All is going well here in Cauayan! As I recall these last week's occurrences, I am overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude for the help and protection the Lord provided me in my work. First, I wish to share a miracle that occurred yesterday in regards to a dog. As I have mentioned previously, there are certainly no lack of dogs in the Philippines, and most of them aren't too friendly. Yesterday, when my companion and I went on splits with some members, I asked one individual my fellow-shipper (member missionary) and I taught, if I could use their restroom, located at the back of their compound. It appeared that their outdoor restroom is used by all of the homes located within that compound, so in order to go to the restroom I had to pass a few homes in the process. At one home, however, there was a closed door. Out of nowhere though, an angry dog emerged from the closed door, where my fellow-shipper and I were located. In spite of the surprise, I stayed completely calm, but put my hand down to protect my face, as he was jumping and clamping his jaws in the process. I don't know how it happened, but I managed to push the dog back with my hand and get to safety without me or my fellow-shipper even getting a scratch. All of the individuals who saw who saw the incident thought for sure that I had been hurt, but I am thankful to say that the only affect the dog had on me was sense of surprise. I know without a doubt that there were hands beyond the veil who protected me from getting hurt, and for that I am most grateful.
This last Wednesday, I had new leaders training (training for new district leaders and zone leaders) and it went quite well. It fully occurred to me, however, throughout that meeting the responsibility I have for the other missionaries in my zone, for both their temporal and spiritual needs. With that said, I have realized that I now require more help from the Lord more now than at any other time before in the mission. Not only am I responsible for my own work, but those of the other missionaries as well. As such, it also occurred to me that in order to be an effective leader in the mission that I need divine guidance, or revelation from God. In result, I have done some pondering and studying the last few days in regards to revelation and how it works. I was particularly influenced though by a couple of talks that I read from Elder David Bednar and President Russell M. Nelson, who both have spoken about this subject within the last few years.
One thing that I have been concerned about as a missionary is if and what revelation or guidance I am receiving from the Lord. However, as Elder Bednar indicated in his message about revelation, it is not particularly important for us to know if what thoughts or actions we are doing are responses to revelation in that particular moment. Rather, my understanding is that we must focus on being worthy of such revelation, and do what we know to be right. Indeed, we don't need to know if the thought to talk to a particular individual, or call a certain friend is revelation or not. Instead, if we just listen to all good thoughts and urges that come into our mind, we will ultimately be responding to revelation, as all good things are from the Lord.
I have been very grateful for the help the Lord has given me throughout my life in directing my path. As I look back on many of the decisions I have made, it has occurred to me that many were inspired, in spite of my inclination to think otherwise. I have come to appreciate a passage in found in the New Testament, regarding a missionary named Philip. We are told in Acts 8 that Philip was was inspired to "arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza." And, in spite of the fact that Philip lacked the knowledge as to the reason he was to go in that direction, or where exactly he was to go, we are told that "he arose and went". It is in the next few verses that he finds the man the Lord was directing him to find, a "eunech" who was baptized that very day. Just as the story with Philip, when we receive revelation from the Lord to help us in our lives, He may not give us all the answers at once. However, if we prove faithful in acting on every good impression, the Lord will lead us to success and happiness one step at a time.I know with all my heart that the Lord loves each one of us. I also know that whatever direction we need from God, that if we "study it out in [our] mind, and [then] ask [Him] if it be right" that he "will cause [our] bosom to burn within [us]" and we will be directed to do those things that are right (D&C 9:8). With God on our side we can indeed never fail, no matter how large are tasks may seem.
Have a great week everybody!
Love,
Elder Pulley
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