For Unto Him That Receiveth I Will Give More

Hi Everyone,

      Well, It’s been a wonderful week.  First off, we went to the pier and saw some of the surfers.  Not a big swell, but it was my first time seeing any surfing in one year and three months.

      Ha ha, I know I’m always sending these sorts of photos but,…about the crocodiles. Last Monday we went to PheZulu Safari Park in Hillcrest to visit their crocs.  We had a fun time walking around enclosures until, we found out that for the price of a meal and a little more you could go eat with the crocs!  I jumped at that offer, and in we went.  Eating egg and bacon sandwiches, we prayed more that the crocs were in a good mood than wanting for food.

      Ok Ma, I’m going to send you photos of my journal entry, because it’s what I wanted to share with you.  It will also save me time.  I hope it wont be a problem for you to type, since you have unlimited computer time and I am limited to 30 minutes for all of my weekly correspondences.  :p

Journal Entries:

   April 18th-20th, 2013

      Oren Remington (name change for annanimity) is why I came on my mission.  He is a miracle.  I never cease to be amazed at the power of the gospel.  OK, so Oren is the perfect example of the scripture Ether 12:6 (my most meaningful passage in the scriptures).  It states: "dispute not because ye see not; for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." I have learned a little bit about what it means to walk by faith. We have to have a hope of things, that Heavenly Father will fulfill his promises to us, but then we have to act.  I compare it to walking in the darkness, trusting that you’re walking the right path, and then after you prove your faith the light is shown before you. Thus illuminating the way just enough for you to take a few more steps.  Tie verse 6 in with verse 12 and you have Elder Gold’s favorite most meaningful scriptures in the Book of Mormon.  It reads:  "For if there be no faith amoung the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith." 

      So, Oren truly emulates what it is to ‘Walk by Faith.’  He has received small witnesses of truth since we began teaching him, but has many questions still unanswered.  Yet, he holds to the truth he has received and pushes past doubt and fear.

      Within the first week of meeting him (we saw him twice), he attended church.  Upon our second week he has already dug into the Book of Mormon and also read all of the previous October 2012 General Conference messages in the Liahona (this is a church magazine).  He has asked our help to give up smoking and will be stopping tomorrow.  He is super excited to come and watch the 182^nd Annual General Conference with us tomorrow (we will be watching a pre-recording of it at our chapel).

      He said something today that struck me.  He stated that as we have taught him, and as he has prayed and studied, he has come to see the need for the restoration … WOW!  I can best describe Oren’s miraculous progress by quoting 2 Nephi 28:30  “…blessed are they who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more…”           

    

      Landon continues with an entry two days later expressing his experience in watching the four sessions of the 182 Annual General Conference with Oren.  He goes onto explain how sweet it was to have the spirit accompany them as they listened to powerful and inspired messages from a Prophet of God and many wonderful leaders.  That Saturday evening they took Oren back to his home and, “Upon entering we saw at his study a foldout picture of the Prophet, 12 Apostles, and General Authorities of the church pasted on the wall.  As we spoke to him he expressed words of deep gratitude to Heavenly Father for the church leaders and their messages.  But words could do no justice to what this man felt.  The heavens truly had opened to him, and poured him out blessings that there was not room enough to receive.  He told us, “If only I had found this ‘Pearl of Great Price’ 20-years-ago.”  Well, all that matters is that he has found it now.”

      Landon continues his entry by talking about this gentleman’s steps to follow a health code, of sorts, which we refer to as the Word of Wisdom, with his desire to take past addictions and to no longer be bound by them.  Knowing how difficult this task can be and witnessing a driven desire for change Landon continues his observations by stating that, “He is such an inspiration to me.  He is a light.  He is one of Heavenly Father’s elect, for he hears and knows the voice of the Good Shepherd, and he follows.  May I be like Oren in faith, heart and action…. I pray.

Humorous Endnote:

       After transcribing the intended journal entries from several photos Landon had sent I went back to the first photo and noticed a couple paragraphs at the end of a previous entry.  Even though the first part was missing I curiously read the little bit that was there.  All I can say is, "Landon, my Dear, you never cease to amaze me, and/or surprise me."  Read on if you dare.  :-)

      
      "We were doing service at a guys home and he has a worm farm....Yup, he farms worms. They are in huge bathtubs with soil and waste food.  What happens is: the worms break down all the organic material and create this 'Juice' that drains out the bottom.  It is filthy and smells like death.  He sells the juice to people for them to put in their gardens to help things grow.

      After we were done there, a lady next door came running over asking for help.  A snake was in her house.  It was a green snake.  We weren't sure if it was a tree snake or a green maumba, so we stunned it and took it out.  It ended up dying so, we skinned it and ate it."

