This last week has been extraordinarily busy for me! Last Wednesday, I received a surprise call from one of the assistants to President Rahlf, who informed me that I have been called to train a new missionary the next few months. In result, on Thursday, I went up to Cauayan for a new trainers training, and was happy to see that two of my friends from my batch, Elder Vane and Elder Russell, have also been called to train. We received wonderful instruction there as to how to become effective trainers. However, I was once again surprised when President Rahlf asked to talk to me after the meeting and informed me that I have also been called to serve as a district leader, and to return the next day to Cauayan in order to attend the new leaders' training. For those that are not familiar with what being a district leader entails, it basically means that I will lead a few other companionships through training and teaching. Thus, I will now be teaching a group of missionaries weekly, make sure that all of their needs are met, and will be in charge of interviewing all of their baptismal candidates to ensure that they are ready to be baptized.
Needless to say, with these two new callings, I have felt a little inadequate. On both Wednesday and Thursday, I prayed and voiced my fear to God that perhaps my new responsibilities surpass my current abilities as a missionary. It was after doing so that I received an answer in a unique way. Friday night, my companion and I stopped by a members home and had to come up with a message on the spot to share. It was then that I was prompted to share a few verses from 1 Nephi 17, where Nephi, who had no skills in shipbuilding, was commanded by the Lord to build a ship so that he and his family could travel to the promised land in America. Nephi's response to this daunting task is one that has always impressed me. Rather than questioning the Lord for commanding him to do something for which he had no skills to do, he recognized that "if God had commanded [him] to do all things [he] could do them" (1 Nephi 17:50). Nephi recognized that it does not take one of great knowledge to fulfill great tasks, but one of great faith.
It was in this lesson I shared that I received the comfort that I needed, being reminded that "all things are possible to him that believeth" (Mark 9:23).I am thankful for the Lord's answer to my prayer, and remind all that no matter what tasks are placed before us, we can follow the example of Nephi and press forward in faith knowing that the Lord will magnify our humble efforts.
And, as promised, I have a little bit to say about mothers this week as well. As a missionary, I am more thankful for my mother than I ever have been before. For one, leaving home made me realize just how much that my mom did for me when I was home. The other is that I have realized how much of what I am today stems from my mother's unwavering love to me throughout my life. No matter what I have ever needed, my mother has always been there to help me in any way she could. I can honestly say that I could not have asked for a better mother. I have often wondered what I did to deserve such an amazing individual as my mom. All that I can say is that I echo the words of Elder Holland, who said that "no love in mortality comes closer to approximating the pure love of Jesus Christ than the selfless love a devoted mother has for her child". I will forever be grateful for mom, and all others who shape society through their incomprehensible love. Happy Mothers' Day!
Have a great week everybody!
Love,
Elder Pulley
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