Soooo
where did we leave off on our tales of adventure? Ahh yes, the entering
of my two new companions, and a bunch of zone conferences and
interviews to tear through, much like my first office transfer. Well let
me begin by saying, what a stark contrast. I will be completely honest.
My two new companions set off like a barrel of gun powder and we have
tripled our work effort in working in areas and visiting. Literally
tripled. Looking at past weekly correlation forms, it is utterly amazing. Granted,
back then, there were only three of us for the majority of the
transfer, but my goodness by week two, all of my worries about office and
mission unity were swept away by some of the most powerful spiritual
experiences I have ever had on my mission. Hey, you want a Spiritual
experience? Go figure. You have to work for it.
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| Elder Cannon held by his three comps |
Elder Cannon deserves a
shout out in this email, as one of the best missionaries I have ever had
the honor of meeting, let alone working alongside of. So many people
misjudge his zeal and dedication to obedience as an outward expression
of elitism or what have you, when in all actuality he is a humble but
confident servant willing to go where 99.9% of people won't. He and I
worked in his old area of Lumban, and everywhere I went members,
investigators, and random people on the street knew of him and only
spoke positively. I felt so ashamed of judging him before getting to
know him well, then I openly apologized to him in person and promised to
help in every way I can to overcome this misconception reputation that he
has. That night while we were driving home, we got into the deepest
discussion I have had on my mission, deep in the sense of literal
application of apostolic principles and priesthood keys in our lives,
and that talk continued till we got home and spoke about the Atonement.
The thickest atmosphere I had ever felt entered our small apartment. Our
words became insufficient. I really don't wish to share anymore about
that experience because of it's sacred nature, no offense, but none of
you can understand unless you had been there, especially through an email,
but needless to say, it was an experience I could have shared with no
one other than an obedient, knowledgeable, humble, and inspired man.
[To add to this story, I would like to open a window for you to look through. Not many decide to peer into this sphere of understanding, mainly because those who do not understand it often resent it. I wish to explain how I went from being judgmental of certain actions my beloved friend and companion Elder Cannon did, to an understanding of him, his apostolic demeanor, and how vigilant he was despite the world weighing against him. This requires a small observation on communication. Very few people are honest in their communication. They withhold truth, or the whole of the answer asked them. People often lie, unknowingly, even to themselves, without any harm done, but it is always to meet "social expectations". One perfect example is cordiality. How often have I called one of my friends and this is how the conversation goes.
"Hey man! What are you up to?!"
"Nothing really, How you doing?"
"I'm good I'm good, what are you doing right now?"
"I'm actually just finishing up some stuff before I go hang out..."
Notice how I had to ask the same question twice before getting an answer, a very vague answer at that. Now think about when someone asks how you are doing... do you tell them straight away? If they ask about something sensitive, do you open up and reveal how you truly feel? No. Vulnerability prevents us all from truly speaking our minds or opening ourselves up to the reality of ourselves and others. We often don't even trust ourselves, and feel that to be honest with one's self would be one of two extremes; too boastful and prideful of strengths or debasing and humiliating to see our weaknesses. There is a perfect middle ground where we feel accomplishment and importance in our strengths and acceptance of our weaknesses and faults. Now, to tie this all in, Elder Cannon was just as vulnerable as anyone else, perhaps more so then most (he is a very sensitive soul), but he has been blessed with true eyes of vision wrought by the Spiritual, that allows him to be confident in who he is, where he stands, and what he will do. He knows what he is capable of, and if you ask him, he will tell you. Often times, people take this as cockiness, but no, it is acceptance and faith in one's self. When asked if he could have played in the NFL he promptly replied "yes, if I had chose to do so." Almost everyone raised an eyebrow when they heard this, and he was serious, and I'm sure he could have! Before I met Cannon, I had heard stories similar to this, and was honestly more curious and skeptical then judgmental. Many had spoken negatively about his methods, but I came to know that he was not only a man of integrity and honesty, but a humble disciple of Jesus Christ, willing to do the Lord's will. My mission was not the most obedient, and Elder Cannon was a blinding beacon of faithful diligent obedience. Many took this as self-righteousness, but no! It wasn't! It was a faithful man, acting independently of expectations of the world, the mission, and other missionaries, doing what he knew was right between him and God. He was Spiritually Self-Reliant, and he understood his responsibility and accountability first and foremost, before anyone else, to God and Jesus Christ.
So here comes my vulnerable admission.
I serve in this way. In the most humble manner of speech I can muster, and with all glory and credit going to my Father in heaven, I stand as a witness that He does speak intimately with those willing to commune with Him, and He will show you what you really are. I know what I am capable of, and I will not shy from answering those who ask. I am endowed with great faith, a spiritual gift. I have been blessed with the gift of teaching. I have a testimony unshakeable in my Savior and Redeemer. I hold the priesthood worthily, and have authority to exercise it in righteousness to the blessing of all those who seek it. My God loves me. I love me. I love who I am, what I have become, and am anxiously anticipating that great purpose which I shall accomplish in this life, for God has great purposes for all of His children. I am an amazing person, with much to offer the world. I have been reserved as one of the elect children sent in these latter days. I am one who was called, and am chosen. I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ.
