The More The Merrier

Hello Everyone!

This week was really interesting because an elder in a nearby area was sent to Mozambique a few days early, so for the last five days, I've been in a trio taking care of two areas. Two areas that had a bunch of baptisms planned and needed to be finalized, so we were running around São João and Santa Ira like crazy people. Good thing that the elder we joined had a car, because otherwise, I don't think we'd have been able to fit all the lessons in.

Something odd I noticed this week as I've taught the Restoration a few times was how much I like teaching about Christ's ministry and the Great Apostasy. It's a bit of an odd combo, I know, but I really like these points. Christ's ministry is fairly obvious; I love to talk about Jesus! It is why I'm here after all. But I also like to talk about the organization of His church. We talk of His miracles, His teachings, His disciples and followers. It's just a great beginning to an understanding of Christ's church and God's love for us. Funnily enough, I like to talk about the Apostasy for the same reason. How after Jesus died for us, He left the church in the hands of His chosen. The travels and teachings of the apostles and their eventual deaths all led to people who want to talk of God, want to understand and help but don't have the guidance of a prophet. They lack the authority and revelation for the answers they seek, so they build off of their own understanding, their own beliefs. From this comes the confusion, the religious upheavals, and the utter loss of truth. But the best part, the reason I like to talk about the Apostasy, is because it ends. God still loves us, and so He does as He has always done for His children. He prepares a prophet called to fill shoes bigger than his feet and guides him to guide us. The best part of the Apostasy is that even with the death of His Only Begotten, with the loss of godly authority and power, and the extinguishing of truth and light, God loves His children in such a way that He brings all of it back. He doesn't leave us without truth, light, and power. A young boy's prayer is answered, a prophet is called, priesthood authority is again brought to the Earth, and then finally, the one true living church of Christ is restored. It's such a wonderfully hopeful message that I've learned to appreciate more this week. Just wanted to share that thought with y'all. I hope it meant something to you guys, too!

I hope y'all have a great week!

Elder Thatcher Bishop





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