{Letter #45} Changes are happening!

Hi everyone! I hope you all have been doing well! This has been quite the week! Very very busy. Some of the things that happened: exchanges, mission leadership council (MLC), goodbye devotional, and a new mission president!

First off, exchanges! I got to stay in my area with Elder Pfunder this time around. It was honestly such a blast! We listened to a few really good BYU devotionals and also were able to find a few new people to teach. It was also the same day that the new Preach My Gospel came out. Something from the introduction that I loved, that also brought up some good conversation was:

"Study the chapters repeatedly throughout your mission. Evaluate your work. Set goals and make plans to accomplish them. Missionaries who prepare themselves daily and improve regularly will bless the lives of those they teach and serve. They will also receive blessings in their own lives"

This doesn't just apply to missionaries, but to all people! As we diligently seek to improve each day, set goals, and make plans to do so we will be better able to bless the lives of those around us! And we will be blessed in our own efforts

The next day we had MLC!

It was the Haymond's last one before leaving (today😭). The main this they talked about was making sure that we remain obedient and help other missionaries to remain obedient through the change. When we diligently seek to serve God, no matter what aspect of life, obedience to His commandments will help us see His hand more! He will have more capacity to act in our lives when we strive to obey Him. (Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21)

Just last night we had a departing devotional for the Haymonds. They bore their departing testimonies in essence. It was a very powerful meeting! The Spirit was incredibly strong and we were able to say goodbye to them one last time. Lots of emotions going on there, definitely a little sad, but also some excitement and peace! Ultimately, this is the Lord's work! Not the Haymonds or the Botchways, but the Lord's. The mission president is called and assigned to a certain area to lead missionary endeavors to help hasten the Lord's work! That was a very strong spiritual confirmation that I was able to receive at the time.

Just today the President and Sister Botchway arrived here in Portland! Very excited to be working with them for the rest of my mission!   President Haymond is in the front, the Botchways are in the back. 

This week I wanted to share a verse from Christ's teachings in the ancient Americas. He taught:

"Therefore, ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for he that asketh, receiveth; and unto him that knocketh, it shall be opened."

I know that is true! When we seek for answers from God He will give them to us! I invite you all to turn to God in prayer for guidance this week! He will direct you for good!

Let me know if there's anything I can do for y'all! Love all of you! Have a great week!

Love,
Elder Goold 

 

 

A glimpse at our family phone call this week:   {Adam in Farmington, OR, Ellie, Spence, and Mom at home, Dad in Saint George at work, Cami, Garrett, and Lucie at home in Alabama, Emma {not pictured} at work}