Elder Workman's "Hastening the Work": The Orcs were all around us....

March 17, 2014

Good Day Mates,

Oh what a week it has been. I would love to say something exciting

happened, but really it was just a slow week as ever. This week tho we

had many miracles because of the heat. More people could see our white

shirts because we weren’t wearing our rain jackets. We had multiple

people approach us and tell us how they knew the Mormons or they were

once members. So this past week we did a lot of work with less active

people and recent converts. I would have to say the highlight of my

week was giving a blessing to a lady in the hospital. We had the

hospital call us and ask us if we were Mormons and asked if we could

give this lady a blessing at her request. It was an amazing

experience. I was able to pronounce the blessing upon her head and I

felt so lucky as I could feel the spirit direct my thoughts and words

to best meet her needs. I know that all priesthood holders have felt

this amazing authority of God. How blessed! I feel especially lucky to

hold this priesthood because it comes from My Father-passed down from my dad - who taught me the ways of the Jedi. Speaking of my dad.. I think of him daily. I'm constantly think what would my dad want me to do.

I'm a workman and I need to show that I work. This

past week I went on exchanges with an elder who lives in cottage

grove. The best town in Oregon. Totally hick town. But totally

awesome! So many off road trucks, the sounds of chainsaws up in the

hills, amazing! Totally reminded me of my dad and all the great

times I had with him making benches, and cutting fire wood. And then I

saw a truck with a four wheeler In the back. And fighting off the

tears, and struggles of not being able to go camping or riding I

managed to notice that it's carburetor was missing, so I chuckled and

said to myself, " ha sucks for them.. They won't be doing any riding

soon either." And I managed to get a smile back on my face. My dad has

been such a great example to me. I'm extremely proud to call him

father. I brag a lot about him up here. And his words are always going

through my mind when I'm doing The Lords work. Dad I'm so grateful for

you. Thank you for helping me with scouts and not letting me fail at

anything and always pushing me to be better. It's because of your

example to me that I am able to stay out here, and never give up. I

love you best friend.

Awesome! Now that that's off my chest we can continue with the story..

So the orcs we all around us... Surrounding us, I had no choice but to

fling a couple arrows into their heads. I reached back to draw another

arrow when I realized that I was out. This was not good as I had 60

remaining foes. I drew out my sword... The sword of Rohan, passed down

to me by my father on his death bed. It's hilt, pure gold. Outlined in

diamonds. The blade, as sharp as an exacto blade. I could feel my

fathers of past giving me strength to conquer the enemies around me...

Oh wait wrong story, my bad folks. But if you think about it this

could be applied to missionary work. But I'll let y'all figure it out.

Haha.

Missionary work is awesome! Some weeks are better than others. I have

become addicted to the scriptures. I know my mom is probably rolling

over in her bed, saying I told you so. But the stories and history the

book contains are amazing ! If I could do life over again I would

force myself to read them. So amazing ! To all you youngsters out

there.. Ima point out some of my brothers in the ward..Ryley, Connor,

and Braxton , Jaren, Luke and Ben, Seth,

Jaren, Robert, Carson, (side note there is an

elder memmot out here who is legit) Derek(congrats on your call

to Peru), carter (also congrats on yours), and all you other

brothers of mine in the 801.. If y'all aren’t reading your scriptures

daily, READ THEM !!! They will answer all your questions and make your

days easier. I promise you this. I promise that as you read them God

will bless your life, and give you a testimony of the church. If your

testimony is faltering, I beg of you to not give up. To stay strong

to the word of God, and read the Book of Mormon. The truest book in

existence in this world right now. I beg of you to never give up in

the gospel. Don't waste years saying you'll read it later, or that

you'll join the church when your done partying and sinning. If any of

you lack wisdom in the gospel, ask God for help, and read the BOM. He

will make things known to you. And if any of you say that you can read

because you don't understand, than read Ether 12:27. God promises

you that he will make your weaknesses your strengths. I can also

testify of this scripture as I have found it to be true. Now I love

y'all :) sorry if I made ya shat yourselves. That part of being a

missionary. Hehehe. Enjoy the week boys. Miss my homies in the 801.

There are however only like 8

young men in Eugene 1st ward. That includes all 3 classes of Aaronic

priesthood. So I miss the bigger wards, and friends in my ward.

Awesome awesome email mom. I miss home a little. I loved all the quotes. Ether 12:6 is amazing. It is only after the trial of our faith that we will be made strong and feel the blessings. Mommy fear not for The Lord is always on your side. (I guess he picked up on my worry over his sister in Costa Rica/Nicaragua) Things may cover the path but all we have to do is clear them from our way or step over them. I admire your courage to keep going. I admire how much you turn to The Lord, Our Savior. I do. Trials make us stronger. And I will pray for you like I always do :) "You could sell a ketchup Popsicle to a old lady wearing white gloves." Temples are amazing and I'm so proud of you mom. You make my heart swell how much you are doing for those around you. Stay strong and be of good cheer. Never get discouraged. I love you I can't believe London is already home. That's crazy. Welcome home dude! Let my bros know I love them. Haven't heard anything from them for a while.