My Determination to Serve Him to the End Will Not Change

December 1, 2012

What a week. The reality of the short amount of time I have left is setting in. In our zone leader council meeting yesterday, 4 departing missionaries closed the meeting with their testimonies. I, of course, was one of them. I remember so clearly walking into the room in which we were having our meeting two years ago for my arrival orientation. It was bittersweet to reflect upon how much has happened and the wonderful changes that have taken place in my life and in my heart. A very meaningful scripture to me personally, and the scripture that is on my missionary plaque, is Moroni10:32 - "Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind, and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ...". This is what I have experienced, I have felt His grace, and I know of his divinity and reality. Over the past several weeks, there have had quiet moments at the end of a day when all the hustling, work, and stress is put to rest. In these instances, I have been overwhelmed almost to the consuming of my strength with peace and fulfillment from the effort I have put into my mission. The Lord has confirmed to me that I have done my best. I would not trade this experience for anything. I love my Savior and King! I am forever grateful for his ever outstretched arm of love that is extended towards me.

Most of the past two weeks have been spent in the office in preparation for zone leader council and for the transfer next week. Our meeting with the zone leaders went very, very well. Our instruction was focused on the principle that true doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. We demonstrated how using the baptismal interview questions in our teaching can help our investigators prepare for baptism in a more sure manner. The sprit was present and all in attendance took insights back for their zones. The meeting was a great success! This week is go go go for zone conferences in the second week of December. Because of the transfer next week, our zone conference instruction and agenda must be finalized. We're working on this all week until next Friday when we pick up the new assistant that will replace me. We'll show him the ropes, hit the office for transfer prep, do the incoming/departing missionary program, and head straight for the Christmas zone conference tour the next week. After that, things come to an abrupt end as I'll be home less than 24 hours after conducting zone conferences. I am at peace and am just as focused as I have ever been. This is a gift from the Lord. I feel the spirit and am at peace with what is happening.

Our proselyting area is continuing to thrive! Through our responsibilities, we make an effort to have one or two scheduled appointments a day with investigators. We are teaching a girl who is a referral from a girl in our ward. The girl is the daughter of one of the bishops in Brampton and has a strong background and testimony. We are able to teach her in the ideal venue - in a strong member’s home surrounded by family. She is coming along, working on overcoming things like the word of wisdom, and is slowly gaining a spiritual testimony through reading the Book of Mormon and developing a habit of daily prayer. Her change is noticeable. She has a date for December 9th, but it will probably need to be moved back. She will be baptized in the coming weeks or months.

We are also teaching a great man. He moved from St. Lucia to Toronto about 6 months ago for work. He is 7th day Adventist with dormant habits of church attendance, prayer, and a clean living lifestyle. He came to church with a friend last week, and Elder Sommerfeldt and I were able to teach him the other day with President Scott. We had a powerful lesson on the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. At one point in our lesson we asked him "What are you willing to do to follow Jesus Christ, and in turn experience the blessings of the Atonement?" He responded that he was willing to quit partying and be baptized! It was a picture perfect, spiritually powerful lesson. He is preparing for baptism on December 9th as well.

The man who was baptized last week will be confirmed tomorrow. He is completely active and attends all church activities and in doing everything a recent convert should be doing. He will receive the Aaronic Priesthood on the 9th of December, and will hopefully attend the temple soon to participate in baptisms for the dead.

I am happy. Things are wonderful now. I love the Savior and His matchless life and love that He shows us. I desire through feeling His love, to continually invite others to come unto Christ for the remainder of my life. Whether it is through magnifying my calling as a home teacher or in the ranks of Priesthood leadership, my determination to serve Him to the end will not change.

Elder Porter

A Surprise Baptism

November 24

This week overall was a low-key one, with a great finish this morning! Due to the large changes in the mission over the next few months, our transfer planning and the to-do items generated from our meeting last Monday have kept us busy in the office nearly all day every day! With zone conferences, zone leader council, and a transfer in the next few weeks, we are full time in preparation for those coming events. I am grateful to be finishing my mission in this way - being in the office working in the assignment that I have has taught me a lot about strengths and weaknesses I have that will help me with settling into my future. The Lord has opened by eyes the past month or so as to what direction my future could take. I am grateful for His help!

This morning we had a surprise baptism! Despite not being able to proselyte in our area daily, we have been incredibly blessed with investigators and referrals to teach and work with. When Elder Sommerfeldt and I teamed up at the beginning of the transfer we didn't have anyone in our teaching pool. We made an extra effort to use our time effectively and do the best with the time that we had been allotted. About 2 weeks ago we were passed an investigator by some other missionaries in the city. He had been taught for about 6 months without much real progression. He was an active Christian in another church, but hadn't experienced much spiritual growth through his meeting with the missionaries. Elder Sommerfeldt and I in our first meeting with him sensed that he wasn't taking the restoration and the missionary visits seriously. We bluntly called him to repentance, invited him to be humble, and testified that eternity hung in the balance with his decisions and willingness to let go of his pride and search for truth in our message. A few days later we met with him again, and his whole countenance had changed. He listened to us, the spirit was present, he had kept commitments, and he spoke and asked questions with real intent. He buried himself in the Book of Mormon, accepted a baptismal date, and allowed the spirit to work in him. In a matter of days he gained a testimony of the restoration and desired to be baptized before his baptismal date. We put together a baptismal program and baptized him as soon as circumstances would allow. His baptism was this morning, and it was a great service. After his baptism he shared his testimony, and the spirit of the Lord was felt. I'm grateful to be a tool in the Master's hands to bring about salvation in the lives of others. I love this work!

Elder Porter

 Baptism!!

Niagra Falls

Two Years Today! (With 5 New Baptismal Dates!)

November 17, 2012

Exactly two years ago today I entered the MTC and began my mission. Two full years are now come and past! I can't believe it sometimes. At this point I am feeling very comfortable with my role and responsibility in the mission. I am in the groove with administrative responsibilities, and I have found that one of my strengths is planning in the way that we are required to, and helping zone leaders improve their zones. I've had some special experiences on our exchanges across the mission in the past few months.

This week we had 2 leadership trainings - one for each half of the mission. All zone leaders, district leaders, new missionaries, trainers, and a few others were invited to attend. That made just about 50 missionaries in attendance from each side of the mission. The meetings were larger than zone conference sized. Through lots of prayer and preparation, Elder Sommerfeldt and I felt no nervousness and literally felt lifted and filled with the spirit during our instructions. I haven't felt as edified as we felt after instructing the mission than we did after those two days. We both feel that it was the best instruction we had been a part of, and our mission president had nothing but positive to say about the meeting and the missionary's responses to the instruction. Our purposes were accomplished! The Lord has helped me come so far and become so much more than I thought would be possible in two short years.

