Learning about the Atonement

Heeeey Family!

It's not the message, it's the messenger

So this week I had a trade-off with one of our district leaders, Elder Fiu, and we worked in my area. That was an amazing experience. Elder Fiu goes home in 2 weeks, so he is super-experienced and I learned heaps from him. But I think I enjoyed most just being around him. He is probably the only missionary that I have talked to in our mission that knows my trainer, Elder Cocker, very well (other than the people in Woden). Elder Fiu reminds me soooo much of him. We had so much fun just telling stories about the mission and sharing experiences. I love trade-offs. They always bring miracles. We were able to find two new investigators on our trade-off, so that was miraculous. We did a fair bit of walking, and saw miracles because of that.

Here are some of the things that I learned from my trade-off: First, we need to show love to our investigators and other missionaries. Then they will trust us. For exchanges with other missionaries, if at the end of the day you end up feeling like a missionary is your companion, you will know that they trust you and you trust them. You will also know that you have had a successful trade-off. One thing that really impressed me as we walked around, was when I had to answer a phone call, Elder Fiu still took the opportunity to talk to everyone that we met. Never pass up an opportunity to share the Gospel. There is a quote that Elder Fiu shared with me, it says "It is not the message, it's the messenger". That can be interpreted in a number of different ways. I will let you think on it:)

A wall on a Bankstown street

"Happy Feet"

We had a big week in the ward. We had a Ward Activity on Saturday, and a special invitation Sunday yesterday where everyone in the pacific area was asked to bring friends to church. It was awesome! The activity was called "Happy Feet", which was basically a big dance party... Hahaha. We did a line dance with the Elders Quorum and High Priest Group. It was so funny. Next time I send a memory card, look for videos. It was great because there were heaps of nonmembers there as well. Great success.

Back on track!

Sunday was so good! There were heaps of nonmembers there. The best part was that Oc*nly and P*rlita came with the family, and they stayed for all 3 hours. So they all made friends! Which was what has been holding them back from progressing for so long. They were not fellowshipped. But the Ward did a great job of latching to those investigators. They will be going to Mutual this week! Back on track! Hopefully they will be able to make it to baptism before I leave. But if not, I am confident that they will make it. Will give you an update next week.

Learning about the Atonement

I wanted to share with you all some of the things that I have been learning about the Atonement. After our trade-off, Elder Fiu let me borrow this packet with heaps of talks centered on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, many of which you cannot access online (e.g., from Mission Presidents Seminars). Here are some of the things that I have learned.

1. Neither the unconditional nor the conditional part of the Atonement are fully earned; unconditional blessings are not earned at all, they are a free gift. 
2. The conditional blessings extended to us from the atonement are only earned to an extent. Only by the Grace of Our Savior Jesus Christ are these blessings extended to us. 
3. Another thing that struck me as I studied the atonement was when Christ said "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). He was not only praying for the Jews and the Romans. He prayed for you and for me. He prayed that the Father would be able to forgive us for our wrongdoings. 
4. There are a number of Scripture references that have struck me as I have studied this week. Here are some examples. Ether 3:13,14-16; 4:11-12,18-19; 3 Nephi 11:31-41; 15:9-10; 27:13-21; Mosiah 3:19; 15:1-9; D&C 84:61; D&C 133:50; Alma 7:11-13; 34:14-17. I could go on and on with these references.

Missionaries are not perfect

Now to answer some of your questions. What do I see often that would surprise the family? Well..... I see that missionaries are not perfect. That would have surprised me before the mission. Something that I like about Australia that I didn't at first would be walking around. I didn't really like walking at first, but I am a convert to it now:). I know that it helps so much with the work.

Ezra, chair in Spanish is la silla:).

Suggestions for subbing in Primary for Dad? I have found with the young men in our ward that if they respect the one who is talking they will listen. For example, the new YM leaders are not always listened to, but when us missionaries teach they are all ears. I don't know if there is some way that you can earn there trust? Or if it would even apply to someone so young..... I don't know.

Okay! Well that is pretty much it!

Love you guys heaps!

Elder Larsen