I say that because I know how hard mothers all work, so, from me personally to you all, being the product of an incredibly wonderful mother, I say that all you mothers are and should be appreciated for everything that you do. So, whether you feel it every day (as you should) or not, know that you are loved and appreciated. I say this especially to my wonderful and astoundingly fantastic mother who has taught me everything that I know. I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for her, and that is a fact. Every one needs a great example in life; someone to follow, to learn from, and to model your own goals after. For me, it would be my mom (and my dad too, but this is a mother's day email, so, sorry dad, you'll have to wait a bit for your email). But in all seriousness, thank you Mom, for everything you do. I hope you know that I love you, appreciate you, and am indebted to you more than I can ever possibly repay, as it is because of you that I am where I am in life today, because at the moment, there is no place I'd rather be. So, all in all, this is what I am trying to say: thank you Mom. I love you. And thank you to all other mothers who are truly what makes this world go round.
I know that the thanks I gave isn't even close to enough to adequate to the thanks that mothers deserve, but I hope that it means something to all mothers out there, because the work they do means a lot to me, especially the work of my mother, who is the best mother in the world (though I may or may not be a little biased).
But, speaking of my wonderful mother, she posed a few short questions that I will now take the time to answer. Firstly, in reference to the church district meetings I had yesterday and on Saturday, she asked what we actually do. As far as that goes, it depends on the meeting. Last Saturday was more of a training meeting, and so most of it was a question and answer session that President Adams led with branch presidencies. Then on Sunday, we had a district conference that was very much like any other stake conference I've been to, and even had a choir that sang the hymns, though the choir was made up of mostly missionaries who had never practiced any of the hymns and had no idea what the hymns were saying, as most of them were in French (I'm talking about myself here, in case you all didn't get my drift). But, regardless, it was an incredible experience and the closest I've gotten to an American church meeting, even though the attendance was about the same as my normal home ward's regular sacrament meeting. But whatever, you take what you can get. :)
Secondly, the question asks what things stood out to me in the district meetings this past weekend. As far as that goes, most of the talks were addressed towards one thing in particular, and that is half-hearted effort in callings and in the church. This was good, because that is something that is seen a lot here in Madagascar--and all over the world--all throughout the church. People will go through the motions over and over and over, and will still do good things, but will not magnify their calling, as they should. If every one in the church would magnify their calling and do their absolute best, then we would see miracles come to pass that we cannot imagine, doors being opened that some believe will never open. If everyone in the church magnified their callings as they should, then it is my belief that the church would already have reached every nation. But we need to step up our game, so to speak, and do our jobs the way the Lord would want us to.
And, as for the third question, my mom asked about which section of Preach my Gospel would be best for people to study to become better member missionaries. Elder Lehr's answer is, "All of it. Read it." My first thought would obviously be chapter 13 which talks about how missionaries should work with members and the ward or branch in which they work. But also, another chapter that came to mind is chapter 6 which talks about how we develop Christlike attributes. Because Christ is always our example. He was the ultimate missionary, example, teacher, and friend. And honestly, that's the best way to be a good member missionary. Just be a good friend. If you are a good friend, and simply help in the way that Christ, being the perfect friend and teacher that He was, would help, then we will be the member missionaries (or full-time missionaries, in my case) that the Lord would want us to be.
But anyway, that's about it for this week. I'm sorry for the shorter email than usual, but the core of the email is to give thanks for mothers. Also, most of what is usually said over email was said last Saturday over Skype, so you all can ask my mom if you have any questions. ;)
But, thank you all for everything you do, especially those mothers out there. The world would be nothing without mothers. So, if there are those of you out there who are mothers: feel appreciated this week. Those of you out there who are not mothers: MAKE those mothers around you FEEL appreciated.
I love you all, and look forward to hearing from you all again next week!
Mandra-pihaona indray!
Amim-pitiavana,
Elder Hyrum Snell
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| This is a bunch of Malagasies with the caption "how many Malagasies does it take to fix a motor? At least three with one on the phone doing nothing." :) |
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| On the bus to Antsirabe with members Aro and Tantely. |
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| This is me with Elder Razafindretsetra (Elder Lehr's companion) and member named Tahiry who lives in Antsirabe. |
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| This me, Tahiry, Elder Lehr, and a girl named Sitraka. |
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| This is the missionaries being missionaries (that is to say, crazy). |
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| This is the district president Mampiona with his family after district conference yesterday. |
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| This is a picture of me with Tahiry and Sitraka again (both members who obviously love pictures). |
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| This is Elder Razafindretsetra in his way bezesta (fancy) pajamas. |
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| This is me with Elder Mack as he skypes his family. |
