February 18, 2009

Bro. that is so cool. I'm not gonna lie that is a killer mission call. I remember seeing and trying to speak and understand a little bit of what the Elders in the mtc who were going to Germany were saying. It was really cool. You'll do great with the language, and you just have to perservere through the rejection. That is too cool bro. I want some authentic soccer jersey's from over there. Tear it up Bro. You've got 3 months basically to prepare so do well. That is so cool, I've been anxiously awaiting to email today. Munich it is, that will be beautiful country. Anyway keep me posted. I did just as you said and I opened yours first. I hope to hear from you later.

You'll soon be a servant of the Lord, and a soldier next to me in his army, even though we will be separated by thousands of miles.
Love Your "Elder" Brother


P.S. -Do you still wear the Future Missionary bracelet that I gave you when I went into the mtc. When you go in you have to pass it to Spencer.

So Josh, I wanted to let you know I finish working on your Christmas Present and it's highly appropriate now that you have your call so I'll get it sent pronto. I wanted to talk to you about this girl you are dating. You have three months before you leave bro. I would suggest sepparating at no later than 2 months before you leave on your mission. You are right you are going to a tough mission I've heard some things from people out here about Germany that were brought to my mind when I read your email. The last thing you want to worry about is a girl that is writing you when you have to go out each day a face the cruelty of people. Trust me out here I've faced a lot of slammed doors. There's a lot of people who hate and want nothing to do with us. The rejection is intense, and the mission that I am in has been refered to as a tough mission. My trainer told me how it is difficult to baptise here. Faith brings miracles, but girls will bring you distraction. You are giving up two years when you sign that paper and send it to the Prophet, so give them up. All of it: give up everything to the Lord if you want him to give you everything and help you. I can't tell you enough about how much you will need to be humble and rely on the Lord. We are small and simple, but through us great things can be brought to pass. This has been a matter that has been pressing on my mind Josh, and I tell you these things and I'm writing to you because I think it will be a benefit to you. Tell her to date other people. Allowing her to date other people will allow you to accept that reality now rather than on your mission. In the grand scheme of things a mission is so short, it goes by so fast, and you don't want to lose one day in which you are affected in least degree by a dear john or by added worries at home. Your effectiveness needs to be the best while you are out. It's a matter of consecrating yourself so that the Lord can consecrate your performance. Read some of the stuff I'm sending mom on this. You have got to consecrate your whole self to the Lord. Josh I love you and I want you to serve the Lord with me in your fullest capacity, and to enjoy every minute of it. I want you to feel the spirit and the presence of the Lord in it's fullest as I have. I love you Bro. Enjoy your time with her for one more month and then let her go. If there's one thing I've learned commiting people to do things on my mission though, it's that: You can't force someone or persuade, the spirit has to touch them, I have to love them for who they are, I can't force them. So it is with you, Josh, I can't tell you what to do. So make this a matter of fervent and devoted prayer. Go to the Lord on your knees in prayer, and plead with him for guidance and strength. Seek his will of what you should do. He will guide you in paths of righteousness. When you receive your answer follow it. Listen to the spirit. Make this a matter between you and the Lord. I love you Bro. and you'll make a great missionary. The Lord is pleased to have you about to enlist in his ranks. Keep me posted on things. 

With Love and appreciation,
Your Brother with the Lord