October 15th-Onward, ever onward

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On Tuesday We had the craziest move ever. We had to move a lady's two storage units into one across town. The hard part was that her storage units were on the second floor and someone had to use a forklift to bring us up and we had to load the crate and bring it down. It took us 3 trips and roughly 6 hours to do it all. With these types of moves I constantly remind my self that I am only in the service of my God. The good news is that she said we could come over soon and teach her.

On Wednesday we had an awesome zone conference, and I am pumped. I was really inspired to become more obedient to all of the rules of the mission. I know that true joy on the mission comes from strict obedience and diligence.

Thursday, was not so good. After meeting with a less active in the ward, a man comes out and says that he wants us to come over and talk to him. He was super nice and we were super excited. He invited us in and he told us that he was Muslim and he has always wanted to talk to us. He wanted us to tell him about our beliefs, so we did. But not even a few minutes in he starts asking us questions that I didn't understand, and when we tried to explain something he would twist our words so it made us look stupid. He was a nice guy but it didn't seem like he wanted to know about our beliefs but just to tell us all the wrong things we believe in. We told him that we wanted to come back with the answers he wanted. I left feeling sick. I know I wasn't prepared and I didn't even use it as an opportunity to testify. This experience has been weighing on my soul all week and we plan on going back with the ZLs to answer all questions by the power of the Holy Ghost. I learned so much from this, and was truly humbled. I never want to leave an encounter like that without boldly testifying of Jesus Christ.

in other news, It rained for the first time since i have been in California, I was pumped! I got to wear my rain coat and go out, It was so awesome! The rain has been a total miracle. I know that every night the whole mission prays for rain, and the prayers were answered in a huge rain storm!

I have gained such a great testimony of repentance this week. I know that when I am not as diligent, or hard working, or strict, or I don't testify when I need to, I can repent. I know that each day I can start new and become better. I am so grateful to renew my covenants each Sunday and become spotless. I know that Jesus Christ suffered for all the sins and mistakes ever made, I know that he suffered for my mistakes so that I can be made a new creature through his atonement. I know Jesus Christ died and lived again because he is the son of God. 

 Mosiah 27:24
 For, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit.

I love being a servant of God each day.
love,
Elder Judd




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