Aug 5









Each day I think I can't love my mission more than I do that day, but when the days turn to Monday and I sit down to write these emails, and after some reflecting, my love has somehow grown even from the last time. 

Wow, what a week. On Wednesday (I think) Brother Farraj (the friend from Jordan that was raised Christian) called and began explaining how he was driving down the highway on the way back from work when a bunch of cars in front of him crashed & a bunch behind him crashed. He was protected by centimeters on either side! He took it as a sign that he was ready for baptism and shouldn't wait any longer. We scheduled everything and had a BEAUTIFUL service Saturday evening. This man is so converted to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. His fellowshipper, Brother Kronmiller, baptized him in Arabic. It was very personal, just as the Savior would have it. Tears. Tears the whole evening. Tears while I write this. "Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began" (Alma 26:35) If I ever related to any scripture it was this one today. I can't believe Heavenly Father allows me to be a part of this eternal work. I have truly loved each person I have brought closer to Christ in the last year, but perhaps my capacity to love has increased. I say this because I don't believe I've ever felt so much love for anyone or felt so much joy in someone else's redemption than I do for Brother Farraj. "and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some. Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of our labors; and are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many; yea, and we can witness of their sincerity, because of their love towards their brethren and also towards us." (Alma 26:30-31)

Sister Seaver and I were discussing this week about all the missionaries in the world. 64,000 young missionaries all over this planet! That's pretty incredible. And with what incentive? What would cause that many kids to leave home and pay to get doors shut in their face and antagonistic church material screamed at them (etc). There is only one answer, this has got to be true. There is ONE truth. There was one truth before time began and it's the same truth today. It is that of the pure, ancient Messiahship. We (missionaries) are bringing people back to the religion that was taught to Adam & Eve. To anyone that is holding onto anything that may get in the way of their eventual exaltation, let it go! Come into the warm hug of our God. Let's get back to the garden, back into the presence of God. I testify we will all find great security in living the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

My favorite quote from this week:
"If the plan of salvation restarted I would want to be born a member so I could being people to Christ like you sisters." 
-Brother Farraj

The first great commandment is to love God, but the first great truth is He loves YOU!

Love, Sister Izzy Smith 

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