Hola a todos! I hope that each of you have been doing well this past week. Here in Maryland things have been going well. The weather is starting to change a lot, and for the first time in a while I started wearing my heavier winter jackets. This past week we had the opportunity to go on various exchanges with Elders across the mission, from Baltimore to Frederick. There was some failure to communicate which resulted in crazy impromptu schedule changes.
This transfer is coming to a close this week, which is absolutely crazy to think about. It has gone by so fast. I have learned many lessons, and have enjoyed being with my new companion, Elder Rowland. There are many missionaries across the mission that have been growing and changing as we attempt to make improvements and adaptations to become more effective missionaries. I am very grateful for the missionaries who have made the decision to serve. It is anything but easy, but it is so rewarding. If you are considering a mission, I invite you to pray to know if it is right for you. Pray to have your eyes opened to see what the Lord has for you on the other side of your 24 or 18 month service. I promise that it is greater than you could possibly imagine.
During some of my personal studies this past week, I had the opportunity to study the chapters in the Book of Mormon associated with the visitation of the Savior to the Nephite people in the Americas. There is a verse that I have read probably 20 times in the last week. It has become my favorite verse in the Book of Mormon.
3 Nephi 17:9 reads, "9 And it came to pass that when he had thus spoken, all the multitude, with one accord, did go forth with their sick and their afflicted, and their lame, and with their blind, and with their dumb, and with all them that were afflicted in any manner; and he did heal them every one as they were brought forth unto him." I can't help but feel the Savior's real and overwhelming love for me and for you as I read this verse. Do not ever think that you have done too much, or have gone too far, to feel or deserve this love. My dear friend, you mean more to Him than you will ever be able to possibly comprehend. On my mission, I have come to understand the Savior's healing power. In this verse, we read about how all that were afflicted in any manner were brought to the Savior. It does not matter to Him whether our struggles are small or large. Whether you are affected emotionally, physically, or mentally, please let yourself be brought to the Savior. I know and testify and He will heal you. Do not give up on yourself simply because you have struggled for so long, or so intensely. I bear my witness that Jesus Christ desires more than anything to heal you. Unconditional and regardless of any whisper of the adversary that might tell you that you should not or cannot or simply don't deserve to. I testify that His love and His power will mend the wounds and afflictions of your life as you let Him. Remember that He has always loved you. I love you too.
Elder Blackburn
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