Elder Shurtz: The Road Less Traveled

Walking a less traveled road

Dear Family, and Friends,

It has been an interesting week. Elder McCleve and I have been trying to branch out into 'less missionary-traviled' parts of the city, yet with bikes we keep being pulled into the main parts with our investigators. I love to see those investigators who are feeling the spirit willing to work towards what they know to be true. Too many have read the Book of Mormon, and know that it speaks the true; yet are too scared to change their life for what they know to be right. It is a concept everyone struggles with I believe (even members of the church): We seem to not like change and refinement, even when we know it if for the better. It is something that I am wanting to focus on this week in my own life; to try and get rid of of some habits and replace them with better ones.

I am also wanting to recognize farther the hand of the Lord in my life as well as our investigators. Saturday night we decided to visit someone we have previously visited before, yet was not too successful. When we arrived, she was on her porch and beckoned us in. We soon found out that on Friday (the 13th) both her best friend and sister died within a few minutes of each other. She looked to us for comfort, and we shared with her our testimony of the Lord's plan for us, eternal families, and life after death. What are the odds that we would catch her at that time, a few hours before she would leave town for the rest of the month, and be able to testify to her of these things??? When we listen to the promptings of the spirit, the Lord will place us where we need to be, when we need to be there.

We also had the opportunity to perform a blessing for the sick for three individuals this week. I look back, and I recognize what a blessing the Lord has given to us to be able to bless the lives of others through Him. What a sacred calling it is to hold the Priesthood; what a sacred responsibility.

I hope everyone is having a great week. Please keep missionaries in your prayers and pray specifically for things you can do to share the gospel with those you are in contact with.

Love,

Elder Shurtz