June???!!! REALLY??!

Man, it just occurred to me that with the end of this week, brings the beginning of June. And I am stunned by that fact. Elder Evans likes to remind me of that, as well that Elder Heinrich (who is technically only 4 transfers older than me) goes home in 2 weeks. :-P  Where did all the time go? I swear I just started my mission only  a few days ago. I never would have imagined that I would be sitting in this position.

I am a bit low on time so I will just stick to the main events of the week. It was another difficult week. Things were looking up, but as they sometimes do, they all came back down. All of our appointments fell out this week, which isn't all that uncommon, but it isn't always the most optimal. However out of we were able to find 15 people who are interested in learning more. :-) 

Monday we found 9 of them, that was really cool. 5 of them we found on the way to Starnberger See, the Zone Leaders, Munich 2 sisters, Assistants  and us all went out down there to go hike. It was cool and very pretty, but on the way to meet up with them, I saw some Nigerians who were trying to figure out how to get to Obersendlingen, I showed them the way and got to talk to them a bit. It was a family of 5. Isaac, his brother Ken, Isaac's wife, and 12 year old Daughter, and 14 year old son who wanted to meet with us!! They lived in Kieferngarten and I said I was going to call them on Wednesday to make an appointment out. Well I did, and I found out they (being asylum seekers) were transferred out of Munich into Kaufbeuren's area (You should of heard Kaufbeuren when I told them that a Family of 5 just moved into there area and wants to know more). 

Then later on the way back home after trying to visit someone, we get into the U-bahn and I sit next to a family that I found, who turn out to be from Iraq. Mom, dad, and 2 super energetic children (9 year old boy and a 6 year old Girl). I start talking to them and the children started to DRILL me with questions, they came and sat across from me and were asking me every question imaginable. How old are you? Where are you from? Are you married? Do you have kids? Do you like kids? How many do you want to have? Do you like to learn?... the list goes on. 

Finally somewhere down the line they asked me if I like music and could sing, I said yes and then they both in Unison said "alright sing us a song!" and then both sat back with their arms folded giving me this smug look like "Lets hear it". Oh snap, I am in a full U-bahn, and these two kids want me to sing a solo off the top of my head... I was stunned and paused then grabbed my hymn book flipped it open somewhat randomly to "Come thou fount of Every Blessing" (yes, it's in the German hymn book) And then sang a couple lines, trying to not draw to much attention and ignoring those who were then looking at me. Yeah I really did sing in an U-bahn full of people. Then they were like "Sing another song! Sing another song!" Luckily We arrived at Hauptbahnhof where they (and we got off) I talked to the dad, and told him a bit more about the church, and it turns out they live in Pasing, Munich 2's area. He gave me there information and I passed it on to the Sisters who went and visited them. It went alright, it was a bit rough because of the energetic children, but they will keep trying! :-)

 Nataly sadly had to cancel on us, because she was called in to take an emergency shift, but we should be able to meet with her again this week. We were able to get in contact and meet with Phillipe, which was cool. He is somewhat agnostic, but is open to here more about the gospel. He is moving this week, so we can't meet with him, but we will hopefully meet with him again next week.

Other than that, we were out and about it. Not much more to add, a normal week. Yesterday however, was Ward Conference, which was awesome. It was very uplifting, which was very needed.

We had 3 lessons back to back to back, which should have filled the rest of the day (with Travel between included) but the first 2 fell out. And we were unsuccessful at contacting and confirming the last one. But we prayed that he would be there, Munich one was praying for us that he would be there (because up to that point in the week we had only 1 lesson that actually was successful). We went and rang his doorbell and waited, and waited.. Right as I was about to give up and walk away, he let us in! Thank goodness. 

We had a really good lesson with him.  REALLY good. He knows the bible fairly well, and is really believes strongly in it, so I used it most all the lesson. It went well, I love acts 3:19-21. Especially in English, when they are using another bible not the King James. Most people have the alternate versions which is awesome. Because then it uses the word "Restoration" as opposed to "Restitution" They mean essentially the same thing, but I love reading it when it says "Restoration of all things" Then pulling out the pamphlet and showing the cover which says "THE RESTORATION". It's has proved powerful in illustrating the point. Anyway, we talked about the Priesthood authority, how it was lost after the apostles died. At this point he had a big concern, because he knew of a pastor who could heal people, open the eyes of the blind, and cause the deaf to be able to hear again, and then he asked us "are you telling me that that is not the Power of God?".

