Our mission had the priceless opportunity of spending
three hours with Elder David A. Benar this week!! It was the most
amazing learning experience! He asked us to study three of his articles
beforehand, "Ask in Faith," "Converted Unto the Lord," and "Seek
Learning By Faith." They were all spectacular and I learned so much from
them. When we met with him I was expecting a three hour talk of
amazingness and inspiration, but instead Elder Bednar chose to spend his
time talking with us, not to us. He set some expectations, cracked some
jokes to make everyone feel comfortable, and then asked us what we
learned. Missionary after missionary answered with insights they had
from studying the articles. After each insight was shared, Elder Bednar
asked, "Elder, may I ask you a question?" and then would ask another
question to help deepend the missionary's understanding and help him dig
a little deeper and learn more. It was amazing to watch. After a few
minutes of that, he asked us all, "What are you learning from the
comments being shared?" And later, "What are you learning from this
teaching pattern?" I honestly learned so much about teaching from his
example, not from his words. He taught us about listening and discerning
and understanding and loving, all by doing it himself. He showed us how
agency is so important in the learning process, and how we must act in
order for the Spirit to carry the message not only unto but into our
hearts. He showed us how the Savior would teach by walking with us and
helping us to truly understand and find answers for ourselves. It was so
valuable. I want to always teach like the Savior does.
After
our amazing afternoon with Elder Bednar, we sped off to Samantha and
Jancy's baptism!! They were so beautiful in there white dresses. They
were baptized by Bishop Lavaka, who is the most gentle, kind, Christlike
man. There was such a special spirit during their baptisms and
confirmations, and especially when they shared their testimonies with
us. There bore testimony of the Savior, of the Book of Mormon, and of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was so amazing to
hear them bear testimony of the things that the Spirit has witnessed to
them are true. Samantha and Jancy were so filled with joy after their
baptism, and are even more excited for their next step: going to the
temple! <3
I love this work! I know it is the Lord's
work. I have felt His hand so tangibly in my life. I have felt Him lift
me and strengthen me and give me power and peace beyond my own. I love
Him with all my heart! It is my greatest desire to be with Him again
once my work here on earth is finished. And I'm taking everyone I can
with me. :)
xo Sister Larsen
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