't pay attention and you get ran over? Your fault, and you might have to pay for the damage you could do to the car. Anyways, enough about that oddity!
This week has been yet another great one, but a challenge. You see, we are constantly seeing miracles, and teaching people the truth is always such wonderful thing. This week, a man returned from Africa, lets call him Luigi, and he is going to be baptized this Friday. Also, another lady we have been teaching, erm, how about Annabeth. She has accepted to be baptized on the 20th! Heavenly Father always provides a way to accomplish His commandments! So two great things, but wheres the challenge? Well.. when you fall ill and lose your voice... it can be discouraging at times. I want to share the gospel, so when I try to get someone's attention, I just can't do it! Gahhh.. It really is the worst. Being a missionary, in England, trying to share the gospel to someone, and you can't really talk. So yes, quite ill, and I believe I am getting better, thank goodness. Honestly, its mostly in the flat where I am the sickest. Heavenly Father always blesses me when I'm out of the flat serving, and testifying. I always cough less, and have more energy out in the streets! I don't tell you these things to.. like get pity. My thought this week applies to this though. Why do we have to go through hard things? If I'm serving God, why would he allow me to get ill? Why not just perfectly protect me?
This is of course going into the title, "The Refiner's Fire." Here is a great Mormon Message that explains it really well. Perhaps click this link, and then come back to finish my thought. Yes, I would encourage that greatly!
Nice one, right?! That poor lady. At first, I thought I was being a bit ridiculous feeling bad about myself when someone has gone through much worse, and I'm sure someone has even gone through worse than her. That doesn't mean we can't still realize we are suffering in some way or another, and get help. We need help through the refining process. For we do not receive a witness until after the trial of our faith. We must endure all things well to come out stronger than before. Things I have learned from being ill: When I do not have much of a voice, and can't talk near as much before I start coughing, I had to make sure every word, every sentence of a testimony or doctrine count. It really helped me say things more simply, and powerful. It made me be more grateful when I do have a healthy body that isn't exhausted. I am even thankful simply to have a body! What a wonderful gift it is! We have something that our Heavenly Father has! So when we are in the Refiner's Fire, we would do well to realize that is where we are, and refining is what is taking place. Heavenly Father does this because He loves us. He trusts us with this opportunity to learn, to grow, and to improve. This is why we are here on Earth. Do not get discouraged. Do not shrink. Remember our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. For He felt the pains and sufferings for all people! Everyone. That includes yourself. You are not going through the refining alone. He is always reaching out, willing to walk with you to get through this and come out stronger.
I really hope that wherever your life has taken you, is now taking you, and will take you, that you will remember that all is for a grand purpose. Heavenly Father knows what you need more than what you think you need. Trust Him, and exercise faith in The Atonement. "Be Still My Soul" is a wonderful song to listen to during times of refining. He will never leave us abandoned. I am so thankful for everything Heavenly Father has entrusted me with. I hope to do my best, and make Him proud. I love you, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Enjoying the Refiner's Fire, but hoping to not make anyone else sick,
- Elder Bennett
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| Beautiful Sunset! |
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| Granny Milly is the sweetest lady! Love her! So glad to spend Thanksgiving with her |
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| District Meetings are so fun! Love them! |
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| Made some lovely cookies, thank you mum! |
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| Just a little service, dug some holes and put in some football goals |
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Proper muddy, bleh, did not like that. Glad they could enjoy themselves though!
Baha. Elder Kissell and Nelson even ended up wrestling in it |
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