Immediately without hesitation I opened my mouth and God filled it with the words that I needed to speak. The spirit Enlightened my mind, and brought up a number of scriptures to use and to back it up with doctrine  The main two that were brought to my mind were Moroni 10:9-17 and then Matthew 7:21-23. The truth is that there are people, who have faith and have the gifts of the Spirit. Some to heal, some to perform miracles, some to speak in Tongues and each gift is distributed according to faith and the will of God. 

However, it is not to be confused with the Priesthood power. in Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus is giving us all a warning, there are those who will have these gifts and do these amazing miracles, and will truly think that they are working for God. But they will not humble themselves as children, they will be blinded by there pride and this gift and will think that they have power and Authority of God.  And that they (if they do not acknowledge the full truth and authority of the Priesthood) will be made aware at the last day that even though they had these gifts they had ignored the full truth from God and did not have everything they needed to enter into the Kingdom of God. 

I formed it a bit differently as the spirit directed me, but there is the doctrine behind it that was given to me. I was an incredible experience for me. It was a question which on my own I could not have answered. Not off the top of my head so quickly as that. It was a literal and powerful manifestation and reminder to me of the promise in D&C 33:8-10, as well as in Section 84 verse 85. It was neat and I KNOW that God is leading this work, and that as we strive to teach his children, he will enlighten our minds and give us the words which we need to speak. And that with his help we "will not be confounded before men".

I know that this church is the true Church. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and I know that through him, God restored his Priesthood keys, the power and Authority to act in his name. I know that the Book of Mormon truly is the word of God. And I am so happy to be here and be able to spread this message.

I am now out of time but wish you all the best! Have a great week!

Love,
Elder Ryan K. Christensen

Frustration, Miracles, and a Fresh Start

This e-mail will need to be super short, sorry. We have an appointment and need to catch a train in an hour maybe... We actually haven't been able to get a hold of him to confirm yet, and after a week where we had 14 appointments, 11 of which fell out, we have learned that if you can't call a few hours a head and confirm, then the appointment WILL fall out. And because Nigerians would rather lie than say no, if they really don't want to meet with you, you can call them 30 minutes a head and they will say "yeah I will be there"  and then run out the door and go somewhere... grr... 

Anyway, yeah, so this week was alright, actually in some places it was really amazing. Miracles have happened  I mention a few weeks back that one time we went and visited Brother Griffin in the hospital right? He had an advanced stage lung cancer that had spread to the lymph nodes and the doctors thought that he only had a few months to live, but they were going to try a series of surgeries which could help. They started him on Chemo therapy for a while and then he went into the hospital to have the first surgery. He had gotten a hold of Brother Jarman, the High priest group leader, and he and Brother Wood went and gave him a blessing that all would be well and he would be healed. 

The first surgery was a success, and his recovering astounded the doctors, the day after they removed a lob of his lung he was able to get up and walk around. And was released from the hospital a week later. The second surgery at first looked impossible. It was a sarcoma that was in a really bad location, one which probably would have killed him if they were to operate, but with time it moved to a safer location where they thought that he would probably lose some function of his arm, but that they could remove it. 

He came in, and was really nervous, but received another blessing, with the same promise, that he would be healed. That surgery also went remarkably well. And upon scanning him, the cancer was COMPLETELY GONE. They had planned to do another few surgeries, but now the cancer in his whole body is COMPLETELY GONE. No traces of it. He is healed and will be released from the hospital tomorrow. (And as far as I know has complete use of his arm). He hasn't come to church in a really long time but has had contact with some members of the ward. After talking to Bro Wood a few days ago he said that he was going to start coming back to church. That is an absolute miracle. 

I also had the chance to give a blessing with a miraculous outcome as well. We got a call from Brother Wood that Brother Wilson was in the hospital and needed a blessing, we, having time, were able to go, and Brother Wood took us. He had been in the hospital for a couple of days at that point in time and the doctors didn't know what he had. We arrive and find his room, and were allowed to go in. Usually, they weren't allowing visitors, but they allowed us to go in, on the conditions that we put on full body gowns, gloves and masks. Which I thought strange, but I must say that I enjoyed the feeling ;-). 

We get into the room and Brother Wilson looked very pale and tired. We said hi and he somewhat smiled but wasn't saying anything. Elder Evans anointed and I sealed, and in the blessing I mentioned twice that he would be healed and receive strength again to do that which was asked of him. I closed and stepped back. The color had come back to his face and he looked better, we talked with him and his wife for a bit, then left. I called his sister Wilson a couple days later to see how he was doing, and she reported to me that when she came back the next day he looked a lot better, he was happy, he had more strength then before and was doing well. The doctors finally figured out what was ailing him, but he had made such a huge recovery to the point that medications weren't any longer necessary and he was released the next day (the day of the phone call). 

