Week 21: The Diamonds in the Rough

January 10, 2020

Week 21: The Diamonds in the Rough

Outside the Roskilde Museum

Halløjsa alle!! I ́m really starting to see a strong correlation between Aladdin and missionary work. As you probably know, the Cave of Wonders can only be entered by individuals whose "worth lies far within". We, as missionaries, are searching for these diamonds in the rough (prepared people) so that they may go into the hidden cavern (God's kingdom). As they walk down the path, there are treasures (distractions and temptations) surrounding them and they are lead by the magic carpet (the Holy Ghost) to the ultimate destination - the genie's magic lamp (exaltation). It's been a huge privilege to be out on the Lord ́s errand in search for those who are ready to accept the gospel, and we have been blessed during our search with a few diamonds in the rough in good ́ol Roskilde.

We had another lesson with Natasja to look over the baptismal interview questions. She CRUISED through them so we ́re not at all worried about that. She also assigned people for speaking, praying, baptizing, and confirming for her baptism. Natasja asked Ældste Brown to baptize her and me to give the gift of the Holy Ghost to her. We are so excited to be involved in the ordinance because it ́s the first time for both of us in Denmark!! We ́re jumping with joy!! :D We look forward to January 18th!! Natasja has also told us that she would like to introduce us to a couple friends and her family. While out contacting with us, she called herself a mini-missionary and told us that she actually dreamed about her referring people to us. We ́re seeing her desire to share the gospel with others grow so much! Also, as a side note, how cool would that be if Natasja served a mission? Wow, that thought just makes my mind explode!

Mathilde (forgive me for spelling everyone's name wrong before, lol) is still going strong as well! She, unfortunately, couldn ́t come to church this week because her back got injured. We've heard that she´s doing much better and will be coming again next week. Mathilde opened up about her search for truth! She told us that she notices something special in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that she doesn't feel in Den Danske Folk Kirke. She said that the strong feeling makes her want to keep coming back. We explained the Holy Ghost a little bit more to her since we know that she is learning to recognize the Spirit. Mathilde has been extremely busy so it ́s been difficult finding time to meet up with her, but we ́re keeping daily contact.

Rehné is a miracle story! We got his address from Søster Allen and Søster Lee from our blitz splits of Roskilde. They had set up a return appointment for us on Friday, which so happened to be on the same day as Mission Leadership Council (MLC). Ældste Brown ditched me to attend that meeting in Fredericia and so it was up to me and Ældste Christensen to swing by. We knocked on his door and waited for there 2 minutes. We tried again and he opened the door while saying that he had been expecting a visit from us. He explained his story of conversion from Asatro, or the belief in Thor, Odin, and other Viking gods, to Christianity. Rehné continued by telling us of some life-saving miracles that really opened his eyes. He then asked so many questions that we taught all of the Restoration, all of the Plan of Salvation, some commandments, and some church organization information. He absorbed everything like a sponge! We were there for 2 hours and could ́ve easily stayed longer. We invited Rehné to church on Sunday and he showed up! We'll be meeting with him again on Wednesday.

Mark is another man who let us in at the end of a long knocking session. He opened the door and we asked if he believed in Jesus Christ and would like to hear more about Him. He answered yes to both questions and invited us inside. Mark told us that he doesn ́t believe in the necessity of coming to church but he strives to have a personal relationship with God and Jesus Christ through prayer. We told him that the Restored Church focuses on a home-centered, church-supported system that is built on scripture and personal revelation. We described the purpose of the Book of Mormon and invited him to come see our Sunday service. He declined but said that we were welcome to come back another time. Mark's got the potential to be golden so we might as well try again sometime soon!

I thought to end with a scripture that has become more meaningful to me recently. Moroni 7:31-32 says, "And the office of their ministry is to call men unto repentance, and to fulfil and to do the work of the covenants of the Father, which he hath made unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men, by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of him. And by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father, the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men." This passage describes the role of missionaries very well. We are out here to find those chosen vessels who have been prepared by the Lord and will join the search party for more diamonds in the rough. The Holy Ghost does all the hard work by softening the hearts of those who are willing to hear. All we have to do is find these people and invite the Spirit to do the rest.

Make a great week everybody!! I love you all so much and feel the extra strength from all your thoughts and prayers!! :D

Kærlig hilsen,

Ældste Moore

P.S. I heard that the Patriots lost to the Titans in the first round of the playoffs. Looks like it's going to be a good Super Bowl this year! :)