On top of those responsibilities, we had an AMAZING week with our investigators. We found 3 new investigators, had 4 at church, and set 5 baptismal dates. Absolutely incredible. Elder Sommerfeldt and I have unity that I have felt very few times on my mission. We teach seamlessly and spirit is SO strong when we testify of the Savior. My testimony of Him and His reality has increased, and thus the spirit that is felt as I bear witness of His Atonement is as well. I know that ALL the promises given us through the scriptures are real. He will unveil His face to use as we become clean from the sins of this generation, and deny the ungodliness of the world. This is my goal and should be the goal of all those who have entered into covenants with the Father. Remember what we are promised through baptism, receiving the Melchizedek priesthood, and partaking of ordinances in the temple. Those blessings may be ours according to our faithfulness. This I have a testimony of.

I love this time to serve. I've been redeemed and had my views, priorities, and ideas changed to match the Savior's. I am grateful for His perfect law which I love.

Elder Porter

I Have Been Transformed

November 10, 2012

What a great week!

We have been as busy as ever over the past 7 days, and in the coming weeks there will be more and more going on. Luckily we are making time for proselyting and we are being blessed for it. We have been blessed with a new investigator this past week. He is from Colombia and has been in Canada for a few years now. He has been a spiritual guy most of his life. Our teaching experience with him has been very unique. In our second visit we taught him the law of the fast and committed him to fast this coming Sunday for a witness that he should be baptized this month. The next visit we taught the Word of Wisdom and the Law of Chastity. I have come to more fully understand the power that comes from bearing your witness of the living Savior. In both of those lessons where the content was mostly modern commandments, the highlighted principle was that of the Atonement. Testifying of the divinity of Jesus Christ brings power and understanding sufficient for those who we teach to keep commitments, change their lives, and qualify for baptism. The requirements in D&C 20:37 are starting to come into place for him as he keeps commitments that he promised to keep because he understood the role of Christ. Building off of that, I have a testimony of what President Packer teaches in Preach My Gospel - "True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior." I testify that knowledge and understanding brings change. No wonder our covenants that we enter into at the baptismal font, the sacrament table, when the higher Priesthood is received, and at the temple all point towards constantly remembering Christ. Remembrance allows our priorities to be put into the order that Christ would have them. I leave my testimony of his divinity.

Other than our proselyting, we exchanged two zones this week. Sudbury, which is 4 hours north of Toronto, and Ossington, which is right downtown. The culture differences between the two are remarkable. Downtown Toronto cannot be explained. The cultural differences and diversity that is there is unbelievable. It is a wicked place, like many other cities in the world. The gospel is needed!

The growth, knowledge, and progression that I have experienced in myself and in others is incredible. I am happy to have been transformed, and have had my views, perspective, and intentions brought more in line with Him who loves me perfectly. The gospel plan and its laws are the definition of perfection. In the final months of my mission I have experienced something quite remarkable. My focus has stayed here on the work, the people, and the missionaries, but my desires to excel and reach my potential after my mission has dramatically increased. My desire to magnify my calling, forfeit my time, talents, and all that I have been blessed with or may be blessed with to the Lord's organization on earth has grown more than I ever thought it would. I feel the spirit tugging me and preparing me for what lies ahead. I have clear expectations of what Heavenly Father wants. I can't wait to apply in a different way all that I have learned and gained here.

Until next week-

Elder Porter

Goodbye Elder Green, Hello Elder Sommerfeldt!

November 3, 2012

What an incredible week! Without a doubt the business of my entire life. We witnessed one of our investigators be baptized last Sunday, Elder Green finished his mission, I received a new companion, Elder Sommerfeldt, we received 7 amazing new missionaries, and we completed the second largest transfer in the history of the mission. WOW!  The mission is literally bigger than the state of Texas, at the same time having 229 missionaries. It is one of the largest missions in the world in every way. One of the biggest in geography, one of the biggest in number of missionaries, and the very biggest in cultural and lingual diversity. We have been in the office the whole week from sun up to sun down. We work to get everyone in their right places doing the right things, and do all we can to aid President Scott in lifting his burdens. We are the eyes and the ears of the mission. If we say something or notice something, instantly he is on the phone doing something and then driving to a faraway place in the mission to interview someone. It happens so rapidly. President is an incredible leader who constantly strives to magnify his calling. Amiss all this craziness and business we had a special and sacred experience with President Scott this past week which has impacted me.

My companion, Elder Sommerfeldt wrote his parents about the experience. I'll share what he sent out...

"Elder Green and Porter and myself felt that these certain missionaries were up to something they didn’t call in and they were supposed to because of the storm. So we go to their house at 10:30pm and they weren’t there. Their door was open however. We called President and he was there in 10 minutes. We waited in their house for 2 hours till they arrived at midnight. Upon arrival President asked Elder Green and Porter to take one missionary and for me to stay with him, and virtually interview them. WOW what an experience. I was trembling a little bit it was very intense. He pulled their phone and car immediately and said call your zone leaders every two hours on a pay phone. Sent them out to work the streets. The following day they put a full days of work in for the first time in their missions, had spiritual experiences and as a result there missions were changed. Their lives are changed forever."

President shared what I just did in our Zone Leader Council meeting earlier this week. I have never seen anybody get ripped and rebuked as hard as I saw President rebuke in this experience. The missionaries were in tears as their testimonies, manhood, and character were questioned. It is a humbling experience to realize that President was inspired the whole time. That is exactly what those two young missionaries needed to dig deep, and work to receive a testimony. I was nearly in tears from joy when he shared the result of his follow up interview a few days later. Both of those missionaries had special experiences in their days of work following our encounter in their apartment. They are both in new areas with new companions doing great with their new found commitment to live in accordance with the testimony that they have. It is one of the most remarkable experiences I have ever witnessed. Of course we've left out details, but it is a huge testimony builder to see how the keys work and to see that Christ is so much more connected and involved in this work that we almost always tend to think. Jesus Christ is a living, person. He thinks, feels, reacts, loves, forgives, and works for us to become like Him. His divinity is my testimony. His gospel is a perfect model for how to live life. Faith is a principle of action, repentance a principle of humility, and baptism an ordinance of submission. By following Him who loves us perfectly we will reach our potential and see Him as He is. He may become like Him.

Having shared this story, we arrived back at our hotel room at 3am, and got two hours of sleep before we arose at 5am, put on our happy faces, and welcomed some incredible new missionaries to the greatest mission in the world. I have never felt more physically sustained or uplifted as I have this week. My prayers have been answered and my testimony strengthened from these experiences.

