Christmas Weeks

These last two weeks have been very interesting. A lot of the Czech Republic culture is based on living in their cottages outside of the main city on the weekends and during holidays, so it was really slow. But, because so many people were out of town we had a lot of time for conferences. The first one we had was a combined zone conference for the Prague and HK zones. (all the missionaries that I know) We had several spiritual thoughts given by the zone leaders, assistants, and sister training leaders. It was really spiritual, and really helped us as a zone get spiritually prepared for the upcoming year. Then the following week we had a mission conference all together in a hotel, kde lišky daváji dobrou noc. That translates to “where the foxes say goodnight”, or basically in the middle of nowhere. It was a good conference, and helped us have mission unity. There was a talent show where we did an act called the chin-a-gins, basically we had a face attached to our chin with a Santa hat on it and we sang Christmas koledy. It was pretty funny! There were lots of funny acts the missionaries did, and also some actual ones with talent. One elder who sang and played guitar to a famous Czech folk song called "Biječná Žena", or Wonderful Woman. It was a good conference, we talked more about the plans and goals we have for 2017 and had departing testimonies from lots of missionaries. Three of my sisters from my MTC group, and also 5 elders. Three of which I served with. It was very sad for me to say goodbye to them after the conference, but all of them bore wonderful testimonies. We are excited for this last week before the transfer in our area, it will be a great one.

We are set up with two new families! Pray for their softened hearts and willingness to change their lives.

My scripture is related to the redeeming power of change, and as we set all of our New Years resolutions how when we change to become more like Christ that we qualify for one worthy to enter Heavenly Fathers kingdom.

Helaman 5:10-11
10 And remember also the words which Amulek spake unto Zeezrom, in the city of Ammonihah; for he said unto him that the Lord surely should come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to redeem them in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins.

 11 And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance; therefore he hath sent his angels to declare the tidings of the conditions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of their souls.

We are all redeemed through the love of Christ. He is not only the one that makes up the final mile of the marathon of life, but also the one that gets us to the start, and carries us through the long trek. As we continue to repent and come unto him, we qualify for his love enough to enter into Gods kingdom once again.

Have a great week! :)

Elder Belshe