October 17th, 2016 Burley, ID

It's been a little while since I posted a letter from Elder Towers. Realistically speaking, they have been a little light...kind of short and not much in way of news. Today was different! We can really see some growth...both in maturity and spirituality. This young man of ours loves what he's doing and he's doing it well. We were thrilled to get this email today. Enjoy!

Howdy!

Yesterday was amazing. Even though we spent 7 hours at Church between meetings, Sacrament, and classes (I only fell asleep during the last class!), it was extremely fulfilling. Even though it rained all last night and Elder Murphy and I got wet (CTR's waterproof clothing is a scam), we were still joyful and singing as we rode our bikes in the cold, dark rain through a country road to see people that didn't even show up. It reminded me of the talks given in General Conference on joy, and while my experience isn't quite as drastic or bleak, I can testify that those speakers were testifying truth.

We have had a pretty neat missionary opportunity recently. A random guy drove up next to us the other week and told us, "Go bother that house, they just moved in." So we did. Without even introducing ourselves yet, they invited us in. We began to teach, and they intently listened. As it turns out, the man was an excommunicated member who had strong desires to change and be re-baptized, and his wife was not a member, but had a strong desire to learn about the Gospel. The lessons went great, and the Spirit was strong! Not only that, but they came to Church this week, and absolutely loved it! Even though the children are louder and run wilder than any ward I have ever been in, they still felt the Spirit, and the whole ward swarmed in an helped them feel welcomed and fellow shipped. One of the speakers even thanked them for coming while up on the pulpit! It almost could not have been any more perfect, and I am so grateful that God trusted me with this golden opportunity to serve Him and His children. I will keep you all updated on their progression!

I absolutely love reading the scriptures. Not going to lie, before my mission, it was a chore to me. I got bored, and often fell asleep while reading. Honestly, I don't even see how that was possible anymore. No matter how tired, aching, hungry, etc I am, I never get bored or fall asleep during my studies anymore! In fact, the brief hour of personal study in the morning seems to fly by in a matter of minutes, and I try to finish planning each night efficiently so that I can get some extra studies in before curfew! There are so many wonderful things contained in the scriptures, and I'm glad that this mission could spark my interest and motivation enough to realize that.

Here's a little bit of what I studied this week. I decided to find references in the Bible that prophesy of Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and the Restoration in order to increase my testimony of those things.

Ezekiel 37:16-17

With the understanding that a "stick" is a wooden tablet that records were written on, read these scriptures. The stick of Judah, or the writings of the tribe of Judah (the Jews), would come forth into the world and testify of Christ. This is the Bible. The stick of Ephraim, or the writings of the descendants of Ephraim (Lehi was such a descendant, as well as the other tribes that are documented in the Book of Mormon), would also come forth and testify of Christ. Together, they would join together to become a powerful and complete witness of our God and of Christ, and "they shall become one in thy hand." I am humbled and thankful to know that the very books of scripture described in the Old Testament are currently sitting on the desk next to me.

Isaiah 29: 9-12

Although this may be in Isaiah, notorious for being hard to understand and interpret, this passage is pretty clear to those who understand and have studied the Restoration. Verses 9 and 10 refer to the Great Apostasy following Christ's death, which many people don't seem to believe happened as fully as it did. However, my favorite part is verses 11 and 12, which prophesy of a sealed book of scripture that even the most well educated historians would not be able to decipher or read. Yet, when delivered to a humble man without an educated background, God would provide a way that he may translate it. If you don't recall this prophecy being fulfilled, read Joseph Smith History verses 59 through 65.

There are many other scriptures that further witness of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our latter day, but I decided that I would share just these two to keep things relatively brief. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the Church, these scriptures, and everything associated with it are true. Joseph Smith, only 17 when he translated the Book of Mormon in a mere 2 months, truly was called of God to restore the Church, and because of that, we now have modern day prophets on the earth today. How blessed are we to have been chosen and foreordained to come down in this latter day! How great is our calling to serve Him and further the work of the ministry!

Anyways, I love you all and I love my mission! I honestly can't believe I am almost done with a full transfer, time is flying by already!

I didn't reserve any time for personal emails this week, sorry everyone!

-- 

Elder Towers