Other than this experience, our week has been full of transfer planning, welcoming new missionaries, instructing them, departing missionary business, planning for and presenting a zone leader council and a few other things. We are busier than I ever have been before in my life! I am grateful I am trusted simply to represent Jesus Christ. It is an honor to be one of His servants.

It was sad to say goodbye to Elder Green. His parents picked him up on Thursday - they are touring the mission with him for a week. Serving in his place now is Elder Sommerfeldt. We were in the first district his first transfer, and have had a great connection all through our service. Elder Sommerfeldt is top of the line in every aspect of his ministry and of his leadership. He is one of the finest missionaries to walk the streets of this mission. His stalwart example of living a converted life motivates me to reach towards my potential like not many other companions have. Bottom line, he is the most capable missionary for this assignment in the field right now, and we are great friends. We teach, instruct, correct, study, plan, and work together seamlessly. It is an indescribable tender mercy from the Lord to finish my mission with a companion of this caliber. We are best of friends already.

I'm grateful for what I have and am not looking to the right or left. The Savior is real and this is His work!

Elder Porter

 

I am Dedicated to Preach the Gospel

October 25, 2012

Hello from the greatest mission in the world!

October is almost through as we enter the last few days of the transfer. It has been almost 25 months since I opened up my mission call. I just can't believe that! It’s gone so, so fast-and it only speeds up every week.

Elder Green's time is almost up. He leaves in about a week, just after all the dust from the transfer is settled. My new companion, and Elder Green's replacement is coming into Brampton today to work with us and shadow us in preparing for and executing the transfer happening over the next few days. This process is a miracle. A mission president and a few missionaries kneel and pray, make lots of inspired changes to where Elders and Sisters should serve, and then we pound out travel plans, bus routes, car swaps, opening and closing apartments, incoming and departing missionaries, trainer meetings, new missionary meetings, a temple trip, and prepare for our upcoming zone leader council meeting early next week. The way that everything fits together without any missionaries and details missing is an absolute miracle. The Lord truly quickens our minds and sharpens our intellect to make this process happen every 6 weeks.

An insight that I've been thinking a lot about lately came from the incoming missionaries from last transfer. There were 21 that came in-a huge group. The evening of them arriving we had a testimony meeting at the mission home. All the new missionaries were able to bear their first testimony in the mission field. There was a measurable difference in the spirit that came from different missionaries as they shared their testimony of the gospel. The spirit was always recognized as testimonies, experiences, and convictions were shared that were centered on the power of the Atonement. Missionaries who know the power of it by their own experience are far better prepared and powerful than those who do not. This applies to many more people than just new missionaries. Any church member who has a testimony of the reality of the Atonement will be more motivated to magnify their calling, love and serve others, pay tithing, sacrifice for others, work through challenges, and stay true to the faith than those who do not. Having a personal experience with the Savior should be something that we strive and push for every single week. By keeping covenants and prayerfully setting goals at the sacrament table, we can have a PERSONAL spiritual experience similar to those talked about in 3 Nephi11:15. I testify that He lives-I have felt His redeeming power and His infinite love and forgiving attitude. All can feel of these things for themselves and know by personal experience.

Elder Green and I will be having another baptism on our final Sunday together. He is an amazing fellow from India. He has been here for 2 years, and was attracted to Christianity by his good friend who was baptized 3 months ago. He saw changes in his friend as he accepted the Atonement, and wanted them for himself. By living the gospel, he has experienced a change of heart and has desires to serve Christ and live according to His law.

Despite the excitement of transfers, and meetings and conferences with other missionaries, the most rewarding and joyful experience I have ever had is watching someone you love be baptized. I never want to stop having these experiences, even long after my missionary tag comes off. I am dedicated to preach the gospel the remainder of my life. The happiness, peace, and power of God that enters your life are real as you share your testimony of Him who loves and knows us perfectly. I'm happy to have had my mission experience up to this point!

Elder Porter

Be Your Best Self!

October 20, 2012

Hello!!

Another incredible week come and gone. Impressions that came during general conference are still echoing in my mind. I absolutely loved the central message that stuck out-that being to be your best self and live the moment to its fullest. This translates in my mind to take every second and live it the way the Savior himself would. I’ve prayed for the decisions He would make to become clear in my mind as I go throughout my day. I can feel His attributes becoming a part of who I am. I am grateful for the enabling power of the Atonement and the changes that it has allowed me to make. I love Him and his law and have a desire to serve Him to the end.

The transfer is coming to a close rapidly. Elder Green and I felt that exchanging all the zone leaders this transfer was important, and we have been able to work with 9 of 10, with our 10th scheduled for early next week. I am loving being able to share what I have learned over the past 2 years with some of my closest missionary friends who are serving as zone leaders. Each time I work with another companionship I learn new things that are practical and helpful in become a better equipped missionary. Not only that, but my conversion is deepening as I see their examples of faith, obedience, and hard work. I am grateful for this remarkable chance to assist the key holder in the great Canada Toronto Mission.

In our proselyting area, we were able to have a baptism this past Sunday!  She was introduced to the church a number of years ago by a member she was dating at the time. In the past month she has become completely converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ, when before she only had a desire to get out of the ruts of lower and less excellent ways of living. The Atonement has completely transformed her view of others, the world, and herself. She has been changed as she has understood and come to know the doctrines of the true church. Her testimony after her baptism was so powerful. I am grateful to have been able to share special moments teaching those who are wanting and willing to follow the Savior.

I love my mission so deeply. I love the gospel and the light it brings into life. I am excited to apply what I am learning here at home in the coming months. I am focused and will work hard to the end.

Elder Porter

Still Finding Time to Teach

October 6, 2012

Good morning! It is just about 11am here in the beautiful GTA (greater Toronto area). I love it here. The leaves are beautiful colors of red, orange, gold, yellow, green, and a hint of silver and brown. It is gorgeous. The air is crisp most mornings, and a relaxing mist often accompanies the breaking of dawn. I'll miss this blessed land forever when I leave.

The mission had its semi-annual temple trip this morning. We had a few zone leader companionships stay over at our place last night, and we arose early and attended an endowment session. I was able to visit with many missionaries I have served closely with in the past 22 months. I love them all! The Lord really allowed me to see how dependant I have been on His plan. I would be nothing without Him and Him managing all that goes on around me. I'm so grateful and happy for him transforming my nature and giving me strength to develop His attributes and know how to share His gospel with others.

What a great week it has been! Very, very busy. Most of our time over the next few weeks is filled with exchanging different zone leader companionships around the mission. We are planning to spend time with all 10 of the zone leader companionships this transfer. We have traveled and exchanged London, Kitchener, Hamilton, and Brampton thus far. It is a huge treat to learn from the best Elders in the mission and some of the Lord's finest.

