Drew mail 9-7-20: "Endure to the End"

 

Hi everyone! I apologize for a shorter letter this week, but I just wanted to share an experience we had giving service.  We were asked by an elderly lady to help move some boxes from out of her basement to a shed not too far away. Little did we know that it was a LOT of boxes, and took a lot more time than we expected. We worked hard, but towards the end our strength was just about completely spent, and I wasn't very happy. I just wanted to end it, but then we got some extra support from the other elders here, and that gave me the boost I needed to decide to finish. I know sometimes it can be hard to keep working hard, whether that's with little things or big trials we have, but I promise help will come as you just keep trying and it will be worth it! I love you all so much and know Heavenly Father is watching over you and answers prayers! I testify that miracles still happen in today's world. We just need to put our trust in Him and Act!

~Elder McDonald

Drew mail 8/31/20: "Reaching out"

 

 Hey everyone! How are you doing this week? I wanted to share a little bit about how Heavenly Father is always reaching out to you and looking to bless you and help you with all that is going on in your lives. We were able to do a fireside this last week with one of the wards and it was a great experience to share experiences and thoughts about how Heavenly Father always loves each one of His children perfectly and will help them as they put their trust in Him. I shared an experience there that I had in Uruguay and I feel like sharing it again so here it is. :) 

In my last area in Uruguay we met a man who was a less active member. We stayed to talk with him and help him out and one of the things that stood out to me was that he had a GIANT beehive under the front roof. Every time we asked him about why he didn't get rid of it and he just said, "I will later on." He knew it was getting to the point where it was really dangerous but he still didn't want to do anything about it, even though all it would take to fix it was one call to the firefighters to remove it. I wanted to relate that to the atonement. Sometimes we feel like it's not possible to get rid of a problem or bad decision or weakness we have (like the beehive) but I testify that the Savior is always reaching out to you and that it is possible to be healed and to have our lives made as if there never was a beehive. All we have to do is take His hand and rely on Him. I promise that no matter how hard it seems or how many concerns you may have, it is always worth it to turn to Him and our lives are so much better after we trust in Him. Thank you so much for your love and support and efforts to draw closer to God. I know that every step matters!  Take care and know that you are loved! :) 

~Elder McDonald