Elder Dallon Smith in Chile: A Time to Prepare

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

A Time to Prepare

It was a short letter this week. Dallon tells us about his new companion and is busy getting him acquainted with the area. He feels that his time is coming to an end in Rinconada and is preparing for the change. We are so grateful for Hermano Huenchur, the ward mission leader, who was kind enough to send us a picture of the new companionship.

"The biggest news is my companion. His name is Elder Salines. He is from Uruguay and is 23 years old. His mom passed away when he was 5 and he lived in Spain for 3 years. He has a funny accent and has been in the mission for 6 months. He is doing great and has already had 9 baptisms. He really is all about work and we have been getting along. It is almost positive that we will only have this one change together. Other changes are, we now have Elder Chavez in my district and Elders Lewis and Fearnley came to the zone. Elder Thomas became a zone leader with Elder Silva and Elder Smart was called to the office. They are all fun and really cool, so it should be a good change."

"This week I really don't have much to say. I've been getting to know Elder Salines and he has been getting to know the ward. We had a noche de hogar with a family and watched a video about a family of converts that lost a daughter and ended up getting baptized. It was made in the 80s. The movie really impacted me and made me a little emotional. The little kids made fun of me. haha It just reminded me how grateful I am for the gospel and that no matter what, I will always have my family. There are so many people that don't know that. It would be the hardest thing to not have one of you in my life. The greatest blessings in my life is the gospel and my family. If I can keep those, than I will always be happy. It gave me more animo to go and spread the gospel."

"I do feel like I've accomplished a lot on the mission and yet there is so much more that I would like to do. I have really been trying to study hard and get the spirit stronger. Sometimes, you can get lost in not thinking enough about the Lord or the spirit. You really have to work to focus on having the spirit close. I just want to find peace in him and that is what I have been trying to do. Elder Silva asked me to give another class at zone conference. They are always assigning me to do it. I am excited and getting pretty good at giving classes."

"There are 20 newbies coming in next change and President is going to open some sectors, so I hope that I'll train again. That would be fun, but we will have to wait and see. Pray for me to have patience and that we can continue to be successful. I can't wait to finally hug you all again. Have a great week and I will be carrying you around in my heart."

Elder Dallon Smith

Elder Salines and Elder Smith

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."