President and Sister Scott, Elder Green, and I were able to hold a Zone Leader Council meeting a few days back. The meeting had a focus on planning, setting goals, and instructing missionaries how to be effective with their time. I absolutely love instructing in a venue like this one. Every missionary is eager to learn, and the spirit is strong because everyone is seeking its guidance. I feel comfortable in my role and feel the Lord lift me beyond where I stand by myself at times to set the example I am supposed to for others. What a great opportunity!

Even with the crazy schedule that we have, we are still making room to proselyte and teach. Finishing out the last few months of my mission and still being able to directly lead others to Christ is a remarkable blessing! I had one of the most powerful lessons of my mission this week with an investigator preparing for baptism on Oct. 14. She has felt the spirit enter her life strongly as she has developed habits of scripture reading, prayer, and as she has begun living the commandments. She had major concerns about being baptized, because she has bad feelings towards her mother. She wants to be free of any sort of bad feelings or bad habits before her baptism. As she was expressing her thoughts, I prayed to know how, with my companion, to resolve her concerns. The last 3 verses of Matthew11 came to mind quickly and distinctly. The Lord says "Come unto me...." and be relieved of burdens, fears, inadequacy, and be sustained by God's love. As she read those 3 verses herself she broke down into tears. She was so deeply touched as the spirit taught her that following Christ is the way to be healed. She repeated the words "Come unto me" and we invited her to follow His example and be baptized. She accepted and is excitedly working towards it. She is one of the most spiritually prepared and mature people I've taught my entire mission. She will make a strong kingdom builder and an amazing convert.

All in all, I am continually humbled to be where I am. I feel the spirit working through me to lift investigators, missionaries, and others closer to the Savior. I know the message I share is true. I love my mission, my companion, my experiences here, and my Savior.

Until next week!  -E. Porter

The Happiest Time of My Life

September 29, 2012

I am in love with my life. I represent the Savior of all mankind. I have a special connection with the heavens because of the name that I bear over my heart day after day. My sacred and kept covenants endow me with power and revelation to know how to lift others out of the ruts of life and to lead towards being cleansed from all unrighteousness. I am grateful for His mercy and His love that I feel daily. I love Jesus Christ and know without a shaddow of a doubt that His glorious latter-day work is REAL.

This is the happiest time of my life. This past week has been stellar. Just yesterday we were able to go on our first Zone Leader exchanges of the transfer. I went back into my previous area, London YSA, and got to work with my previous companion and the Elder who is filling my posission there. They are the two youngest Zone Leaders in the mission and are moldable, teachable, and willing to stretch themselves to grow and become better. We had a great day full of street contacting at the University, teaching recent converts, and visiting with members prior to an activity. I love that branch and have formed lifelong friendships by sharing powerful spiritual experiences with them.

One new aspect of work that comes with my assignment is office work. Working on excell, figuring out travel plans for transfers, working with key indicator reports, sitting in long meetings with President Scott, ect. To be honest, I absolutely love this kind of missionary work also. I am totally happy in the office if I am focused and still working to help the work move forward. I'm learning and developing new talents and skills that I wouldn't be able to develop anywhere else. I spend 4-5 hours a week on the phone with Zone Leaders working with them to set goals and make plans to help other missionaries, help investigators, and helps sturggling areas pick things up. I love this role and can literally feel at times the Lord magnify my efforts to help me carry the mantle of my calling.

On top of the busy week that we had, we also have a few hours of proslyting that we fit in! We have been working as effectively as we know how, and we have been praying that despite our circumstances of not being able to focus on proslyting as much as we would like to, we would be able to see miracle baptisms and have those who are prepared to be baptized fall into our sphere of influence. Over the past week we have got two new investigators who both are commited to work towards Oct. 14 to be baptized. One is from India, and was introduced to the church by his friend who was baptized a number of months ago. This is his third friend who is working towards baptism. He has a strong desire to change bad habits and wants to experience the same sort of magnificant changes that he saw his friend go through before and after his baptism. The other is a former investigator who dated a member a while back. She has been feeling something inside prompting her to go back to church. She is already developing habits of scripture reading, daily prayer, consistant institute attendance, and is making lifestyle changes to get away from the party life. They both have humble and strong spirits about them and have received remarkable fellowshipping from the ward. They should both be baptized on Oct. 14! They are both complete gifts from God. My testimony is growing that if you do everything within your power to fulfill your responsibilities, the Lord will now allow you to be unsuccessful.

I love my companion and the chance to be around President so often. He is truly inspired. The Lord is truly at the head of this work. I'm grateful for the powerful influence of the spirit and the changes that it can bring if we heed its promptings. I hope time slows down a bit so I can soak up this incredible opportunity to develop into who Heavenly Father needs me to become.

-Elder Porter

A New Assignment

September 22, 2012

It has been a week full of excitement and full of changes! As the transfer was ending last week I knew that getting a call to another area was a pretty big possibility seeing that I had been in London for 7+ months. Transfer calls are usually on Sunday evening, but on Thursday morning President Scott called. He extended a call for me to serve as his new assistant. One of the assistants was leaving at the end of this week and I was chosen to fill his position!

Thursday and Friday was a day full of goodbyes to converts, members from London 2nd ward and London YSA branch, and investigators. It was sad to leave the city that I love so much. I spent over 10 months of my mission in that blessed place. I'll love it forever and will always tie many memories of my mission with the amazing people there. Friday evening we met up with the assistants and I left with Elder Henderson and Elder Green. For the next few days we slaved in the office to prepare for transfers. There is so much work associated with preparing a mission for transfers. President Scott is so inspired. On Sunday evening I was able to make transfer calls to about 25 companionships. I think everyone wonders what it is like to be on the other side of those calls, and now I know!

With incoming missionaries on Monday and departing missionaries on Tuesday, I have been to the airport 6 times in the last week. Picking up the new group of incoming missionaries was a blast. The 3 of us assistants each drove a transfer van (15 seater) to the airport and loaded up the 21 new missionaries. We look them to the stake centre, office, and mission home for various orientation and training. I remember so vividly and distinctly those first few hours and days in Ontario. It’s a true blessing to be a part of those memories for the new Elders and Sisters. Being a part of the departing instruction and departing testimony meeting for the outgoing missionaries was equally as special.

The past week has been a blurry haze of activity. Getting up early and going to bed late for various things wears on you when it is "go go" go all day long. Being able to assist the key holder in running the mission is a great and sacred responsibility. I can feel I am learning and growing in ways I couldn't from any other assignment. I'm humbled as I am having new weaknesses shown to me and as I see a different view of the greatness and glory of God. I love Him and am grateful to serve in this capacity for the remainder of my mission experience.

E. Porter

School Has Started!

