When someone makes a decision, he is really diving
into a strong current that will carry him to places
he had never dreamed of when he first made that decision.
from: The Alchemist
by: Paulo Coelho
into a strong current that will carry him to places
he had never dreamed of when he first made that decision.
from: The Alchemist
by: Paulo Coelho
(Bri's artsy-fartsy pic of himself; he's an artist through and through.)The Bri-man knew it would be hard. No question.
But this hard!!!!???
Maybe not.
He's been caught unawares...and lately feels as though hes been kicked in the gut. But on the other hand....never have I heard such determination from one so low...to not give up!!!!
Prayers and letters of encouragement are flowing into the MTC in his behalf.
His name is on the Temple rolls.
People are fasting.
And I believe its working!!!
I cry with gratitude for his life and his example; for his openness to share what is on his mind. Im learning from him!! I'm developing stronger faith. The apron strings are stretched to their max... as Mommy wants to reel him home sometimes and lick his wounds.
I've attached below, a few examples of the letters that Brian's family and friends have sent him this week. (Bless you Anna and David, Rob and Nat and Joe and everyone else that is taking the time to write!!)
Brian, we’ve been reading your letters and the first and most important thing I want to say is that your heart is perfect! Your reaction to all the stresses and trials in your life has shaped it. So many missionaries really struggle AFTER they are out in the field. Your mission can be different... it can be glorious and powerful simply because of your heart. Continue to cultivate the right things. Second I want to say that the Lord does not waste time or experiences! There is value in everything you are experiencing right now and someday, if you continue cultivating the right things, you will look back in gratitude and understanding. Having said this you should know that from here on out wherever you are called (for the rest of your entire life) it will be the right place at the right time according to the power of the Lord. Relax. Follow the promptings of the spirit. Your leaders who also do the same will receive the same promptings you feel (and vise versa) and this will confirm in your heart the direction you are to take. Then go forth in full faith because, although trials lay ahead, you’ll someday be filled with gratitude and understanding. That is the promise of the Lord. We love you! We pray for you! And the Lord has already prepared the way.
And another note just came in from Justus....ELder Seeley!!!
Bless that 'boy'!!!!!
Cindy -
Here's an excerpt from Justus' latest. I told him about your move and Brian's struggle. I think you'll appreciate this.
...Status update. I´m here in Nueva Imperial toda villa (still) but no longer in a threesome. I´m with Elder Shore, who was part of our threesome. And he´s a super cool elder. He´s gringo, but not really. He lived in Mexico when he was like 13 because his Dad worked there, so he speaks Spanish like a conquistador. It´s not fair sometimes haha, but it´s a good thing. I´m excited and think we´re going to find great success here in Nueva Imperial. We had a baptism this last Sunday, the first that I´ve been a part of, and I think it´s a sign of good things to come.
That´s crazy that the Stephenson´s are moving! I think about those guys a lot. That was a really cool thing that I got to live there. I thank God for that. They are really cool people. And I know their life´s already changed A TON since I´ve been there. Anna is married, Clark´s home, and Brian´s gone. Doesn´t get much crazier than that. But yeah. Poor Brian. I love that kid. Just know that I felt EXACTLY the same way in the MTC. I´m sorry. I know I´m going against thousands of testimonies that the MTC is the best place to learn a language, but I really didn´t learn very much there. DON´T TAKE ME WRONG. The MTC is fantastic, I´m just saying Spanish never really clicked for me until I was out into the field. I´m just being honest. I so much more my first few weeks here than the 2 months in the MTC. But for some reason it´s easy to get discouraged as a missionary. Really easy. But Brian can do it. I have faith in him. He´s got what it takes. If I can talk with Chileans Brian certainly can...
Love,
Elder Seeley
1 comment:
My heart (and soon a letter) goes out to Brian! He's such a sweet great guy. I don't know all the details, but I know the Lord loves him! Keep us updated!!!!
Post a Comment