Elder Dallon Smith in Chile: Comfort in the Atonement

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Comfort in the Atonement

Dallon was given some sad news from home and his letter reflected his feelings and concern for those who are suffering at this time. It has also been a difficult and emotional week in Chile and he is trying to stay focused on the work and continue forging ahead. Despite some difficulties, he and Elder Gomez are finding success and are optimistic about their new investigators.

"Oh that is so sad. I can't believe it! It is so crazy when things like that happen and we realize just how fragile life really is. One day everything is fine and the next, we are thrown through a furnace and our faith is tested. I know that things will be fine and that the Lord has a purpose on the other side of the veil. She is a really good and talented girl and will be waiting for her family in the Celestial Kingdom. I am sad for the family and am thankful for all the help they're getting. Our ward has more unity than we realize."

"This week has been a roller coaster of emotions. I went on divisions with Elder Wheelright and it was really nice to work in a new sector for the day. Elder Wheelright is from Utah and it was fun getting to know him. I think I made him talk more than he's ever talked before. ha ha It was nice to get my mind off other things. We also went to a "greenie" meeting on Friday and we learned a lot about the doctrine of Christ and about our purpose as missionaries. It was like a big review, but it was still good."

"President said that if things don't change here, we're going to be moved out of the sector and placed in wards that want missionaries. A lot of the members spoke to me a lot and some cried because we might have changes. It was also strange because I had a dream that I was fighting with someone and I was left alone in a place that I did not recognize and I was lost. Then a woman with blond hair came and helped me. Two days later, Hermana Barrueto came and talked to us and I think maybe she is the lady from my dream. I felt a lot better after that and decided to just work and forget about the problems that we have had. I have faith that everything is going to clear up and that I and Elder Gomez are going to remain in this sector and have a lot of success together. We have found a lot of investigators that want to be baptized and are progressing really fast. I feel like they will all be able to make covenants with the Lord soon, if we continue to be obedient and try harder to be humble and patient. I am excited for them and am grateful for the blessings of the Lord here."

"The week was long and intense but good. I'm grateful that the Lord has been blessing me and teaching me to be stronger. Sometimes I feel a little lost and like I'm just blindly moving forward, but I know that the Lord will take care of me. I'm grateful that you are all safe and happy. I love you so so so much. I hope you enjoy the pics!

Elder Dallon Smith

Hard at work feeding the "sheep"?

The Ochagavia Missionary Team

Elder Smith showing off some skills!

Teammates! Elder Smith and Elder Gomez

Alma 29: 1-3, 9

"Oh that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!

Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth.

But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.

I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy."

ANSWERS by Elder Dallon Smith

The morning starts in a rush.
All I want to do is tell the alarm to shush!
I get out of bed and start my daily exercise.
Why is it so early when we have to arise?

I hurry to get ready
and then immediately start to study.
So many things that I need to learn.
Will I be able to answer a question when it's my turn?

Before I know it, my companion and I are off.
Our sector is so big, I hope we don't get lost!
Everyone is really busy running here and there.
Are you sure you don't have time for a two minute prayer?

Lunch time arrives and we're ready to eat.
We get to the table and quickly take a seat.
It's humbling to see how much they give us, though they are really poor.
Oh dear Sister, do you have to ask us if we want more?

The day then begins and we're ready to go.
We get to the first door and loudly yell, "Alo!"
A man answers and coldly tells us to go away!
If it was Jesus knocking, would you let him stay?

We continue to search 'til our voices grow thin.
Once in awhile, someone will actually let us in.
We start to teach about Joseph Smith and the things that he's seen.
When they ask us a question in Spanish, we think, "What does that mean?!"

The sun goes down and the night grows cold.
But we're still out walking, seeking for those of the Lord's fold.
We want to know where else to look.
Who else is waiting to receive the message from this book?

Finally, the time arrives to go back to our home.
We strategically run back, making sure to stay in our "safe" zone.
We silently travel in the light, our safety starts to become a doubt.
Are the Lord's angels really all about?

We reach the pension and start to plan.
We talk about everyone we teach, every woman and man.
We scramble to cook, eat and shower.
Are you sure it's already been an hour?

We crash on our beds, ready to relax in a dream.
Eight hours of rest sounds better than it may seem.
I remember to pray and offer up my humble supplication.
Oh Father, did I meet your expectation?

Sweetly and softly a response starts to echo in my head.
The words feel familiar as if I've already heard them said.
"My son," he begins in a voice that I know.
"Do you realize that I love you even more than I can show?"

"I'm aware of where you are and I know what's going on.
Always remember I've sent you right where you belong.
I have a plan, but you'll have to trust in me.
Do you have faith in the promise, My kindness shall not depart from thee?"

"Don't be nervous about the language, that will all come.
Just keep my spirit near to guide you and he will work your tongue.
Be strong and courageous, and teach with the authority you've been given.
Are you remembering, you represent he who was risen?"

"Reflect on his example and guard him in your heart.
His very words will give those you're teaching a brand new start.
Be obedient, follow in his footsteps, and don't go astray.
Can you feel his presence walking beside you day by day?"

"Go and rescue my children and fight with all your might.
Remember Christ said, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light."
He loves his missionaries and knows all that you can be,
so how will you serve to answer your brothers' question, "Do you love me?"

My conversation with my Father ends and I am left in a state of peace.
So many feelings rush inside me, a joy that I can not release.
My attitude changes and my love overflows.
How can I not be happy with all of the blessings God bestows?

I will change and do my best to do as the Lord commands.
I want to place myself completely in his hands.
No matter how many questions we have or how inadequate we might feel.
We can always find our answers when we are willing to kneel.

St. John 14: 26 - 29

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the
Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father; for my Father is greater than I.

And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe."

Moroni 9: 3 - 5

"Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."