September 10, 2012

School has finally officially started! We are busy again. It is nice to see that my faith or work ethic hasn't changed even now that the summer is over and there are lots more YSA to find and teach. My faith in this area and in the Lord's work has remained constant, despite challenges or brief moments of discouragement in the past. We are happy to be more busy and associating more with the members now that they are back and ready for school and willing to be involved in missionary work.

This past week at church we had 6 nonmembers! It was the best turnout we've had in a few months. We've been really focusing on trying to meet the friends and acquaintances of our investigators. YSA are so open minded with ideas and are willing to share and do missionary work-even our investigators. We had 4 investigators at church and 2 of them each brought a friend.

With all the students moving back in over the last couple weeks, we tried to think of how we could take advantage of the situation. We thought up the idea of helping students move in/out for free. We posted flyers stating that we could help anyone move for a few hours, and we had 5 or 6 people call us with a need for help! In our first move, we helped 4 Nigerian PHD students move in. 2 of whom we have return appointments with to share the gospel. The Lord will always provide with a way for us to be successful if we work hard and ask him for help.

At this point in my mission it is no secret that I've been out for a long time. I don't think about it very often, and don't really want to either. Last week I had my last zone conference and was asked to give my testimony as one of the "departing missionaries". It is tough to see all this begin to come to a close. Over the past several months I've been praying daily and fasting often to be able to completely let go of myself, and surrender everything I have to the Lord. I've had special times when I feel my desires be taken away and are replaced with what the Lord wants. Jesus Christ felt this many times I am sure, and it is possible for us to "suffer the will of the Father", and have our will swallowed up in His, as Christ did. His Atonement makes this possible. It allows us to have a change of heart. I know strongly that this power is real. I've been transformed as a missionary and know that it is by His power.

Many of our investigators have potential to be baptized in the coming weeks and months. We are working towards baptismal dates with a few of them. I'll have a good report next week!

Love,

Elder Porter

"I'm in Love . . . With My Mission!"

August 27, 2012

We're excited for the coming 2 weeks here in London YSA! Students are just now starting to move back into the city, and that means more and more people for us to talk to. We don't need to YSA hunt any longer, but we'll be surrounded by people with whom we can share the gospel with.

During our weekly planning the other week, as we were planning to find new investigators, we really tried to think about more than contacting people on the street. We had the idea to post up flyers advertising us being able to help students move in our out for free. It would be an excellent way for us to meet more people in a different way and also to bring members of the branch to help and start forming friendships with nonmembers. We didn't know if the idea would work or if anybody would call. We started posting up the flyers and we have scheduled several moves already! We look forward to inviting these people to learn more about the restored gospel.

I really am in love with my mission. I am grateful for the chance to forget about everything else except for serving others and helping them come closer to Jesus Christ. Last week I really felt the buffetings of Satan trying to slow me down and confuse me in the final months of my full-time service. I felt it would be a good opportunity to fast and petition the Lord for extra focus, strength, and desire. Once again, I bear my testimony of fasting. The feelings of commitment that I felt after my fast were stronger than I had ever felt previously. I saw the grand importance of the gospel and felt so strongly a desire to help people accept it. I felt more invested than ever before. I know that feelings like these are gifts from God. There have been times as well where my commitment hasn't been at its highest for a number of minutes or hours, and just as the Lord did for the Nephites at the request of Enos, He brought down upon my head sorrow for my transgressions. I am grateful for the divine discontentment that I have felt, and I'm grateful for the peace and faith that is a product of acting the way I know Heavenly Father wants me to act. We are all entitled to these feelings of commitment and peace as we go throught our day as deciples of the Lord.

The zone is really preparing well for a powerful September. There are lots of new missionaries who are ready to be taught and shown how to be effective misisonaries.

Thanks for the support and love that you all show me!

Elder Porter

Elder Hancock Goes Home

August 20, 2012

Well, the work keeps rolling on! After 9 months of serving with Elder Hancock we were finally split up! Johnny Hancock is on to new and different things in life as he's going to BYU in a few weeks. Being split up was really, really tough. We were together for so long that we had everything down to a science in our zone, area, and companionship. Things were very difficult for the first week or so. Very stressful. Running a zone is tough work, but now that Elder Burgess is getting used to things, it is a lot better. Elder Burgess is a GREAT missionary. He is very young, only 7.5 months and is the youngest zone leader in nearly 2 years. He has a lot of talent but also has a lot to learn. Our teaching is becoming unified as we've practiced and studied together over the past weeks, and we have faith that we'll see success together. I love my mission and the opportunity I have to learn how to adapt to changes even as small and simple as this one.

Over the past week we were on the road a bit! Our zone is big enough that we get to travel and spend days in other areas when we conduct companion exchanges. We held two separate zone training meetings in two different locations to accommodate the distance. The zone is building now to have a great month of September.

We have seen several miracles in our area this week! With the lack of students over the past few months, YSA work has been a bit tricky. I really feel like the Lord is trying to teach me something with the lack of visible success. We have a great investigator who we've been teaching for several weeks now come to church yesterday for the first time! We visited him last night and had a great lesson, and he committed to work towards baptism on September 9th! He is beginning to recognize changes that come as one qualifies for the Holy Ghost in their life more and more. Seeing others make these changes only helps my testimony expand as I see the fruits of the gospel in the lives of people around me.

Over the past months my testimony of fasting has grown. I have huge faith that by fasting for a specific purpose with a meek attitude, the Lord's will can be manifest in our life. The Lord has answered my prayers and fast from this past week and taught me exactly what I need to do to fulfill His will. Focusing on others TRULY is the way that we find ourselves. Jesus said it from the beginning. Those who lose their life for His sake will find it. I've experienced this and I know it is a true principle.

Most of our time lately has been filled with finding. We're downtown mostly, YSA hunting. There are a few apartment buildings that still have lots of student that we knock frequently. It is amazing to see the Lord allow you to achieve your goals as you set them in faith. Faith is the key!

Until next week,

Elder Porter

The Blessing of the Spirit

July 16, 2012

The past week has been full of hard work! London has around 60,000 students here in the school year. During the summer there is obviously a LOT less than that, and seeing that we're working in a YSA branch, we've had to be extra creative with our finding and other work we do here. We've been pushed hard and stretched to find people to teach. We've tried SO many different finding ideas and approaches. We've taken every avenue we know of to find people to baptize. It feels at times that our efforts are falling on stony soil. It’s amazing to see that through all of this I've developed more Christ-like attributes, better teaching skills, and more love and dedication to my Savior than I have ever had before. I love this sacred work and the wondrous blessings of the Atonement that flow to anyone who is involved in it.

