Elder Gray and I are doing work in Merced together. We have been all over the stake this last
week helping to prep apartments for new missionary companionships. As a result of all the hauling that we were
going to have to do, the mission switched our cars! We are now driving a small pick-up truck, a
Nissan. Christmas came early!
And as if driving a truck wasn't enough, our teaching pool
is taking off again! Bertha and Jessica
will be baptized this next Saturday.
Bertha's younger son set a date for December 10. The Hmong branch is keeping the fire bright
too! Saint (11) and Stephen (12) came to
church for the first time on Sunday.
Both boys were immediately surrounded by friends and loved the
service. We went by after church to
watch Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration with them, and they loved that
too! Their testimonies are taking
off. Both of them moved out of the
picture book version of the Book of Mormon and into the iconic blue-bound
one. Stephen is trying to read a chapter
a day!
We taught one of the three Jasons we visit on Wednesday, and
it was one of the most powerful discussions I have ever had on the topic of
repentance. Teaching from the tailgate
of the truck might have played a part in that, and without a doubt the Spirit
was doing the heavy lifting. We talked
about consciences for a bit, and not very deeply, but it came to me again that
the conscience is one of the clearest evidences to me of God's love for his
children.
This week I have had a scripture on my mind, Moroni 7:47-48:
"But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it
endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day,it shall
be well with him.
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father
with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he
hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye
may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for
we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified
even as he is pure. Amen."
Something that I noticed as I continued to think about the
words, is that the punctuation in the second verse can carry two meanings. First, we should all pray specifically for
charity so that we can be filled with charity.
The second meaning I found is that a natural result of sincere communication
with the Father is an increase in Christlike love. Looking back on my missionary service here in
Merced, I can say with certainty that as my prayers have become more heartfelt,
regardless of the subject of my prayers, my love for those we visit regularly
and those we pass of the street has grown immensely. I can no longer walk by someone without
wanting to stop them and share the message of the restoration. Everyone needs the peace that understanding
the fullness of Jesus Christ's teachings can bring.
I find the example of Jesus Christ so incredible. I found this quote from the prophet Spencer
W. Kimball in my studies this week:
"Jesus said several times, 'Come, follow me.' His was a
program of 'do what I do,' rather than 'do what I say.' His innate brilliance
would have permitted him to put on a dazzling display, but that would have left
his followers far behind. He walked and worked with those he was to serve. His
was not a long-distance leadership. He was not afraid of close friendships; he
was not afraid that proximity to him would disappoint his followers. The leaven
of true leadership cannot lift others unless we are with and serve those to be
led." (Jesus: The Perfect Leader, August 1979 Ensign).
I am so grateful for my Savior. He is the best example to be found.
With love,
Elder Jared Cummings
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