Hej! (hello in Dansk) Jeg elsker det MTC!!! I seriously love
the MTC so very much. When I first got here I literally giggled like a girl
when I got my tag.... I've been waiting for that moment for so long! Glad I
finally grew a foot or two. I walked into the classroom to only find my
teachers, Brother Batemen, Sister Reed, and Sister Mann speaking only in
Danish... I was so confused. That's how every day has been in the class.
Not only are they trying to teach us Danish in Danish, but they are teaching very little about how to be and what to do as a missionary in Danish... I would want it no other way. Even though it may be the most difficult thing I have ever done, I am so grateful I am having to learn Danish. I have been guided to rely on the Lord and the spirit so much.
We have now taught four lessons to our investigator Johan. All had to be completely in Danish. Not only do we hardly know Danish but we hardly knew the "right" way to teach a lesson. Because of this, we jumped to what we thought the investigator needed and jumped right into lesson 1 towards the end. We brought up many words that were very strange to Johan and so he brought up many questions in order for us to help him make sense of those new words. So we would have to jump from our life on Earth back to Apostasy to the Spirit World to the restoration, and to all sorts of places.
This was the second lesson by the way because the first lesson was about 48 minutes when it was only supposed to be 20... most of it was silence due to our confusion of what our investigator was trying to say and us trying to figure out how to say something. If all else failed we would just remember to say "Gud elsker dig." or God loves you. It was a bit frustrating at first and pretty hilarious.
One of my companions broke down a bit at the end of the day because of how much was needing to be done and learned. Throughout all of the experiences, a couple messy lessons, and hours upon hours of studying Danish, I learned maybe the most important thing in my life. WE ARE NOTHING WITHOUT CHRIST. It seems like a simple concept or a scripture we all love but I know that this is true. We may think that we can accomplish a lot on our own, but if we rely on Christ and following the spirit, we will be able to grow and succeed far more than we could imagine on our own.
I was given the assignment to serve as District Leader for us Danish missionaries. There are ten of us in this district. I am so humbled to serve them. They are all, especially the sisters, the hardest working individuals I know. They are picking up on the language so quickly that I can hardly believe it! Hopefully I will be able to catch up with them! The gift of tongues is real. Never be afraid to ask for it.
(Mastering the Danish language takes some practice)
Not only are they trying to teach us Danish in Danish, but they are teaching very little about how to be and what to do as a missionary in Danish... I would want it no other way. Even though it may be the most difficult thing I have ever done, I am so grateful I am having to learn Danish. I have been guided to rely on the Lord and the spirit so much.
(Ældste Haruch studying the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the scriptures)
We have now taught four lessons to our investigator Johan. All had to be completely in Danish. Not only do we hardly know Danish but we hardly knew the "right" way to teach a lesson. Because of this, we jumped to what we thought the investigator needed and jumped right into lesson 1 towards the end. We brought up many words that were very strange to Johan and so he brought up many questions in order for us to help him make sense of those new words. So we would have to jump from our life on Earth back to Apostasy to the Spirit World to the restoration, and to all sorts of places.
This was the second lesson by the way because the first lesson was about 48 minutes when it was only supposed to be 20... most of it was silence due to our confusion of what our investigator was trying to say and us trying to figure out how to say something. If all else failed we would just remember to say "Gud elsker dig." or God loves you. It was a bit frustrating at first and pretty hilarious.
(A little overwhelmed)
One of my companions broke down a bit at the end of the day because of how much was needing to be done and learned. Throughout all of the experiences, a couple messy lessons, and hours upon hours of studying Danish, I learned maybe the most important thing in my life. WE ARE NOTHING WITHOUT CHRIST. It seems like a simple concept or a scripture we all love but I know that this is true. We may think that we can accomplish a lot on our own, but if we rely on Christ and following the spirit, we will be able to grow and succeed far more than we could imagine on our own.
(An example of our schedule for the week)
I was given the assignment to serve as District Leader for us Danish missionaries. There are ten of us in this district. I am so humbled to serve them. They are all, especially the sisters, the hardest working individuals I know. They are picking up on the language so quickly that I can hardly believe it! Hopefully I will be able to catch up with them! The gift of tongues is real. Never be afraid to ask for it.
(The Denmark District)
I love the MTC because it really does break people down.
However, it is up to the missionary to decide weather or not they want to be
built back up by the Spirit and our Lord and Savior. I've heard many
missionaries come home and say they hated the MTC by calling it "Moroni's
Torture Chamber" and I've heard many who have said they loved the MTC.
Those who hated their experience here clearly did not take time to learn,
realize, and embrace the inspired process here. It guides missionaries to fully
rely on the Lord and the Spirit.
My wonderful branch President said that whenever there is a returned missionary that slipped away after coming home from teaching people about the grace of Jesus Christ, he always asks, are you reading the Book of Mormon daily and praying consistently? The answer is almost always no. These are the primary and fundamental teachings of the restored Gospel. My challenge to each one of you is to start reading the Book of Mormon daily, and praying consistently if you are not already. I promise you in the name of Jesus Christ that you will be edified and protected.
(A reminder that the Lord watches over all of us)
To humble and cause weak things become strong. I know that if we grow our faith by 1. reading the Book of Mormon and the scriptures daily 2. praying to our loving Heavenly Father consistently, we will start to see miracles happen within our lives. Our Joy will become abundant and our lives will be enriched. This simple truth is overlooked by most people and is the sole purpose of Satan having power over us.
(Prayer is a lifeline)
My wonderful branch President said that whenever there is a returned missionary that slipped away after coming home from teaching people about the grace of Jesus Christ, he always asks, are you reading the Book of Mormon daily and praying consistently? The answer is almost always no. These are the primary and fundamental teachings of the restored Gospel. My challenge to each one of you is to start reading the Book of Mormon daily, and praying consistently if you are not already. I promise you in the name of Jesus Christ that you will be edified and protected.
My companions and I
Ældste Mickinnon and Ældste Christensen have undoubtedly grown close together,
the spirit, and the Lord so much these last few days! I love them with all of
my heart and love working and serving alongside of them. We are undoubtedly
being guided as what to do in our lessons as we strive to learn and grow by the
spirit.
(Ældste Haruch, Ældste Mckinnon and Ældste Christensen at
the MTC)
Jeg ved at gennem bon vi kan foler Guds kaerlighed og foler
fred. Jeg ved at Jesu Kristi soning kan hjelpa du komme at Gud. Jeg ved det
Momons Bog er Gud's ord. Jeg elsker dig. Jeg sige dette ting, I Jesus Krisit
navn. Amen.
("I know that through courage we can follow God's love and
peace. I know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ can help you come to God. I
know that the Book of Mormon is God's Word. I love you. I say this thing, in
Jesus Christ's name. Amen.")
Ældste Haruch
(The Atonement of Jesus Christ)
P.S. Happy Father's Day, Dad!
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