The Chain

We found a lot of people this week, but very few are actually progressing. There's still 2 or 3, but only one came to church. Speaking of church, it was at 5 o'clock because there was a different stake conference in the morning. So we basically had a little one, which, because we're in spain, started 15 minutes late. Then the second talk was 45 minutes long, our recent converts came, didn't sit by us, then we ended 30 minutes late. It was good, though, and we visited that member to give the sacrament.

For a spiritual thought:

We also read Alma 7:11-13, which reads:

"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me."

Something that stood out to me that somehow hasn't before is just what it means that Christ took our afflictions, as well as our temptations. That He really experienced everything that we do in this life.

Obviously His role as Savior and Redeemer is the most important. It's also important to remember, however, that He not only broke the chains of death, but the chains that encircle us everyday of sin and pain. He's not only there when we're sinners or at church, but when we're alone. When we're sick, lost, afraid, even we we think He has left us. He is there, always.

One of the first things He did when visting the righteous in the Book of Mormon was heal them. He said "Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy." If I was there, and I'm sure most of you were there, I would go up to be healed of my afflictions. Of my worries and pains. Luckily, I still can go up in a way. Through prayer, studying, attending church, and my covenants I can find this healing power, and so can all of us.

Not much else this week. Seahawks won the superbowl, going to have to talk to this one Spaniard in our ward how he feels about that. We had "exchanges" were we basically chose which lessons we wanted to do since we all live in the same apartment. We had a crazy dinner literally seconds before bed, woke up quite poorly. We also had a workshop today about working with members and budgeting. Wish we had that before I only had 4 dollars 😶

Id con Dios,

-Elder Puzey

Space Needle + thing in Berlin Knockoff