Hope the Lord Needs Me Here a Little Longer

Mom & Dad,

      Ayish, my camera is not here so I can’t send photos now, but I will next week…I pinky promise.  

      That is so flipping cool about Max, Zack and Graham getting their mission calls!!!  I wish I could see them.   

  

      I got your package a few hours back.  I haven’t opened it yet though.  I will when I get off the computer.  Thanks for sending it.  It really brings a bit of excitement and renewal to get something in the mail.

      So, about the man I wrote you of last week... We saw him again this week and he has been reading the Book of Mormon.  He had some questions, but they were easily resolved.  He says it just calls him, that there is a strong attraction to the book.  He came to church yesterday (which is a bit unusual to meet someone and the next Sunday they attend church).  He was so well received.  It was a great experience for him and he will be attending the conference next week.

      We were also blessed to receive an additional investigator who moved into our area from Chatsworth.  His name is Sphamandla and he will be baptized on the fifth of May with our other two investigators.  It was a disappointment for the Chatsworth members to see him move, but we all think there is a purpose to it.  He was well received by the ward yesterday and is feeling comfortable here. 

      Pinetown is so rich.  I love this area.  When I got here it was hard but I kept telling myself, "Missionaries make an area hard.”  I do not want to leave yet.  Transfers are in two weeks and I just hope the Lord needs me here a little longer.

I love you; tell Jordan I love him too.  Sorry I didn’t have time to write him.

Elder Gold

Editor's Note:

      

      Landon’s three friends from home each got their mission calls this week.  Two will be sent stateside (Idaho and Texas) and the third is going to the Philippines.  So exciting!  Also, Landon has been unable to send photos lately so, for now, this post will be without an image until one is sent or another comes to mind.

"I Know What You Have is Good...I Can See it in Your Countenance."

Hey Ya Mom!

      Ok, so bad news/good news.  The missionaries here are now only allowed to be on the computers for 30 minutes each P-Day to email.  The good news is we email at the chapel now.  So, we saw none of General Conference this past weekend.  We will see it in two weeks.  My one request is that the minute the DVD's come out, could you send one small package with just the Conference DVDs?  That would be spectacular!

      Ok, so let me tell you of a miracle yesterday.  On Saturday we were driving through the new section of our area and I saw a street I had never seen before. We just drove past but I had the feeling to go there.  We had appointments to get to so there was not time.  Come Sunday we also had appointments stacked, but after church every one of them bunked us leaving us with a lot of time.  I try to think that if that happens, it means the Lord has somewhere for us to go.  So, after visiting some current investigators and recent converts, we found ourselves driving to the street.  It was around 5:00 pm when we got there.  Getting into the evening.  We prayed, and then went knocking.  Rejection... No one home....No one home... No one home... reject... No thanks... I don’t need your Christian religion.... So we were holding our heads up until we met a middle-aged man, white guy, who was interested in what "Latter-Day aints is.”(hmm, how funny did that sound?)  He invited us in and we sat on his porch.  He told us about that the root of all his troubles and sadness was a divorce 20-years-ago that shook his world.  We listened and prayed for the spirit to give us what to say to this man.  Well, the spirit did, and we taught, listened, talked, and he eventually heard out the restoration and accepted a Book of Mormon.  He invited us back, but before leaving he said these words: "I know what you have is good, I can see it in your eyes, I can see it in your countenance.  Thank you."  That was a humbling moment for me. I was over joyed to have found this man, that God led us to him.  I was also over joyed at his comment.  I have always heard people say that there is a light in the eyes of the Saints.  I have always looked for it.  But yesterday, someone saw it in me. Someone saw Christ in us. 

Cool Scriptural Referance:

                           And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, 

have ye spiritually been born of God?  Have ye received his image in your

 countenances?  Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?    Alma 5:14

I love this work. I love you mom.

Elder Gold

In The Masters Hands

Hello Family,

      Thanks for your letters today; I’m always happy to read them each week. I appreciate all you guys do and share with me.

      It’s been a good week here in Pinetown.  Let me share with you a few things you will like.

      Ok, a little update on some of our investigators. The man who we’ll call Teddy has really had a rough time.  You may remember a few weeks ago I wrote about how he had come to Pinetown from Zimbabwe after falling on hard times.  Well his story continues.  He was saving, and saving, and saving just to get enough money to go back to Zimbabwe over the weekend.  About 4 or 5 days before he was to leave the money was stolen or somehow lost.  Luckily, I think, he found someone to help because he still got to go.  We will see him in a few weeks.  I will update you then, when he returns.

      Remember Laura and her Aunt?  The two of them are coming along rather well.

      So, in about one hour the mission president is meeting several of the elders (including us) at the chapel and is going to tell us where the temple is to be built.  I’m super excited.  However, unless you can find out that info somehow you’ll have to wait a week when I tell you next Monday.

