God hears God answers - It is as simple as those four words

Hey guys! Hola! Talofa lava! Malo e lelei! Bula vinaka! Ni hao! Lai ho!

An exhilarating roller coaster ride

Last email..... Is this strange for me? I think so. I have lots of mixed feelings right now. Happiness, sadness, and everything in between. My mission has been such an exhilarating roller coaster ride!

This email, I want to share with you the magnitude of the impact my mission has had on my life. It has been enormous. I have changed so much, I am sure I will be unrecognizable when I return home.

First, I'll tell you a bit about the week. We taught Y_ and S_, and V_ was our fellowship. It was a neat lesson, I think V_ was edified more than anyone else. We found out some concerns with Y_ and S_, and now are working to overcome them to help them receive the Gospel. Otherwise, we have been very busy this week. We have been blessed with finding experiences, and with the Spirit in great abundance. I won't have much time to tell you much else about the week right now.

I have had so many experiences with the Spirit that have helped me to learn and to grow. This is the Lord's kingdom, restored once again to the earth. Of that I have no doubt. I am grateful to all of my companions that I have had, and I have learned something from each and every one of them.

Elder Cocker- I learned to love, and to show my love for others by respecting their culture, and going out of the way to do something for them. I learned to remember the good, and forget the bad.
Elder Balenaveikau- I learned to be patient. I learned to reach out and be interested in the lives of others. I learned the importance of communication and the importance of obedience.
Elder Winkleman- I learned to have fun. I learned that missions are meant to be fun, and that you have the most fun in missionary work when you are doing what is right.
Elder Wulf- I learned to be bold. That the Lord is on our side and is aware of our every thought. He will support His servants if they have the courage to lift up their voices and cry repentance.
Elder Tai- I learned how to relate to people of different cultures. I learned to be submissive, and humble, and to embrace others despite their shortcomings
Elder Bartholomew- I learned to appreciate the beauty of the earth. I learned the importance of the Spirit, and doing everything in my power to qualify for its presence.
Elder Wu- I learned to more deeply understand the Gospel. It is a gospel of change, of improvement, of always reflecting and changing our lives to be more in harmony with God.
Elder Tuua- I learned to eat! Haha! I learned that the Spirit will testify to anyone who is humble enough to hear, no matter whether or not the receiver can understand fully what is being taught.
Elder Naidu- I learned to trust. I learned that as companions rely on one another and work together to set goals and achieve them, that Heavenly Father is in the midst of them, and they will be blessed.
Elder Coats- I learned to not judge others. I learned to lift, encourage and inspire, and that the Lord will make up for our weaknesses if we turn to him.
Elder Kerr- I learned to listen. I learned the importance of a deep and abiding personal testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ, and how that can carry you through any obstacles or challenges that you may face.
Elder Hayward- I learned (and am learning) to be aware. To be observant of others, the way that they react to questions, and to various circumstances, because you can find opportunities to lift others and build them up by doing so.

This is me and Elder Hayward next to Wollongong Harbour

Us and Elders Janes and Cummings at David P_'s house

Turning points on my mission

There were a few turning points on my mission that really helped me to become who I am today. In the MTC I really began to love the word of God. It became delicious to me. It was exciting, it was new, and I would soak up anything that I could get my hands on. As my understanding of the Gospel grew, and as I had my growing testimony confirmed time and time again, a burning desire to share the Gospel ensued.

Another major turning point was when one of the missionaries I looked up to (who wasn't a comp) helped me to understand the Savior. He gave me a packet with 20 talks about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I will say that before I read it, I did understand His sacrifice, but did I know how to apply it? Not so much. As I poured over those talks, and just after I finished, as I read the Book of Mormon and specifically looked for how it spoke of the Atonement of Christ, I felt my heart change, and my purpose as a missionary became more and more clear. I understood more fully that I was here to help others to receive the blessings of the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ. I began to recognize and feel how the Savior was lifting burdens and teaching me, how very involved he was in His work.

I understood the Spirit in places where I understood little to none of the language spoken

Working in the Samoan ward helped me to more fully understand the importance of the Holy Ghost. It is what sets us apart from others. Everyone can receive a testimony of the Savior, and that is what causes most people to believe. However, the very real, personal experiences that one can have with the Spirit when asking specific questions (like "Is the Book of Mormon the word of God?") can lead to a deep and abiding trust in God, and we will be guided to the Restored Gospel as we rely on those revelatory experiences. I understood that in places where I understood little to none of the language spoken. I also learned that Heavenly Father will give to His children many blessings if they only ask.

God hears. God answers. It is as simple as those four words.

I also learned to pray on my mission. That has probably changed me the most, because it has influenced me in every aspect of my testimony. My testimony of the Book of Mormon, my testimony of Jesus Christ, my understanding of the blessings that come from simple obedience to the commandments of God. God hears. God answers. It is as simple as those four words. He knows us perfectly. Another simple truth taught in four words. He loves us all. Another one! The Gospel is so simple. Before my mission, it was so complex "I have to remember another commandment?? There are so many!!" But now I realize that that is not the case. It is sooooo simple.

I know that God lives. I know that He has a plan for us. I know His Plan is centered on returning to live with Him through the Grace, mercy, and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His Only Begotten. I know that Joseph Smith was called as a prophet of God, to restore eternal truths that can bless all who accept and live the things he taught. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and this conviction has led to my strong Faith in all of the above.

Much thanks to my family and friends who have supported me through all that I have gone through. I hope that maybe something that I have written will influence you all for good. Faamalosi! Buenos fuertes!

I love you! See y'all in a week and a bit!

Love,
Elder Larsen
Elder Loseni