What a huge opportunity and blessing it is to have this Priesthood authority God. To have the opportunity to be His servant, though despite my best efforts, an unprofitable servant, and yet, He still allows me to have a part of this work. I still have the opportunity to hold this Priesthood power, and get to exercise it according to the need and faith of His children. It has really caused me to be much more thoughtful and grateful of all the blessings that we enjoy. What a blessing it has been, and is to be here. What a blessing it has been, is and will be to have a knowledge of this gospel. To know that God loves us the same yesterday, today, and forever. That he has a plan for us, and that He wants us to know His plan and draw near unto Him. 

Those were the main Highlights of the week. We also have enjoyed some success in other areas and I am grateful to be apart of it. One of the things that I have really been hoping for is to be able to help the Munich 2 sisters out a bit. They have had a really hard time finding people to teach, having opened up a new area at the same time that we did. And because the whole city is my area and I contact for all the wards, I was especially praying that we would be able to find them some people to teach. 

One day this past week on an Exchange with Elder Orchard, I was sitting at a tram station, and just asked the lady next to me how she was doing that day. She said " I am doing well" (then seeing the Book of Mormon that I was strategically holding in my hand) she asked "What is the Book of Mormon?" I smiled and talked to her for 2 minutes or so about the Book and our Church. I gave it to her. Then just before the tram arrived (Like Seconds) she asked me "Why are there so many Christians churches in the world?". I told her that we would like to talk about that some time with her, and I made out an appointment for Sunday at 4.30 PM. The sisters went and gave me a call afterwards (very excited) that it went really really well, and that both her and her husband want to learn more! :-) That was cool. 

But yeah, those are the really amazing points of the week. :-) Things are looking up for this week, and I am excited to have a fresh new start! :-) I hope you all have a great week!

Love,

Elder Ryan K. Christensen

Eine Woche der Wundern

(A Week of Wonders)

This week was pretty amazing, So many Neat things have happened, and I sit here at the end, and can only be grateful. Monday, was a bit rough, it wasn't a very good P-day and because of a lack of preparation for Mothers day  and other things, it cost us some valuable time. After taking care of all that, we left to start our proselyting time. 

We walked out of the Internet cafe and I had a feeling we should go by on Chris Ameiza, a potential who we were having a hard time getting in contact with. He lived over by Innsbruckerring, which is only 2 stops on the U-bahn from Giesing (where we live) (Giesing by the way, is the name for this part of the City of Munich). So we go there. It was rainy, a bit chilly, rather annoying for missionary work because most people don't want to stop and talk to you. Anyway we go there, and well, he isn't there. 

So we started going door to door in the area (there being no one on the streets) and after the first building I looked out across the street, and down a little, and I felt that we should go door to door there. So I tell Elder Evans and we go. We door the first set of doors, no one had interest. It was now around 7:50 or so, and neither of us had eaten anything all day. We had originally planned to be home at 8 and have dinner. So that is what we were going to do, but then I felt like we should go one more set before we go home. So we did.

 The very first door we knocked on was Christiana. She originally said that she wasn't interested, but I bore a bit more testimony. She then asked me a few questions (all in English by the way, she is Nigeria, so we can teach her!) "Do you fast?" I said yes. "Do you believe in the gift of Tongues and other gifts of the Spirit". I said of course, and then told her a few more of our beliefs upon which she said "Ok, now I can meet with you". She had visited many churches and couldn't find one that she believed in. I invited her to church and got her phone number so I could arrange to meet her on Sunday. She was way cool! And she came, but I will talk more about that when I get to Sunday.

Nothing to extraordinary about Tuesday, we practiced for the musical Number for Mission Tour, Elders Klappert, Johnson Müller and I. We added Sister Bice from Stuttgart in on Thursday, but we sang I believe in Christ, Elder Müller accompanied us on the Violin. First verse Unison, second verse accapella parts, we skipped the 3 verse, and sang the 4th in German parts, with the Violin playing and octave above. It was pretty cool. :-)

Wednesday we met with Nataly, which went REALLY well. We brought the Hunsakers with us and it was a great lesson. We talked about Following the prophets and apostles, why we have them, and then watched a few clips from Special Witnesses of Christ. It went well, but we will need to push back the baptismal date. She doesn't quite feel ready, and wants to be absolutely sure that this is the true church before she will get baptized, because as I may have mentioned last week, she recognizes that it is a big change. 