There are many who scoffed at the words Christ spoke to the Jews. He proclaimed that He is the Messiah, He is the King of Israel. He spoke words of blaspheme in the opinion of the Jews when he said he was the Great Jehova or I AM. He knew what He was, and through divine commission accepted and fulfilled His purposes. When I converse with you about these things, I do not speak to build myself up, or to say I have any advantage over anyone else, no...but I have been shown what I am, and I will do what I can to fulfill my purposes. God has granted me breath, a body, and all these things I have mentioned. He can just as easily take them back; but if I were to deny what he's given me in superficial destructive "humility" or by disgracing myself with discouragements or insults (I'm not good enough, I hate how I look, I'm pathetic), you are insulting His work. When you ask me, I unfortunately do not commonly have the bravery that Elder Cannon has. I will reserve these admissions for those who are truly asking, but he will boldly testify when asked, and many I'm sure will continue to judge him, but he will not mind. He will love, serve, and glorify God. Because of our openness one with another, it led to the Spiritual experience mentioned above, and I promise you, that if you open yourself up entirely to God, open your eyes, and are willing to share that for the benefit of another, you too will feel His divine presence fill you with self-worth, confidence, and assurance that you are beautiful, loved, and important.]
The four of us prepared a workshop that was a
literal Godsend. We had a goal, that was identical, the four of us
meeting in perfect unity on the subject as to what we were going to
share to change this mission, for the new curriculum, for their welfare.
It was almost as if we were connected in thought as we prepared our
outlines for the workshops for interviews. It was a four section
presentation that was very mold-able, and was tailored for every specific
zone and companionship during house to house interviews. It has been
one of the greatest experiences I've had on my mission, sitting in a
room, with three of the greatest missionaries, no, the greatest people I have
ever met in entire life, and discussing with inspiration, energy, and
excitement as to what we can do to bring our fellow missionaries to a
higher level of teaching, happiness, but most importantly, personal
testimony.
Nothing has been more gratifying. After each workshop given
we reviewed, adjusted, and prepared for the next one, even for our zone
conferences. In the three we presented the same workshop, but oh how
different they were each time. I can't even begin to explain to you... oh
how I wish you could understand the phenomena that happened there. We
did not plan who would share what, who would be selected to present what
portions, scriptures, or testimony. We had a goal, a lot of spiritual
preparation, and an outline. What it resulted in was four missionaries
becoming one in voice over a single topic that I sincerely believe has
set this mission into a great transitional stage. It was almost as if
the very moment one had finished speaking, only one of the four would
immediately pick up and step forward, not in any sort of sequence, but
in perfect guidance as to what the Lord wanted to have shared. If only
you could have seen it and witnessed it for yourselves, you would know
that when you understand your purpose as an instrument and mouth-piece of the Lord, then are
you empowered with that Spirit that fills your mouth and aligns you
with your brothers and sisters to create an edifying atmosphere which
pierces knowledge through to the soul. I concur with the statement of
Ammon in the Book of Mormon, that I glory not in my strength, but glory
in the strength of the Lord, I know it is only by His grace and His will
were these things brought about and shared.
Our mission President
during the weekly meeting commented stating that these were the
smoothest Zone Conferences that have ever occurred on his mission, and
that the workshop we gave was possibly the best he had yet seen. It was
not flattery he gave. I bowed my head in that meeting and held back
emotion as I thanked God from my core for the success He granted me and
my companions, I thought about how He had reminded us, guided us, and
tutored us as we worked on this event. Later as I prayed on my knees I
could not grasp or comprehend of all people...why I, the recent convert,
the heavy sinner of past days, prideful and impatient, have been
blessed even to associate myself with these my brothers far beyond my
caliber, to even be one of the 50,000 army chosen to represent the very
Savior of the world. How could I be elected to this position? Even to be
in a position as a junior let alone a leader of the mission? As I
buried my face in my pillow I thanked God for helping me fulfill my
desire to serve my mission...my President...and my team. My team of 150.
To be able to make a difference, and it was only possible because of my
three companions, and the inspiration God felt to send.
So much has happened, and I just don't have enough
time to write about all of it because I get so long winded.
(Tsunami in Japan emergency story omitted)
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| I <3 you Trebas |
*sigh* and all things must come to an end. My
covenant brother and one of my best friends, my companion, Elder Preston
Earl Trebas goes home next week. I've had the privilege to serve with
for a total of three transfers, or about 4-5 months. He has changed my
life, and I will be his brother forever. I owe him a lot, and we have
experienced some of the best times of our lives out here. From
Marinduque to Mindoro we've been there and back. I can't wait to see him
again when he comes to BYU this fall semester. And with an AP leaving,
that means an AP coming. We worked the board tonight and it appears that
I won't be stepped down before I go home. But hey, who knows, ten days
is a long time, and I'll just keep on doing the best I can with what I
have.
That is only about a tenth of what I wanted to share
with you tonight about my mission this past month. I could go on about
so many things, but I will have to cut it back to this. I'd just like to
end with a simple statement.
There could be nothing better in this world then serving a mission.
No college. No personal trainer or tutor. Not if you spent ten years at
a university. Not if you read the bible a hundred times, you could not
learn as much as you could on your mission. No amount of job experience,
no amount of military training, no amount of personal ambition could
one-up the wisdom you gain through living in the field. No music,
movies, scenery, vacation spot, event, or occurrence could bring a deeper
understanding to what joy is and means. No girlfriend, no boyfriend, no
brother or sister, no father or mother, no best friend is
worth forfeiting this experience. I have met a five year Afghanistan war
veteran who has served in this mission. I have met Elders who were nigh
engaged before coming out. I have met the learned and elite in
academics, sports, music you name it. And all of them echo my voice in saying
that a mission is indescribably the greatest experience anyone can go
through. And if anyone wishes to debate me on this one, I will politely
ask you to wait till I get married so that I might understand.
that last sentence is a joke. I hope you chuckled. If not, cmon, give me a courtesy laugh.
love,
-Elder Mace
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