April 1, 2013

Dear Home,

What a wonderful way to end a wonderful week. My companions dad in Idaho ordered Pizza for us and unexpectantly had it delivered to the home where we live but at the time the delivery boy showed up to the house we weren't there and the owners of the house were very startled with why there was a random pizza boy at their doorstep saying that they ordered pizza and wings. He asked the kid who it was for and in reply it was for a Brent and was already payed for. The owners had no idea what was going on and neither did the pizza boy so they both walked away and thought who was the crazy one. Both ended up calling us but neither left messages and we were in a members home talking about the work. Once we got out we noticed that we had 5 missed calls. Quickly calling them back the owners answered and said that a pizza boy came back and with a probing question asked if we ordered pizza on Sunday. He then let us know that he decided that he should go outside to the pizza boy and except the food for some reason, which we were happy to hear about because this is the second time he has tried to send us a pizza. it was good. So if anyone feels inclined to follow suite...I wont be mad :)

As I mentioned last week about the commitment I have made about writing in my journal each night about the witness of the Lords hand in the works around me, it has really opened my eyes to all the wonderful things that have been encompassing me. I received word from a lady who's daughter is looking into the church and she relayed the message, though sad, that her mom had died and that Amanda, the daughter, was asked to say the prayer at the funeral. She did with tears in her eyes and it was a very emotional experience  for all but she said to her mom that she wouldn't have been able to say that prayer if it had not been for my companion and I getting her to say the prayer at the end of each lesson we had with her. It made me think to myself that even though she might not be looking into the church as strongly right now the principles she has learned have helped her already and will continue to do so as she keeps up with them.

Last week I talked about the trail of FAITH that we had about the lack of the Spirit and the constant rejection, the whole trial lasted about 5 days but was then over. Though it was no fun, many questions were answered and actions corrected. I have refocused myself on how to be more converted to the Lord and being able to be a witness of the divinity of his work in all places. Not only did I receive answers about protecting ones faith but I also learned that it is not necessary for someone to turn sour when going through something like that. We must always stand with out head held high and endure the hardships that we as believers will always go through. It is best stated in John chapters surrounding 17 to the end of his writings. Jesus talks about those that follow him will be tried again and again because what they believe in is not of this world and because it is not of the world the world will hate it. Same with those that follow they soon become not of the world and because they are not caught up in worldly things they will be hated by the world but to remember that the time here on earth will be but a sort time and that our infliction will soon pass and we will be in the eternities where the only pains that we will have will be self inflicted, where if we don't want to suffer we wont. All things WILL get better. As I look back to the time that I was going through this famine it looks very short but while in the middle of it it seemed much different. I have now tried to look at things the way God looks at us. In terms of forever rather than terms of yesterday and today. I would encourage all to try and do the same. Not an easy task but a rewarding one none the less.

I love you all and hope the very best for you and those around you. Hurrah for Israel!

Love Elder Leonhardt 

Brett Chapman left for Cuba