The Chinese girl we have come so far with moved back to China this week. We knocked on her door my first week in London back in February, we taught her all throughout the school year, she gained a testimony of Christ and His Atonement by feeling her nature change, but still was not able to muster enough faith to be baptized. She has moved back to china, but will be returning back in September for the next 4 years to finish University in London. She will be baptized in the future. I love such genuine Christ-like love for those whom I teach. I want them to experience the blessings of the Atonement of the Lord. My mission has helped me love this great province and the great people here. Not only that, but I have experienced profound love for people of all ethnic backgrounds as I've served in the most multi-cultural city in the world. My companions have taught me so much as well as both of my mission presidents. I know this mission call was inspired and the Lord has had His hand in my service.

One of the greatest gifts I have been thinking about lately is the blessing of recognizing the identifying the spirit. I have developed this as a missionary, as I am sure many others have. It is easy to feel the presence of the Holy Ghost. I've learned exactly what I need to do to keep its close presence. I'm grateful for its quiet promptings that shows me how to make a great difference in the lives of others.

Elder Porter

Staying with Elder Hancock!

June 25, 2012

Transfers are rolling and rolling. The time is speeding up quicker than I thought possible. Months seem like days and seasons are all meshed together. I love Ontario and the people here. I love the university students which I get to associate with daily. I love the gospel and the converting power of the Atonement. I love the missionaries in my zone and the good companion I've been blessed with.

Last night was transfer night-nearly all the companionships in the London zone are changing. We got a call as well, but we were told that we are STAYING together for transfer number 6! We aren't even shocked that we're still together anymore. We make such a seamless team. We've become best friends and love where we are at. We will serve together for this coming transfer, and then Elder Hancock will end his mission and head home to Arizona. I may be in London this coming September when school starts up again! It will be exciting to see 60,000 students come flooding into the city after the summer.

The past 2 weeks have been very interesting in the work here in our YSA area! We've had so many good things going on. As was predicted, when the most good is happening, that is when Satan is working his hardest to stunt the work and tear down the things that have been built up. Here is a rundown on what is happening in our area.

There is a young Chinese girl who we've been seeing since I got here in February. She is been to church every Sunday except one. I have never seen an investigator have more knowledge about the gospel as she has. She has felt the power of the Atonement of Christ after repenting of things she knows is wrong. She is make changes in her life and has felt the spirit witness to her that the gospel is true. Her family is opposed to the church, and for one reason or another she has not decided to be baptized. She will go back to China in 2 weeks for the summer and then come back to London in September. She wants to wait and re-evaluate when she returns. It’s been absolutely heartbreaking to see her not accept the light and direction she has received. I know the Lord will continue to work with her.

Another Chinese student we are working with is close to baptism! She is living all the commandments right now and has felt the spirit as she has developed a habit of scripture reading and prayer. It’s amazing to see and feel the spirit that comes as people begin to develop a relationship with Heavenly Father through their first prayers. This is one of my favorite parts of my mission. I know the Lord is mindful of us because of the spirit that is felt as we expand our relationship with God.

We have many progressing investigators who have fallen off the map in the past week for various reasons. Randomly moving and changing universities, having problem living or accepting certain commandments, being scared of commitment, and not keeping commitments. It’s hard to see baptisms so close and then watch them move away and move backwards. Agency is a hard thing to completely respect sometimes. It’s so important to be filled with Christ-like love in this work or you will never succeed. I know the spirit is the single most important element in missionary work and in life if we are looking for success.

My testimony is continuing to expand. I've found specific answers to my prayers. The spirit can answer our questions, prompt us to develop in a certain direction, give us peace and comfort, and teach us new truths. I have experienced all of these things during my mission. I know that we must be born again to experience the true joy that the Lord has in store for those who diligently follow and seek to obey His commandments.

E. Porter

Time continues to explode

June 4, 2012

Time continues to explode by as usual. As time is going by we continue to be flooded with blessings from the Lord. I know so strongly, and know stronger and stronger as my mission goes by that He sees us, He understands and knows our effort, He recognized when we push and endure through difficult challenges, and He knows when we make correct decisions.

The past few months have been the best, most enjoyable of my life. I've never recognized the Master's hand more in my work, I've never felt as strong commitment as I feel now, and I've never felt as connected to the spirit. Our area has received so many unexpected blessings. June is gearing up to be a great month. Yesterday we had 3 investigators at church-all of them Chinese students! 2 of them have baptismal dates for later in the month. One is a referral from a recent convert who is making such leaps and bounds in her spiritual understanding and progression that she may be ready for baptism before her date on the 24th! We've witnessed her sweet first prayers and she builds a relationship with God. We've seen her repent, show faith, and develop a desire to follow Christ. The spirit is enlightening her understanding and she tastes the sweetness of the gospel beginning to enter her life. What a blessing it is to be a missionary!

The recent converts we've had in the branch are doing so well. I have such a strong testimony of conversion and the power the gospel has to change our natures. I know the Atonement is real. I've felt its power.

The great London Zone is doing so good! We have goals to baptize double this month than what was averaged every month last year. Elder Hancock and I are preparing for Zone Conference on Tuesday-the revelation that the Lord gives us if we ask with a sincere desire to help others is real. I've felt direction come so many times as a leader. I'm grateful for His watchful care.

We're praying for 3 baptisms in our area this month! Miracles will happen if we consecrate ourselves more each day.

-Elder Porter

Grace and the Atonement

April 30, 2012

What a fantastic week here in the Promised Land! We had a lot of amazing and memorable experiences. I've learned a lot about grace and the Atonement.

Yesterday was a great day-we had 2 baptisms! Nadia and Priya were both baptized yesterday one after another. It was a very spiritually charged and powerful program. One of the best I've been to on my mission. It is so fascinating to see the distinct changes that happen in a person's countenance as they learn, accept, and live according to gospel laws and principles. Priya has always been a kind, humble, caring person. But showing faith to live the Word of Wisdom and showing love to her Savior by making scripture reading a habit as the only Christian in her family has changed her into someone more than a good person. She is being shaped and cleansed by the Holy Ghost and she is becoming a Saint through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Nadia being able to change her life from her very rough background was a miracle within itself as well. They were both confirmed directly after their baptisms. After receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost they were both beaming. There was a light and life in their eyes that wasn't there before. The spirit was strong and bore witness to everyone there that what was being done was according to the Lords mind and will.

One of them struggled with the Word of Wisdom. Cigarettes have been a temptation since she was 14. She was in the habit of smoking over 2 packs before she met the missionaries about 2 months ago. Since then she has accepted the gospel, been healed from scars and experiences of her past, and made a covenant with Heavenly Father to follow Jesus Christ.

