More Than Just A Religion

On the Fourth of July we did missionary work like normal! And then we baked a cake for Elder D's birthday. Definitely, I have experienced some great times, and some hard times this week, but I have learned so much!

I wanted to share with you something President Holmes taught me about the Fall, because we are all born innocent without sin, and we each have our own individual fall. There is a scripture in Moses 6:55 that talks about Adam’s children, “when they begin to grow up, sin conceiveth in their hearts, and they taste the bitter, that they may know to prize the good.” And so we all become fallen and carnal, and that’s why we need Jesus Christ. There is a quote that says, “the more someone understands the Fall, the more they understand why we need Christ.” I have understood more about the Fall this last week from 2 Nephi 2 in the Book of Mormon. I have read it so many times, but this time, I came to a greater understanding! There would be no progression without opposition, men are free and can choose liberty and eternal life, or death and misery, but what gives us the ability to even make a choice? The Atoning Sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ, He makes it possible for us to choose liberty and eternal life. Without Him, there would be no choice, except death and the power of the devil. I now understand the Fall deeper in my heart.

We were so glad to have dinner at a member’s home yesterday! A very loving and welcoming family! I just felt right at home, and when we left we were so uplifted! The wife was telling us about her missionary experiences, and it was just so refreshing! We were then able to go teach this new investigator about the Restoration, and she loved it! She really recognized us as servants of the Lord. It was funny though, she said she felt like my eyes could see through her into her soul. It was a great lesson, and she already has a strong testimony of prayer, which she bore to us! We read with her Moroni 10:2-5 and asked her what it meant, and she wanted to mark it to show it to someone. She said she is so excited to read the Book of Mormon. It was so great! I know that she is a true follower of Jesus Christ and a seeker of truth. I hope we can strengthen her testimony!

Bianca is also still awesome and progressing! Before we left last time, she said wait, when are you guys coming back? So she beat us to it! She is like the most golden investigator though, so it’s completely different going to her house.

It is awesome to be able to tell people I am headed to Brazil, they are really impressed, and I just say, yeah we take this seriously. Then I tell them my sister is serving a mission for the Church in Siberia, Russia right now, and then their jaw drops. They ask all these questions, and then they realize that it is more than just a religion. This is the work of the Lord! We don’t just walk around and give out cards, we bring people the Spirit of God, and we are commissioned to do that. It really makes a difference when you say, "yeah we are just missionaries and stuff, and we teach people and share the gospel," as opposed to, "We are missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are full time servants of the Lord." That is really what we are, and we take our calling seriously. So it is great to be here!

After teaching that family last night, I don’t want to leave now, so that’s good! So, I'll work on wanting to leave Michigan once I get to Brazil! That’s another lesson I have learned, to love where you are. 

I know the Gospel has been restored to the earth, and we are led by a modern day prophet, I know the Spirit speaks to peoples’ hearts, I know the Spirit can be our constant companion, and can tell us what we need to do to become closer to the Lord. Just think, what can I do to be a better disciple of Christ? You will have a thought come to you, choose whether to act on it or not. That’s what we did in our mission, to become more consecrated servants. It is so awesome! I know it’s true, I have received so many blessings! I have received more faith. I love you all so much! Thanks for thinking about me!

Love,
Elder Hoyt

 Downtown Detroit

 Detroit River

General Motors Building