That night we were invited to the McPhee family for dinner. But before that Elder Evans and I went by on some potentials we had down near Holzapfelkreuth. Neither one was there, but we still had 10 minutes before the Office Elders came and picked us up with their car, so we started going door to door in the area. On the 10th door we knocked on a Man answered and I started speaking with him in German, and he stopped me and asked if I speak English. YES! I do. I talked to him about the family for a bit, and he was going to invite us in on the spot, but we didn't have time, so we made an appointment out for Saturday! We were so excited that twice in the week, after going door to door for only minutes we had found English speaking potentials.

Thursday, nothing really exciting happened we had weekly planning, and help pick up the Stuttgart Elders and bring them to the Mission office to spend the night. The Sisters were lucky, they got to stay in the mission home :-) When all the other Elders, 18 of them, stayed in the office, which already houses 7 Elders... VERY OVERLOADED. We took two with us back here to our apartment, but our apartment is small, so that is all we could take. Too bad that those are the only two places in the Munich where Elders live...

Anyway Friday was amazing we had Mission tour, which nearly took up the entire day. Elder Teixeira, the Area President Came and spoke to us, and it was amazing!

Skipping to Saturday, We met with the man we found on Wednesday on the 10th floor. We found out that he is from Tibet.  We started talking and found out that he has met people from nearly every Christian denomination and has listed to them speak. He is buddhist but believes on Jesus Christ. He asked us if we could pull out our bible, and he goes to the cupboard and pulls out a brand new book of Mormon, with a card in it. I was shocked. I asked if I could see the card, and I looked at it, and recognized the number as the new Munich 2 sisters, who came here (Munich) the same time we did. 

Sister Smith (from Munich 3) was on exchange with Sister Scoggin, and had asked us if she had given us the information of a really cool guy from Tibett. She hadn't, but we found him through dooring!! He told us that everywhere he has been he has met missionaries from our church that he can't seem to escape it and that he thinks God wants him to meet with us and hear our message. I was shocked, but he said it with such conviction that I knew he was completely serious. He asked us what is so important about the Book of Mormon, and why we should read it, and off we went. That lesson was probably the greatest lesson I have ever had with an investigator my in my whole mission. 

I used an example that I have used in 9 transfers, because the spirit told me to use it, and when I explained it, everything clicked for him, and the spirit was so strong, there was such an enlightenment there. Essentially I compared the truth of the gospel to a plate, and the time of Christ and the apostles it was one complete plate, The apostles and prophets support the plate and protect it. But people became wicked and killed the apostles, the plate, so to speak, fell and broke into many small pieces. The problem then was, is the church took pieces of the plate and called it the truth, which it was, but only pieces of it. But some other people saw different truth, and took different pieces of the plate... this is why there are so many christian churches today, and each of them have parts of the truth, but not all of it. 

He thought for a second and then asked, do you think God will ever bring back the full plate to the earth? Elder Evans and I smiled and we taught him about the restoration. It was incredible. Then we made out an appointment for next Saturday. I then asked him his name and he said "Tenzin". I wrote it down and thought, "ha, that's really funny, the sisters told me they found a golden investigator from Tibet and his name was Tenz... oh no..." 

The previous Monday I was talking to the sisters and they said that had an investigator who spoke English and a bit of German, and asked him if because he was being taught in English, if they should give him to us, I told them, that what ever ward he wants to attend, those missionaries should teach him. They were going to ask him and let us know. Well we happened to door into him, and teach him a full lesson. The funny thing was, is he had made an appointment out with the sisters for an hour later, and they were on the way there as we were leaving... They still ended up meeting with him, and he really likes both of us, so we will see what will happen. 

The sisters reaction was really funny when we told them that we had just taught their Golden investigator. I am pretty sure that the sisters in Munich consider me an investigator thief or something, because the night before I was calling some potentials that I had found in the book, and set up an appointment with one, when I found out that she had been meeting with the Sisters in Munich 3 for  8 months... She spoke perfect English, but was German...

