Week 78- Endure To The End

Wow I'm cold! -24 today. But the work of the Lord goes on uninterrupted. Honestly one of the biggest miracles of my mission has been that on the really cold weeks, the work does not stop or even slow down.

I need to tell you all about Ricky Spitzer. He is the husband of a member in our ward (he's not a member) who has disliked missionaries for the longest time. But we've been meeting with him and his family lately! We recently had a lesson on prayer and we invited him to say the closing prayer. Unbeknownst to us, this was the first time in his life he had ever prayed! When he finished and we all looked up, every single member of his family had tears streaming down their faces. I will never forget the Spirit I felt in that house. He's now reading the Book of Mormon on his own and he came to church yesterday!

Last night we taught this Rwandan family the restoration. This was one of my favorite lessons of my whole mission. These people had been taught many times before (for about 4 years) but for some reason this time it clicked! The mom Aline told us, "I didn't understand why you boys would come over here and teach about this book and not the Bible! I understand now. I will read the book of Mormon with my family." I about bust with joy. Moments where I can see the Spirit work in real time are so precious to me.

Lately I've been doing some self reflection. One year ago was a difficult time for me. I was not happy during Christmas 2023. Right now, I am probably the happiest I have been in my life! Even though it's cold and I'm far away from home, I feel joy. Why? How can this be?

"The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives."

The more we focus on Christ, the more joy we will feel! I have such a strong testimony of this simple truth. Focus on Jesus Christ and your joy will increase.

Elder Curtis

Me Morgan elder pallo and Revenelle! My best friends.