Hey everyone!
I hope everyone is doing well! Things have been crazy. I
appreciate everyone's patience, love, prayers, and support. It really means a
lot to me.
This past week has been a whirlwind of emotions for me.
This past Monday I went to a headache doctor in West Linn and was put on more
medication for my migraines. They have helped take the edge off of them. I have
never experienced so much pain (those of you who have had migraines would
understand), but I have received so much strength, not from myself, but from
the Savior who helps take the pain away for a while. I know that the Savior is
there waiting for everyone to come into his tender loving hands to receive
peace of mind from him. Whatever pain we may feel in this life, the Savior
feels the same pain too. When we cry, he cries with us. When we mourn, he
mourns with us. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ who loves us so much that he
will NEVER leave us comfortless!
The work in Moreland has been difficult, but recently we
have been able to see some of the results of our works. Two of our golden
investigators we learned this past week, have to find a new place to stay
because their roommates evictions. It was so hard. I was crushed! Satan is
doing all he can to stop the Lords work, but we all know that the work will
never be stopped. "No cause, no force in the entire world, can stop
the work of God." -President Thomas S. Monson. We are hoping and praying
that they stay in the area so that we can continue to teach them, but we also
know that the Lord is aware of his people and that whatever happens is meant to
be. We just have to keep the faith.
On a brighter note we have had more people coming to
church! :) When I first came to the area there was only 76 members at church
that showed up regularly. This past Sunday there was over 110 members. Such a
blessing! You never know the effect that you have on others around you. NEVER
give up! When you feel like you can't push anymore, that is when you begin to
see some of the results of your works. You begin to notice so many miracles
that the Lord blesses us with. I am so blessed to be a full-time missionary.
There is nothing that I would rather be doing. It has helped me grow out of my
comfort zone and to push myself in ways I never knew possible. I know that
change comes through our Savior, Jesus Christ. If we let him in, we will see
the changes in our lives and the lives around us. Please let him in your lives.
Pray to our loving Heavenly Father, study the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and
do all that you can to serve others around you. The Lord WILL bless you, I
promise.
I had an amazing opportunity to go back to Estacada for
several baptisms on Saturday. A couple of weeks before I was transferred, we
had a family come to church. Nobody knew this wonderful family. We learned
after sacrament meeting that they come to investigate the church...we were
thrilled! We began to teach, Kirt, Marian, and their daughter Megan that
following week. They were golden in every form of the word. They WERE prepared
by the Lord to accept his gospel. It was such a sweet experience to watch them
grow and develop in the gospel and to be baptized. I am so blessed to be a missionary;
to watch people grow, change, and come closer to Jesus Christ. I am so
grateful.
I was able to be a part of a miracle this past week.
During our district meeting that was rescheduled for Thursday instead of
Tuesday (coincidence...I think not!) there was a man who knocked on the door
and asked us for some help. We let him in and talked with him. He was going
around to the different churches asking for some donations so that he, his wife
and children could have enough money to head back to Delaware. They would be
traveling by bus there and could only carry a little suit case with them each.
He was $40 short, and I felt prompted to give him some of the money. We did and
tears fell from his eyes. He was so grateful. I then grabbed a book of Mormon
from my bag with a couple of pass along cards and gave it to him and testified
that whenever I have a desire for peace in my life that I turn to the book. He
accepted it willingly and we said that if they run into missionary's over in
Delaware to meet with them, and that as they do, they will be guided and
directed in their lives and that they will be able to finally find the truth
that they have been looking for. It was a tender mercy to feel of the
tender Spirit that was in the room. So grateful for that experience. The Lord
does prepare his children and as we do our very best to serve others that
blessing will come not only in our lives, but in the lives we serve.
The miracle allowed me to reflect on the Savior and the
life that he lived on earth. I know that our small acts of service CAN and WILL
lift up those around us. Charity is the pure love of Christ. As we serve
others, we serve God and we will be able to experience so much happiness and
peace as we give of ourselves. We all are beggars. We all have things that we
need. May we share the truth that we know and follow the example of Jesus
Christ and give of ourselves. I promise you that our needs that we stand in
need of will be accounted for as we lift others up. I have found that our
challenges seem to diminish as we serve and give of ourselves to others. The
pain and trials that we go through seem to disappear as we serve others. Always
remember that everyone has needs and that as we help others we in turn help
ourselves. :)
I love each and every one of you and I always pray for your safety and well
being. Have a wonderful week and always remember who you are and ALWAYS turn to
the Savior, not just at a time of need, but always turn to him.
Always remember to NEVER quit! ;)
All my love and more,
Elder Shaw
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