Elder Dallon Smith in Chile: Trust in the Lord

Monday, January 30, 2012

Trust in the Lord

It was another happy week for Dallon. He is seeing the results of hard work with two baptisms. He continues to learn and grow so much in his relationships with others and especially the Lord. His zone had another p-day at a zoo and so the letter was another short one. We never did get the pictures that he was trying to send, but we did find some from Elder Holton and Elder Opazo.

"This email will be a quick one because we just got back from another zoo called Buin Zoo, which is one of the biggest zoos in South America. It was such a blast, but I am pooped and feel like I am half falling asleep right now. I wish I could tell you everything about a week that felt like a year itself. I have never grown so much or so quickly. It was a great week."

"We had two baptisms! Alexis was baptized by Elder Salines on Saturday. It was a beautiful baptism and I was so happy for Alexis and my companion. The familia Barrueto came to the baptism and brought Elder Opazo! It made it so fun for me. They talked and showed me so much love. It was one of the best days in the mission. I will never forget it. Then that night, Jose chose me to baptize him the following day on Sunday. It was an incredible experience and I baptized two kids from that family. The Dad also asked for an interview with the Bishop because he wants to be baptized now. How incredible is that! Aside from that, the familia Barrueto came to that baptism too. haha They are such a great support to me."

"I had divisions with Elder Mackie again. It was fun as usual and we had Tim Tam Slams again that night. We also had a zone conference where I got to hang with Elders Smart, Holton and Izelo. I learned a lot and felt like the lessons were all aimed for me. The zone leaders gave the classes and they would pick me to participate in almost every single one! One of the classes was on companionship inventories and Elder Salines and I were the examples. haha It was funny."

"Other than that, the week was just full of getting ready for the baptisms. It was a lot of stress, but a great week. I hope that we can continue working hard. We are obedient and able to work together for good. I'm so grateful for the many blessings I received this week. I cannot thank the Lord enough. Sometimes, I feel like Peter walking on water. Sometimes I have doubts, but if I just close my eyes and walk forward, somehow I know that the Savior will always be there. I know that everything is going to work out if I continue forward on his path. Maybe it is the same for all of us. We just need to learn to be obedient and trust in the Lord."

"Thank you for all your letters and support. I know that they worked miracles this week. I pray for you every morning and night. I am trying to send some pics but this computer is having problems! I'll do my best. I took a lot this week. haha"

Elder Dallon Smith

Maipu Zone Conference (Dallon is 2nd row middle)

Elder Opazo's post mission visit

Mission Son and Father

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."