The Importance of Missionary Work

Dear Everyone,

This week has seem to go by so fast, and it seems like a big blur right now.  I have been pondering this week on the family.  Syracuse almost have a stark difference in family life from Wenatchee.  Children out on streets all day; little kids dressed 'ganster', drugs, alcohol, depression, no where to live, debt, hate, anger.  Negative things that just fill the family with separation and complete sadness.  Satan is out to attack families - more than church meetings, and activities.  He knows that is the root of the tree or branch, and if he can destroy the family, he will effect generations to come.  But righteousness will win.

That is the purpose of the church: to uphold the body of Christ, and more specifically, the family.  The Priesthood is sooooo important.  Packer said that sometimes (more often than not) the Priesthood will be the only thing that protects the family from the darts of the adversary which wages war against the fundamental unit of eternal life.  In the temple we make and keep certain covenants, and given blessing from on high to help protect our families; where families are sealed for time and all eternity.  This is the goal of missionary work: to help those make such covenants to bless their families for time and all eternity.

President Monson said, “Missionary work is difficult. It taxes one’s energies, it strains one’s capacity, it demands one’s best effort—frequently a second effort. No other labor requires longer hours or greater devotion or such sacrifice and fervent prayer.” 

I am so thankful to be out here.  Sometimes I question, what am I doing out here?  I'm I really going to do this for two years?  But, I am constantly reminded and thankful for the realty; that there is no greater work; to serve the Lord and being a tool in his hand in aiding His work and His glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.  to help individuals and families come unto Christ be following the gospel he has given us: to have faith, repent, be baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end.

I love you all,

Elder Shurtz

The bike took the beating in last week's crash!