Sister Syd: Canada Week 27: Let FAITH defeat FEAR!

"We live in a time of turmoil. Earthquakes and tsunamis wreak devastation, governments collapse, economic stresses are severe, the family is under attack and divorce rates are rising. We have great cause for concern. But we do not need to let our fears displace our faith. We can combat those fears by strengthening our faith."
~President Russell M. Nelson

Hello everyone! How is life under semi-quarantine? I'm not quite sure how everyone is living life back home - nor am I informed a whole lot about what is going on with the Covid-19 virus because of missionary life. I am aware of the panic and fear a lot of people are experiencing because I have seen it. We have a less active member we are working with who is quite frightened because of it and we have been able to help her connect with God and look to faith and comfort to combat and overcome her fears. It has also been a neat experience connecting the dots between the signs and blessings that are still prevalent in our lives despite the tumult. God is still with us. He is still in the details. He is still in control.

All is well here in the Canada Edmonton Mission. We do have health precautions we have been guided to follow. We are still allowed to do everyday missionary work except for knocking on any doors because we don't know who is self-quarantined. We are allowed to continue contacting and be out in public. Sadly they have cancelled all other missionary gatherings. They cancelled our combined zone conference for the month, but we can still have in person district council. We also aren't allowed to go to the church on P-days for zone sports. I am very grateful for a mission president who keeps us informed and keeps us safe!

This week we were still able to have a lesson with a guy we have been teaching and getting ready to pass along to the YSA sisters. He had so many questions about the Book of Mormon and what it contained that he couldn't find in the Bible. It was a really cool lesson! He also expressed that he has been trying to find a new church that is smaller and has more people around his age - so ding ding ding! We told him about the YSA ward we wanted to introduce him too. My companion and I gave him a Book of Mormon in which we marked a few scriptures for him to start with as he read it. I am so grateful for the opportunity we have had to meet and teach him!

We also had a Skype lesson with a less active member we are working with and we shared with her D&C 121:7-9
7 My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.
9 Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands.

If you look at the foot note for small moment - in Isaiah 54:7 it states, "for a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee."
With GREAT MERCIES He will gather us! He doesn't ever leave us. He is always there - even when He is silent. He continually gives us the strength to keep going and He provides the peace we need in our lives that is eternal. A peace that we can't find anywhere else. This is something that we really need right now with everything going on in the world. Our less active member found a lot of comfort in this teaching and we all felt at peace.

This week in my studies I studied a lot about personal revelation and receiving answers to things. There is a really good devotional that David A. Bednar gave a while back about this very subject. He stated that we are in a constant state of revelation. People get so caught up with the idea that we need to prepare ourselves to receive revelation, but in all reality, we are always ready. That is the promise of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. We just need to be continually striving to keep our covenants and promises we made with God. A lot of what I was getting from the devotional was that it has to do with our mindset. What are we doing to let "virtue garnish our thoughts" and what is our attitude? Our focus? This study went right along with a Book of Mormon reading we did with some members in 2 Nephi 32 where it states to "feast upon the words of Christ." We gain answers through the study of God's word. Bednar also touched on the idea that in order for people to be converted or to gain a great testimony, they need some big experience like seeing an angel, when in fact they don't need a big experience. It is the small whisperings of the spirit that change our hearts and strengthen us. It is changing the idea that revelation and answers are linear. Prayers are answered in various ways, not just one. Personal revelation is similar, that is why it is PERSONAL.

I want to bear my simple testimony that I know my Savior lives. I know that He died for me and performed the atonement to succor me perfectly. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had, and continue to have, as I serve and draw closer to both my Father in Heaven and my Savior. I know they can bring us the peace we need during the most difficult and even simple times. Let God be there for you in all things. Trust him and let him guide you! :)

Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday. It was definitely one to remember! It was a really special time and I am grateful for all the friendships and relationships I have made here in Canada and that I have back home. Thank you for the constant support and love. You all are the best! I hope you have a wonderful week and stay safe and healthy. Always look to Christ and call upon His strength.

Keep the faith.
Love, Sister Merrill