"Work, work, work there is no satisfactory substitute, especially in missionary work".- Ezra Taft Benson

Hey everybody, last week was awesome - my companion and I are working really well and we're teaching an older couple who are embracing the gospel! It's amazing to see the people that the Lord has prepared for us as long as we are willing to go out and find them. Lately I've been pondering a lot about what things I can do to lose myself more in the work. The scriptures promise that when you lose your self in the Lord and in his service he can help you see who you are and who he wants you to become. I've thought about all the lessons I've learned over the years and especially about the past 8 1/2 months, and this quote from my mission president came to my mind. "don't let the things that matter most be at the mercy of things that matter least." I've met a lot of missionaries who let minor things like social status, selfish desires etc. take precedence over things like obedience, faith and diligence. I've come to know that through my own mistakes and repentance that in all cases it is more important what the Lord thinks then what others think. That's why if you lose yourself in HIS WORK (not your own) you'll find your real self. That's a promise, blessing and commitment that I've been trying my best to live and I am seeing those blessings as I hope that all the other missionaries and members do to!

Elder Kaanapu In Launceston

I've thought about trials that we go through as missionaries, members and just people in general. Sometimes I've had those thoughts that this is really hard, but then I remember the Savior and his trials. I remember the trials of the apostles and prophets of old. I remember about the trials of the prophets and leaders in the Book of Mormon. And I've learned that trials will come to everyone, but how we work and serve the Lord will depend on our growing from them and learning from them. The difference between having a trial be detrimental to you compared to being an experience for your good, is your diligence in serving the Lord. and in missionary work there will always be trials but the solution to those trials is and always will be work. "Work, work, work there is no satisfactory substitute, especially in missionary work".- Ezra Taft Benson

Have a great week! Love you all! Elder Kaanapu Mathew 10:39