January is moving along and things here in Pharr/San Juan/Alamo
are going great! Tuesday and Wednesday I spent the day back in Mercedes on
exchanges and it was again wonderful to ride those same streets and see things
again from the perspective of the missionary I was when I got to South Texas.
Being there really helped me gain a deeper perspective as far as where I am now
and the effect of what has occurred during my mission!
I really love serving my mission here in South Texas. I’m
grateful for all the companions and missionaries I’ve served with, the members,
the people I’ve taught, the places I’ve been, the things I’ve learned and the
ways that Heavenly Father has helped me grow and change. The best moments of my
mission have been days where we've set out to do something or helped someone,
done our very best, seen miracles and divine intervention, and then afterwards
felt satisfied that some good in the world has been done and that some of
Heavenly Father's children are progressing towards returning back to His
presence. I’ve realized that the joy and happiness I feel comes from service!
Because the mission, is nothing but that! Recently, my testimony has become
stronger on prayer. Prayer helps me focus. It helps me feel God's love. We
teach people about prayer everyday and I don't think I’ve done a good job in
recognizing the power it has to change hearts, minds, lives and situations.
On Sunday as I sat and partook of the sacrament and read of
the story of the Savior’s atonement in Luke 22...I realized that the greatest
act of love ever shown toward mankind, occurred during the prayer from Christ
to His Father. I’m grateful for Christ’s example and the power that we can feel
and experience in our lives because of that prayer! The story goes as follows:
39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount
of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray
that ye enter not into temptation.
41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and
kneeled down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from
me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven,
strengthening him.
44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his
sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his
disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye
enter into temptation.
Prayer is such a small and simple thing. At times it can
seem like the easiest thing to do, but at other times the hardest. I know that
prayer heals our soul. Prayer will allow God to give us answers in our lives.
It allows us to see what we can’t see from our normal everyday perspectives.
prayer brings us testimony. Prayer brings us peace!
This week...some of my goals are to improve my Spanish work
ethic! To serve my companion more! To enjoy the weather each day! To play piano
for at least 30 min! To make sure my
clothes are all folded and ironed! And to make sure each prayer I say is
specific and sincere! It’s going to be a great week!!!!
Thanks for all of your love and support! Kind words letters,
packages (especially the ones with food! woohoo! Elder Ayers is grateful for
the lunches he hasn't had to prepare...we’ve shared with other missionaries as
well too!) and of course...your prayers!
Con cuidado porque hay un elefante que le esta mirando!
(no mas para ver quien hace un esfuerzo cuando digo algo en
espanol!)
Con amor,
Elder Cook
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