Anyway that was cool. I don't have much time left, but Yesterday was quite crazy. So Like I said before Christiana came to church. I called her a few days earlier, and had told her to meet us at Innsbruckerring at 10:20 or so. Well that morning Elder Evans and I go, and we wait, and wait, and wait, I gave her a call but she didn't answer. In the meantime so people walked up out of the U-bahn, 2 guys and 2 girls who spoke English only, and they started mocking us with the most foul language I have ever heard, every single word they used, except for the prepositions  was vulgar. It was so putrid and vile, more than I ever thought was possible to come from a human mouth. They were walking away, so I just ignored them, because I knew there was nothing that I could say to them. 

At 10.30 we walked back down to the Platform and waited, and took the next U-bahn. We got quite a few stops, when I get a call from Christiana, asking if we are still meeting up for church, we said yes, and we made arrangements to meet at Sendlinger Tor, where we needed to switch U-bahns to get to church. Anyway, long story made short, because I am pretty much out of time, we met up with Christiana at Sendlingertor adt 11.05, church started at 11.30, we missed the u-bahn and had to wait ten minutes, ended up missing the bus, and waiting 10 minutes by Aidenbachstraße. 

We got on the bus, and as we were getting off to make the 7 minute walk to church it started to POUR, so much. I was pleading in Silent prayer that the rain would stop, because I was worried that they would be discouraged and not want to come (Christiana had brought her 3 daughters ages 12, 5, and 1, her husband wasn't able to make it this week). And as an answer to the prayer the thought came to my head "Trust me". "Alright" was my thought. 

Well we get off the bus and are ready to go, and it poured even harder. It didn't stop raining till we arrived at the church... of course it stopped when we arrived. Elder Evans and I had umbrellas, and had given them to Christianna and family to keep them dry. We showed up to church at 12.15 or so looking like we had just gone swimming... But they liked it and may come again next week. The husband, although he couldn't make it told the wife she needed to go and see if it is a place where they could worship, they are searching for a church. At the beginning the 12 year old was not very happy to be there, but afterwards she was asking if they are/could come back next week. 

"Trust me" who would have ever thought? Granted I went swimming and they stayed dry, I was soaked for most of church, but they had a good time! :-)

We will hopefully meet with them this week and teach them all together. :-) The Lord works in mysterious ways I will just say that. It was really hard on me, everything that happened, but the spirit was especially strong in the sacrament meeting, when we made it just in time to hear the high council man speak on eternal families, and sing hymn 300 families can be together forever... All in all it was very worth it. And if getting soaked to keep them dry didn't earn their trust, I am not sure what would... I am grateful that things happen according to God's wisdom and not mine, it always seems to work better that way. :-)

I wish you all a great week!

Love,
Elder Ryan K. Christensen

Parental Note:  We were able to skype Elder Christensen on Mother's Day for about an hour and 40 minutes.  It was AWESOME!!  We loved seeing his face, hearing his voice, and his laugh.  Those of you who know him know how fun that is.  He is VERY HAPPY and doing very well. 

He took some time to teach from the scriptures and talk with Josh about his upcoming mission.  That was so fun!  Each of the kids was looking up scriptures as he referenced them.  And we had a good family discussion.  

Best of all, he bore a very strong and powerful testimony of missionary work, the power of prayer, and his love of Heavenly Father.  What an amazing time we had. He even expressed some very loving  words for his brothers and sister.  Parents really like that!

Another Week has come and gone...

Well, this week was normal. Ups and downs as usual. Too many fallen out appointments. We had 3 appointments which we had accidentally scheduled for Sunday night at 6, and we had made out splits and had all the preparations to handle them. In order to prevent them from falling out we had called twice throughout the week to confirm everything. Then Saturday night, we find out that Ola, is working and can't be there. Ok, perfect now all we need to worry about is splitting with members for Charles (MIRACLE!!!!!) and then Familie Brucku. 

We had contact with Familie Brucku on Friday evening to confirm for Sunday at 6 pm. Charles we had made the appointment on Thursday. I call to confirm again with Charles. No answer. Then later he sends me a text and says " I be living in a small place, could I just come to your worship service?" I told him when and where it was, and then he texted and said he couldn't come tomorrow, but next week. :-( 

Alright, so now its just us and the familie Brucku, with Brother Backman (member of the bishopric) coming (Brother Brucku is a member and his daughter LOVES the church and the missionaries, but she is only 8 and can't come on her own) They haven't come to the church for awhile so we made an appointment and invited Brother Backman. Well, we were advised/chastised from brother Opare (who came with us to an appointment (which fell out on the spot)) that we should ALWAYS call 2 to 3 hours before and remind the family that you are coming, so that you know it won't fall out for sure. So we called, and called and called (over the space of 3 hours leading up to the appointment). No answer, so we cancel on Brother Backman, and we go by ourselves. Sure enough they weren't home. :-(