      I don’t know if I’d told you much about my new companion.  Elder Tshabane (cha-ban-nay) is from East London (about a ten-hour drive towards Cape Town here in South Africa).  He is one transfer younger than me and is kind of the only member in his family.  He wears thick black glasses, like me, and is a pretty funny guy.  Oh, he also talks a lot.  We get along well. 

      About a month ago my scriptures separated from the binding.  So, last Monday I took it into Durban to get fixed.  I bought some elephant trunk leather from a guy who makes high quality and expensive leather clothing.  I took the elephant trunk leather and my scriptures to a binder who separated them (at my request) into two books.  I had him bind the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price into one book.  For the other book I had him bind the topical guide and the index together.  I like them a lot.  I know you will too Mom, considering your fascination with bookbinding.  Also, the scripture bound book has a flap and leather thong to tie it together.  I know you won’t be surprised that that was what I asked him to do. 

      Anyways, in closing I just want to say that we are trying to work hard.  Working hard, I have learned, does not mean mindlessly doing tasks that you hope will add up to an ultimate goal.  It is so much more than that.  It requires mind: focus and concentration and creativity.  You have got to be smart about when and where and how you do things.  For example: like when you go knocking on doors.  You can’t go knocking on doors (in Mormon lingo we call it tracting) at the morning hours because, usually, you’d find no one at home.  You’ve got to go when the families are there, and you also have to think hard and pray about where to spend your time.  It also takes Faith: I’ve learned a lot from that talk by Elder Bednar and I am trying to apply it in my life and the lives of my investigators.  Ironically, I recognized that most of what he said could be extracted from ‘Preach My Gospel’ if you’re looking for it.  Hard work is also determination.  It’s also consistency.  It’s many things, and that is something I feel I am learning in Pinetown.

      My Easter was also very spiritual.  I took time to read from the Gospels and the Book of Mormon and ponder upon the sacrifices of the Savior. The sacrament on Sunday was the pinnacle of my pondering.  My testimony of Christ is running deeper and deeper.
      Anyways, I look forward to getting a package :) the post office was striking for about a month so not much was coming through. Perhaps if you guys sent anything it will come today because the strike is over.
  
Love you all,

      Elder Gold

Editor's Note:

      Each week we are given stories, insights and experiences through Landon’s correspondence that helps us to see more clearly his world.  In a sense it is similar to pieces being joined together in a giant jigsaw puzzle.  The picture gradually unfolds as each part is so carefully placed.  The outer corners and edge pieces complete the framework of what is slowly revealing a puzzle map through which each part added brings more detail, color and light to what the final masterpiece shall become once complete.  Sometimes I receive a puzzle piece that gives deeper insight and understanding as to the character and person he is choosing to become.

      So, I ask myself just how a young man gets to the point of allowing himself to become such a humble and pliable model in the hands of God?  The answer comes within the lines of a letter; among the dialogue of thought he records as if it is just another thought.  I see him losing himself in daily service, but this young man also doesn’t just read the scriptures and listen to the talks of great men and women.  He studies, he ponders and he seeks God’s will to understand more deeply those things that are good.  I believe his knees are raw at times not giving heed to the discomfort of the human body or the mind.  That place of discomfort, and sometimes pain, has become familiar and quite possibly his requiem, his token of humility.

      So, does it all begin with faith?  No matter the amount, finite or grand, it is faith that has to be acted upon in order for one to move.  Oh sure, we can lean on the faith of others, but they cannot walk for us.  Whether we’ve been traveling a spiritual journey or we’ve just taken a few steps, it begins there….with steps!  We need to be willing to walk in the right direction, towards His will verses ours.  We need to give into his will, give up our own, and give way to the journey.

      Yes, as I look back on this masterpiece he is creating I know Landon walks the walk, but truly it is the Masters hand that has directed his path and helped to create a life of purpose, love, service, sacrifice and peace.  If Landon would not act on faith each day his path could quite possibly fall away from the direction God would have him travel.  If this were to happen we would not see him becoming a masterpiece in the Masters hand, but rather a rudimentary and crude drawing without color, light and detail.

      It is through acting upon faith that has allowed his life to be such a work of art.  In the above letter he makes reference to a talk given by David A. Bednar titled ‘Ask In Faith.’  This talk gives great insight to the council he is following that has made him easily molded to be good, if not great.  This morning I found another video titled ‘Mountains to Climb’ that gives a beautiful and touching account of three individuals struggling to find hope in what seems to be hopeless circumstances.  They each grasp onto small portions of faith that at a time appeared to be lost.  Yet, their actions, beginning with the first step, have brought them each to a place of hope and peace, and have helped discover the beautiful masterpiece they each were meant to become.