So, this week was awesome

Nothing really crazy went on.  I went on splits with our district leader.  He went with my comp and I went with Elder S from Florida and we worked in his sector for the day.  First time that I had left the sector to work since being here.

We contacted this guy on the street and he started talking about how our religion believes that God is unkind and mean. I was blown away, as our beliefs help us know that God is just, but merciful and loving.  He was using all kinds of religious knowledge and information and I was trying to testify and tell our simple clear beliefs, trying not to contend, but also just trying to speak as he would not let us for much of the time.  And then out of the blue, this lady came up and asked the man if he had met the mormons before.  She said that she was a member of a different nearby ward, and immediately began to testify of the truth of the Book of Mormon and our message.  Shes was a little older and probably the kindest person I've met, but she was kind of telling this guy what's up.  She then said goodbye and headed off.  The guy wouldn't let us go, so after we left him, we looked for her but couldn't find her to thank her.  It was really cool anyway.

We were able to challenge two investigators to baptism and they both accepted, for which the both of us were really glad.  We have lots of work to do with them and we are praying that all goes well.

But, the highlight of the week was general conference.  The general conference of our church is a conference that is held twice a year, during the which the Apostles and the Prophet, the presidency of our Church, speak.  I know that the man we call a prophet really is a prophet.  This knowledge and belief were confirmed by the Spirit during the conference.  Just listen to him! He is a man called by God to speak to us.

I learned a lot from conference.  Afterwards, I felt spiritually filled.  It was like the feeling of satisfaction that comes after a big delicious Chilean lunch during a long work week haha.

They spoke about several topics, but a few that stood out to be was the importance of truth and finding out for ourselves.  We should seek answers to our questions, trusting in God rather than in the doctrines of the world.  We do it an an unbiased way by maintaining an open heart and having the sincere desire to know, as well as the real intent to act upon whatever asnwer we receive.  We were encouraged to trust and follow the Prophet, but to also seek confirming revelation for what our leaders say.  Our leaders are called by God and are not elected or choose to be in that position based on their own knowledge or experience.  

Also, the work of salvation was strongly reinforced.  they spoke of preaching the gospel, supporting one another (as brothers of the church or brothers outside the church) and about the sacred work of the temple.

Much mention was made to respecting our fellowman, giving to the poor and loving everyone.

We may disagree, but not be disagreeable.

A man without a purpose is like a boat without a rudder.

Our daily actions are based on our goals.  Let us have good goals.

Absolute truth exists.

We share the gospel not out of obligation, but out of the sincere desire we have to share the joy and happiness we have encountered therein.

These aren't word for word quotes, but some of the things that I got out of the messages.

I love this gospel. That is why I decided to preach it.  It helped me and it can help you.  Just use it every day.  I love Christ and I am so grateful for the gospel He gave us.

Elder Peck