Yeah, but on the brightside Nataly and Loveth came to Church! Wait, you don't know who Loveth is. So nearly 2 weeks ago, on an U-bahn heading home I talked to Loveth, and got her phone number. We called out got her address, and long story short, we were able to finally meet with her on Tuesday, and we brought a brother Itama with us. It was a bit rough. She had a really hard time understanding, Brother Itama was a huge help on that, but it still had struggles. We then made out another appointment for this Monday, which fell out, but we met with her on Saturday evening, and had a really good lesson, and invited her to church. We went out and met her at Moosfeld, and had the absolute WORST luck getting to church. 

My word, we missed the first U-bahn by SECONDS, and had to wait 10 minutes for the next. Then at Sendlingertor ( I have mentioned before this very rarely ever works) we would have made it, if it were just her, but she had a 4 month old ( maybe?) daughter, and that caused us to JUST BARELY BARELY miss it. 10 more minutes we need to wait. Now we are in trouble, we are on the verge of being late to church. But to show you that God knows all and is in charge of all, we arrive and barely catch the bus, on which there were some other Nigerian Brothers specifically Brother Chuckwudi, who actually speaks the same Dialect as she does, and he is an INCREDIBLE member missionary, he immediately came and introduced himself, and they start speaking their dialect. She really liked it and will come again  next Sunday. 

Nataly is amazing. She made it to church! but was only able to make it to Sacrament meeting because then she needed to go work from 2 till 11 that night. She works as a traveling nurse, taking care of patients in their own homes. Because she works so late, she doesn't get home till midnight or so, then gets something small to eat, and finally gets to bed. She told us that she has a really hard time getting up in the morning, and was going to pray for the strength to make it to church. She made it! And we will meet with her again this week. :-) Things are amazing and she is really prepared. The current goal is for the 25th of May, but that won't work because the whole ward will be at the temple ( Frankfurt... outside mission boundaries :-P) and won't get back till Saturday night. So we will see what will happen. But things are going well.

Now about Charles, this is cool, so on Wednesday this week, we had the ENTIRE day free. As opposed to having an appointment somewhere in the day. So we spent the day going by on this list of potentials we had, and contacting in the area for an hour or so. For the first several hours nothing. Had a few people yell at us to go back to america where we belong, other than that, no one wanted to talk to us. So we keep going. Meanwhile  I am praying to find some people, that someone somewhere will listen to us. And finally within the last section of the day, we find ourselves walking from Pasing to Laim. BY NO MEANS A SHORT WALK. Talking to everyone on the way. We found 2 people by then, both of which we need to give a way. And then we get a phone call. A man, who calls himself Charles is on the phone and he says

"You guys put a note in my mailbox for my Woman, but she is in Africa now, and I don't know how to take the message of your church to her".

"Yeah, that would be difficult... would you by chance have any interest in hearing our message"

"Yes I would like to learn more about your church, and message." 

Haha, Elder Evans was on the phone and his reaction made me laugh

"Thats great, Thats just great, wonderful, awesome... [awkward pause]  uhh, when would you have time to meet?" It shows you how little that happens when someone requests to meet with us, we have no idea how to respond when that happens. 

We are excited. Then we found someone else later on after we were nearly to Laim. Awesome. Prayers are answered. 

This week was rather incredible, I love personal Study, I have come across a lot of things in the bible and through other doctorinal study that have left me with questions, what does this mean? Why is it here? how is it supossed to be interpreted? I have thought about asking President Miles, but instead I have tried something else. I say an additional prayer, and ponder on the verse. Then write down thoughts as they come. It has been a wonderful experience for me. All of my questions thus far have been answered and I continue to gain more light everyday. I have learned SO MUCH it is unbelievable new insights on things, as I ponder specific verses of Scripture are brought to mind, and sometimes, I can even see the verse on the page in my head. It is truly incredible. 

I am so grateful for that. Personal Revelation is Powerful, and I have used it in so many cases. It has really shown me how much God loves and cares for me, If I have a question, how to plan out District Meeting, or a lesson, or anything, I can go pray and ponder, and I know that I will recieve the answer. I know that to be true. And I know that each and every one of you will recieve answers likewise, when you put in the effort to ask with real intent. 

I need to go now, but I wish you all a wonderful week!

love,

Elder Ryan K. Christensen