Early on in the teaching process she cut down from 2 packs a day to between 2 and 5 cigarettes a day. She has made such remarkable progress and had worked as hard as she could to overcome her addiction. Everyone in her house smokes, so completely cutting the habit we thought may be impossible. She has such a STRONG desire to join the church and come closer to God. However, before baptism one needs to live the Word of Wisdom. We gave her a Priesthood blessing right before her baptismal interview. In the blessing, a specific promise from the Lord was given to her..."your body will no longer desire cigarettes". She went on to pass through her baptismal interview, and since that time last week cigarette smoke from her family members and friends has made her nauseous and sick to her stomach. Her cravings are gone and she is fully enjoying the gift and constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. The power of the Priesthood is real. The full gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored. This is His work and what He wants for all of His children who are willing to accept it.

As a person does all they can, grace can carry them the rest of the way. It could be a Priesthood blessing that provides a person with divine help stronger than they have themselves. It may be the power of heaven that can only be unlocked by fasting. It may be loving guidance from Heavenly Father that only comes through long, painful sincere prayer. Whatever it is, God will provide a way for us to accomplish the things which He has commanded. I know that this promise is true. I testify of it. I know that God lives, that the Gospel is His perfect plan for our happiness and progression. I love this work and do not want to leave. The Lord loves me and has blessed me with a custom-fit mission. It has been a perfect mix of struggles, questions, doubts, and incomprehensible joy at times. As we serve Him with all we have we will never be led astray.

Elder Porter

Wonderful Investigators!

April 10, 2012

We have had a great and exciting week! Elder Hancock and I are working as hard as we possibly can, and the Lord has begun to pour His blessings out on us. It’s been incredible to see the explosion of success and good things we've been part of lately. We have such a rhythm and tight unity that the spirit is able to help us make a difference in people's lives. We are finding by the spirit, teaching by the spirit, and helping people work towards baptism. I've never felt more connected to the Lord in His great work than I do right now. My role as a leader and with a great companion has let me develop the sharpest skill set I've had my entire mission. We are being effective, and making every second of our day count.

We have 3 investigators just on the brink of baptism! We are fasting and praying with one Chinese girl who is so close. We knocked on her door about 7 weeks ago, she didn't believe in God, she had no faith, she'd never prayed before. Now she prays like a lifelong member of the church, she has insights from her scripture reading, she recognizes the spirit in her life, and she has faith and hope that Christ can bring healing and a better life. Her unsupportive family in China is her biggest setback. We've been reading the Book of Mormon with her lots to help her faith grow to overcome her fears. She is SO CLOSE.

We have another girl who loves the church, its activities, and the restored gospel. She is working to overcome her deep-rooted smoking habit before her baptism which is scheduled for April 22. It’s amazing to see the spirit teach different people individually how the Atonement can apply to them and heal them.

Another person who is very close to baptism is a girl from Toronto. She was born in another country but has been here in Canada for a few years now. She had no previous background with Christianity, and had a small faith in Hinduism. She has felt the spirit enlighten her view of the world as she has learned about the Atonement and what Jesus Christ did for her. She loves the Book of Mormon and has received answers to her prayers. She is set for baptism on April 29.

Other than these great investigators, the Lord is leading us directly to people who are prepared. We have started tracting apartment buildings around the University, and 2 of our baptismal dates are on the same floor of a building. We are teaching and helping our investigators be integrated into the church almost constantly. We are finding people to baptize. We are feeling the spirit bear strong witness to those we find that Christ is real. My testimony of this work has grown a lot in the past month. The Lord keeps his promises. He will not abandon us if we keep our covenants.

My mission has been the greatest, most exciting time of my life. It’s been hard and dark at times also, but through all the trials I've grown the capacity to feel true joy. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. God loves us, and he wants us to succeed.

Elder Porter

A successful lecture!

April 2, 2012

Transfer calls were last night! I wasn't expecting to get a call, and I didn't. Elder Hancock and I will be together for at least another 6 weeks. He's only been here for 3 months, or 2 transfers. We are almost positive that we'll be separated after this one though. We'll make it count and hopefully baptize 3 or 4 in the next 6 weeks.

The lecture went great! Elder Hancock and I presented for about 35 minutes on the basics of the LDS faith. We did our whole presentation from the visual aids on Mormon.org. We taught briefly about how the gospel blesses families and showed a few "I'm a Mormon" clips. We taught the Restoration from a powerpoint-type-slideshow on the site as well. We had open Q&A for about 45 minutes after that. It was slightly intimidating answering questions from the Catholic Priesthood (people training to be ordained priests) and other non-members, but it went very, very well. We found ways to bear testimony and invite all to come closer to Christ through pondering and reading the Book of Mormon. There were about 30 people there, many of who were members from the London YSA Branch, some of who were staff at Kings University College (a catholic college), and just a handfull of nonmembers from the campus there. The best response was from the staff. The spirit definately touched some of them as they asked sincere questons and of their own initiative took a Book of Mormon to review furher. It was a GREAT experience. I wasn't scared or nervous at all. Although there were not any immediate fruits, we planted seeds and softened hearts, and it was a great use of time. A truly memorable experience!

Preparing to Lecture on College Campus

March 26, 2012

I've been in London for 5 weeks already! I can't believe it. YSA work is crazy different than the previous work I've done. It’s taught me how to be more real and it’s come to help define the testimony I've had through my mission.

Elder Hancock and I are having a great and really unique opportunity on Wednesday! We are going to be managing a presentation at a Catholic College about the basic beliefs of our church! A few weeks ago we emailed all the religious Professors at the University of Western Ontario and the surrounding religious colleges. The head Priest for the college had us over for a chat, and he is providing a venue for us to give a presentation. We've made flyers and distributed many hundreds of them. We're presenting in a lecture hall this week. We're very, very excited. It is such a unique opportunity. We'll be pulling most of our presentation from Mormon.org and the Restoration lesson from Preach My Gospel. We're praying and having faith that someone with a desire and intent to search for truth will be able to make their way to hear our message. We're a little anxious, but mostly excited to share what we know to be true in such a unique place.

Yesterday at church we had 7 nonmembers. We're doing some serious work and experiencing some great and heavy blessings from the Lord. We're currently teaching 2 Chinese girls who are here for another semester. They are so close to accepting a baptismal date! They are in the stage of trying to recognize that their prayers have been answered and that all these things really have helped them out in life. They are slow coming, but coming nonetheless. We found a great girl from Sri Lanka in the same building as the Chinese girls. She's accepted to work towards baptism in April and came to a Christian church for the first time yesterday! She's beginning to feel the spirit as we're teaching her about who Jesus Christ is and why he's so important. Also, we're teaching a roommate of a less active who is doing great! He's a really down to earth business student working for his Masters Degree right now. He's gaining spiritual insights from the Book of Mormon as his belief in God is sprouting and growing.

