Elder Drake Wakefield

Listen, Listen

This coincides (just like everything about the gospel) with last weeks. We cannot obey what we dont understand, and we cannot understand if we don't listen. So if we don't listen to the spirit, how can we obey? Likewise, if we don't listen to our friends, our companions, our leaders, etc, how can we know how to help them or become better servants to them?

Like always, Jesus is the prime example.

Luke 24:17

What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

He then listens to their worries and responds according to their needs.

John 11- We see Jesus listen to Mary and Martha's troubles and sorrows even though he knows the solution to their problems.

John 4- we see Jesus listen to the woman at the well, gently guiding her to hear the wonderous word that Her Savior is come.

Added expounation from Elder Bednar:

"Preaching the gospel the Lord’s way includes observing and listening and discerning as prerequisites to talking. The sequence of these four interrelated processes is significant. Please note that active observing and listening precede discerning and that observing, listening, and discerning come before speaking. Employing this pattern enables missionaries to identify and teach to the needs of investigators."

And ultimately that is what I've been trying to grow into, the principle of listening to discern. I promise this process brings miracles into our lives. Here are some experiences I've had as I've tried to do so.

Here there is a friend who has learned for many years and just hasn't been baptized yet. Lovingly but boldly baptism has been pushed for at least the past while, and even though the spirit was present he has yet to accept. We decided instead of guessing what he needed to just ask him. As we asked inspired questions and as we listened his needs slowly unfolded and we now have a path to walk on instead of blinding hacking and hoping to find one.

I've had multiple occasions and opportunities as a companion and with other missionary assignments to help missionaries that needed some help. I promise as I listened the spirit gave me what I needed to say according to their needs. Without sharing too many details, there was a time where me and an Elder during a comp study were having not a warm discussion but one where we were trying to overcome some things. As I listened to his feelings I felt we should read our mission call openings. This line at the end brought tears of the spirit:

Greater blessings and more joy than you

have yet experienced await you as you humbly and prayerfully serve the Lord in this labor of love among His children.

I testify from these experiences as we first listen, God will guide us in all aspects of our lives. All we need to do is be willing enough to listen (and going back to last weeks) be obedient to what is given, miracles will flow. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Other Miracles:

Pak Tomy and Ibu Ester have a baptismal date🥳🥳Pak Tomy has suffered a stroke and his on the way up! His desire to be baptized is amazing and we're gonna keep working with him and his wife!

We contine to find friends as we listen to the spirit. Elder Munsons spiritual guidance is insane, his U-turns bring me great joy.

Our new member Richie was able to go do baptisms for the dead at the temple, which is a huge deal here as the nearest temple is a plane ride away in Tailand.

PHOTO- Pak Jum, who God has put in our path multiple times and is excited to learn!