"For I Know That The Lord Giveth No Commandments Unto The Children Of Men, Save He Shall Prepare A Way For Them That They May Accomplish The Thing Which He Commandeth Them."

Hello everyone!

This week, I had the most amazing member lesson. We actually ran into him on the way to his house, and we talked on the way there. While we were walking, he told us he wants to be a missionary and he hopes to serve in a country that has a different culture or language than Angola, because he sees the Elders come from the US, Brazil, and Portugal, and he can see how different things are for them, but he also sees the spirit helping them—supporting them in ways beyond human help, learning a language in little to no time, being as familiar with the area as the natives, and loving a foreign culture that at first was shocking. He said he wants to feel that kind of spirit with him, and I've realized all the times I've felt God's hand supporting me, pushing me on. I had never noticed it because it was constant. I always had Him. The member then shared his favorite scripture with us (Nephi 3:7) and talked about how he knows that God prepares the way for His Elders, that we are blessed with His direction as we serve. We then shared a complementary scripture about God strengthening us (Ether 12:27), but honestly, this was the first member lesson I felt like I was being taught. His testimony was amazing. It was great getting to know him.

This week, we had 7 friends join us in church again! It's so great to see people accepting God's church in their lives. We also have Lukeny's baptism coming up this Sunday, and we're getting really excited as we teach him more about being a disciple of Christ.

It's so wonderful to see even just a part of the way that God has prepared for me, and getting to learn more, and see more, of that path has been a huge blessing to me.

Love y'all!

Elder Thatcher Bishop

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