I know in a real way we receive revelation as to what these people need to hear and learn about in order to have their faith grow. I love this work and will miss it forever when my time in Canada is done. I revere my mission as a sacred part of my life. I know the gospel brings more happiness than anything else. I know prayers are heard. I know baptism is what Father wants for us. We are all involved in this work in different ways. Doing what we should brings blessings regardless of what assignment we have. Keep doing what you should and the Lord's promised blessings will come eventually.

Elder Porter

March 12, 2012

What a great week! Elder Hancock and I are seeing the Lords mercy. We are so busy with administrative stuff and running around the zone for exchanges that we don't have a ton of time in our own area. Our zone covers a huge geographical area; it takes around 2 hours to travel from one end to the other. It consists of mostly small cities (100,000 or less) with a 2 larger cities, Windsor (which is only separated from Detroit by a river) and London (where I'm serving). E. Hancock and I travel around the zone every week and work with the District Leaders for a day in their area. We get to see a lot, but we're pulled away from our own area as well. It’s been incredible to see the Lord pour out success in the time we have to work here. We literally find for 1/5 of the time that other missionaries are able to, but we are seeing lots of success. We literally don't have time to teach everyone, it’s incredible. The Lord has seen our diligence, obedience, and hard work prior to being here and now he is blessing us. I have never felt more fulfilled in my life. The past 3 weeks have literally been the most spiritually satisfying time of my entire life. I have never been happier, felt better about who I am and who I am becoming, or had more faith in Christ and in our Father's plan for us. There are 3 things I want to highlight today from the past week.

We are still working with two Chinese girls that we found our first few days together. (Fan and Peipei from mainland China.) Their faith has gone from absolutely nothing to begging us for things they can do in their life to feel more of the sprit. Their faith has grown, and their desire to be better people and do more for others has increased as they have learned to have kneeling prayers on a regular basis, study and learn from the Book of Mormon, and come to church in preparation for their baptism. They are set for next Sunday, but it may need to be pushed back a week due to some family concerns that have come up over the past few days. Hopefully the spirit will encourage them to move forward with making these big, positive changes in their lives! I am blessed to feel the love that Christ has for them on a daily basis. As we study, pray, and fast for our investigators, we are blessed to feel the overpowering care and love that Father has for them-what a tremendous blessing!

Last year when I was here, right after a session of general conference my zone leader pulled me aside and asked me to come teach a lesson to a non-member who had strolled into conference. I remember the lesson vaguely, and didn't think much of it after that. Once I got into London, I realized that the man who I had taught was baptized, has received the Melchizidec Priesthood, and is actively working towards serving a mission this summer! He comes teaching with us all the time and is one of the most incredibly righteous and motivated converts I've ever seen. He's been struggling with some past habits lately and some very difficult decisions he's needed to make. We sat down with him earlier this week and he requested a blessing. I was able to lay my hands on his head, and give him powerful counsel and promised from God himself. I have never given a blessing with such ease as I was able to on this occasion. I knew the words I spoke were not my own. There was power and the spirit was very strong. He was able to act on the counsel he received in the blessing and the promises that were made have come to pass. The Priesthood is real!!

One more cool experience from this past week-we were having a discussion from a man from Brazil, he's a strong Christian but has had some problems with the Book of Mormon. He hadn't given it adequate attention before judging what was in it as false. We felt prompted to read the book with him. There was a particular chapter that came to mind as we opened the book. As we read, I offered a silent prayer that the spirit would be able to come powerfully to testify that this is God's word. As my personal prayer closed, the spirit immediately, quickly, and powerfully entered the room. I had never felt it come that quickly or powerfully before. As we read the chapter the room was on fire. It was a sacred personal experience that reminds me when we ask for righteous things in faith that Father will grand us what we seek. Many blessings are made conditional on us asking for them.

I love my mission. I love the gospel. It is real. Don't slow down or break your covenants, and the Lord's promised blessings will come eventually.

Until next week,

Elder Porter

March 5, 2012

This work is amazing. Missionary efforts in London are doing very very well as we are watching many people prepare for baptism during this month of March. This past Friday my companion and I were at Zone Leader Council in Brampton. It was such a spiritually intense experience as we were able to discuss with the leadership of the mission the direction in which things need to be carried out. Being surrounded by the best of the best brings such a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow on a whole new level. The missionaries in this mission are of a remarkable caliber. I am amazed just by who they are.

With the assignment that I have right now, my companion and I do not have as much time to work in our own area as we normal would. We are busy doing reports and driving across the province some days. You would think that the work and good things in our area would slow down by us now working on them as much, but I've found that as we work as hard as we know how that the Lord allows us a chance to meet the standard of what we are expected to do. We are finding new investigators, teaching so much we don't have time to find very often, and helping multiple people prepare for baptism this month as well as next month. We have perfect unity, perfect focus, perfect balance between having fun and working, and perfectly divided teaching and finding. I have never worked this hard at anything in my entire life, and I feel happier right now than I ever have before. I have more fulfillment and enjoyment out of what I am doing now than I have ever felt. It is a tremendous blessing. I know the gospel is true and that this is the Lord's work.

As time has gone by quickly and as I have felt happier and more fulfilled than ever before, I have been taught a valuable lesson. Through the past couple months I've been praying and putting lots of effort into strengthening my love, passion, urgency, and desire for my mission. I have learned that as I focus on PEOPLE, than the love Christ and Heavenly Father have for them is allowed to flow through me. If I focus on how many lessons I will teach, and how many hours I will go tracting, and how many people we will try to get to church, you find temporary satisfaction in hitting your goals. You can feel good about yourself if you tracted for 20 hours in a week or found 3 new investigators. As I fast, pray, study, ponder, and work hard to lift these PEOPLE to have spiritual experiences and develop faith in Jesus Christ, everything falls into place. The focus isn't on these "activities" of hitting goals, but rather on the ultimate measure of success-"achievement" of fostering and growing one's faith in Christ. I have focused on real people more than I ever have before, and as I do so I open myself for revelation to help them progress towards baptism. Again, I am able to feel the love that God has for them flow through me. It has changed the way I view my mission, the gospel, and my own testimony.

Since I came into the area 2 weeks ago, we've have more success than I've ever had. The secret is love, unity, and pure desire to follow God. We have 2 baptisms lined up for this month that we found my second day here, and 1 more lined up for April. They are all students at the University here from China, so teaching is different from anything I've done in the past. London is a white and ripe place. Our faith is high, and we're seeing success and results.

YSA work is still different. Going to activities and lingering after church to build relationships with the members is honestly what brings most success, so it’s been a bit of a change in focus. We have strong unity with the branch and because of that, their fellowshipping is fantastic! It’s such a blessing to see the diversity of the Lords work as a young missionary.

The church is true!

Love,

Elder Porter