A SIMPLE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST: May 7, 2012

Dear Family,

I like Tahiti. I love my mission. Sadly, the baptisms we had fixed for before I left were pushed back. So, unless there is a miracle, which is very possible, I don't think there will be any more baptisms on my mission. We are teaching a guy whose business is selling drugs.  When we first started teaching him,  he didn't seem interested at all. He likes to talk.  When we go we usually listen to him talk for 2 hours and talk ourselves for only a few minutes, but it is interesting to see that at times (rarely) in the lessons,  a simple testimony of Jesus Christ and his gospel will touch him, quiet him, and cause him to reflect.  He starts to ask about how he can change and follow Jesus Christ until he gets tempted, I guess, and changes the subject and chases the Spirit away again by talking about less important things. The Spirit bears witness of the truth of all things to all people regardless of their background or life experiences. That is what I learned this week
Love Y'all
Love, Elder Cosby

GOD REALLY DOES LOVE US AND KNOW US: May 1, 2012

Dear Family,

Elder Zwick of the 70 came and talked with us today which was an amazing experience. He came at a good time for me because this week was really hard. It poured constantly.  70% of our lessons were cancelled,  and basically all that started to wear on me. I was praying for something to help me finish strong. It was a great spiritual boost that will carry me to the last second of my mission serving the Lord with all my heart, might, mind and streangth. We were asked by Elder Zwick to ask ourselves "What am I willing to change to better share the gospel of Jesus Christ?" We were taught that if we are willing to change, the Spirit will be there to show us "all things that we must do." and inversely that if we are not willing to change, he will not be able to help us. The meeting was clearly driven by the Spirit. It was life changing. I could and probably will talk about it in 45 emails but I don't feel that is necessary. In the middle of the meeting Sister Zwick was given a time and said that she would take a little time to quiz us about Preach My Gospel. She then took out what she called "motivators," being skittles, starburst, and ...reeses.

 

I havent had reeses in 2 years

 

They dont sell reeses here

 

It's my favorite candy

 

I was determined to get me one of those. The game was that she would ask a question and we had to find the response in "Preach my Gospel and stand up as soon as we found it. The first question was about  the weekly planning session and I was the first to pop up with my heart beating fast and full of excitement.  I announced the page. Due to the fact that the section continued on to the next page and the response was in fact on the next page, I was deemed unworthy of the reeses.  I was devastated, and embarrassed, but undeterred.  I was determined to eat my reeses. The next few questions were increasingly difficult and I watched with fear as the candies slowly started to disappear.  Finally only two candies remained.   My heart was beating fast when she started the question, but I stood before she finished her sentence with a fist pump of triumph.  It was correct and she threw me my reeses.  I sat down, out of breath, and patiently waited till the end of our meeting to eat my reeses. It was good.

 

I like my mission. Right at the moment where I thought, "It's too hard," I was sent a spiritual boost and even my favorite treat. God really does love us and know us, even down to our favorite candy.

Love Y'all

Love, Elder Cosby