Elder Michael Eliason: Week 47: This is America

Happy Memorial Day!!!

This week was super fun!

Some of the highlights are as follows:

-We were in this town called Dennis Kansas, it literally has 3 streets and a post office smaller than our apartment. We were knocking on a trailer when we heard a BOOM super close. We heard 2 or 3 more, and when we left we saw, through the trees, a group of people shooting a rifle in the trees haha! (in the opposite direction mom)

-Katy Days! The town of Parsons was started as a railroad town built around a train station, called Katy Station. It burned down a while back, but to commemorate the roots of the town they have a celebration on Memorial weekend. It was cool to walk around and see a group of people bigger than 5 at a park that we could talk to :)

-We have this super funny investigator from Guatemala, he is in the army and makes pistol holsters, and he shares the gospel at work! It reminded me of this quote from Howard W. Hunter, "What does the Atonement have to do with missionary work? Any time we experience the blessings of the Atonement in our lives, we cannot help but have a concern for the welfare of others. … A great indicator of one’s personal conversion is the desire to share the gospel with others.”

I have definitely seen my desire to share the message of the Restoration increase as I have gone through my mission. I think a reason for that is the gospel light in my life has grown as a result of deepened daily prayer and scripture study, recognizing the Lord's hand in my life, testifying of the truth, and opening my mouth.

I have a firm conviction of the reality of the Restoration. Greater happiness, peace and light have been noticed in my life as a result of the simple question Joseph Smith posed back in 1820. I would like to encourage all of you to increase the gospel light in your lives by adhering to President Nelson's talk on revelation.

Have a great week! Stay cool