Oct. 29, 2018

 Pictures of Elder Trezise and some of his Zone goofing off at the Idaho Falls Temple.  He has a bandage on his wrist because he cut it in the MTC and it took a long time to heal because of the Idaho humidity. 

Here is his letter for this week:

Kim's package was awesome! I can definitely feel the love from all of you guys! I miss home a lot, and think about you guys, my friends, and my puppy all the time. Sometimes it's hard out here. You would think the hardest part is getting doors slammed in your face, being cursed at, and flipped off, but it's not. It's seeing the people you teach make commitments, and not keep them, and then wonder why they are struggling. When they keep the commitments they are so happy and I can see the Spirit surrounding them. I wish they could just see that the way to happiness is right in front of them. It's hard. And from all the emails, it seems like my friends are really struggling with college and living on their own. I keep all of you in my prayers and hope that it helps. 

I have seen many miracles since I've arrived here, and know that I can only see them because of my faith and the faith of those around me. Faith is something I haven't always been great at. It is hard to believe things you can't see sometimes. Bruce R. McConkie once said, "If we are to have faith like Enoch and Elijah, we must believe what they believed, know what they knew, and live as they lived." I have always loved the story of Enoch. He is my favorite prophet. To have the faith to go to a city that is completely wicked, and to teach people who hate you and want to kill you. And to overtime convert all of Zion to the point where EVERYONE is perfectly faithful, and the whole city is translated to Celestial glory. It is a true example of how to be a consecrated missionary, and I take a lot out of that story. But I have seen my faith grow so much here. I started doing something called a "prayer journal." And it has really helped me out. Basically, you find a time and place to be completely alone. You get down on your knees and pray, whether out loud or in your mind. You pray for everything you are thankful for. EVERYTHING. It should be a long list if you really think about it. Then you ask God if there is anything He wants you to know at this point in time. You open up the journal you have with you and just start writing. Don't think, just write. When I was told about this, I thought that would be the most difficult part. Not thinking and just writing. It seems like it wouldn't work, but it does. It is like a section of Doctrine and Covenants designed specifically for me. It's amazing. And some of it is personal, but I figured I would share a little of my last experience with you. "Looking back, I can see how little my faith was, even just a month ago. I need to have the faith as the prophets of old. I need to have the testimonies of the prophets. Do not look at them as if they are better than you, because they are not. All souls are equal in the sight of God. I have the same divine potential as the Apostles and Prophets. I have the agency to choose to have the faith they have. I need to be able to stand before my loving Father and say, "I believed in You, and in your Only Begotten. I had the faith in mortality to move mountains, to part seas, and to commune with angels. I had the faith not only to die for You, but to live for You. I did not simply devote 2 years to You and then say to myself, "It is finished. I did my part." No! I served You my entire life. I dedicated everything I have to building Your kingdom. And yes, I faltered. I stumbled and fell. But I got back up and continued to press forward with faith. My work is never finished. I did all I could to bring souls unto Christ, and I did all I could to come live with You again. And I relied on the Atonement of my Savior to do the rest. Because I cannot return to You without the saving act of the Atonement." I would like to invite you to try the prayer journal. Don't try to do it too often. And spiritually prepare yourself before doing it. It is a draining experience. 

I know that this Gospel is true, and I know that I am doing what the Lord wants me to do. But, my service is never over. The Lord has called me to preach of Him. And that does not mean for 2 years only. I have a testimony that I intend to build up every single day. I intend to serve Him as often as I can, and with as much strength as I can muster. I am so incredibly grateful for my Savior, and His Atonement. I truly know that only through Him can I be saved. I intend to spread Salvation to all those who will listen to me. And I know that no soul is too far gone to be saved. I have been blessed with a testimony that cannot be taken from me unless I willingly give it up. I love you and the family so much, and will continue to keep you in my prayers!

-Elder Trezise