"Trials have been a blessing"

This week was really good. Two people from my MTC (Missionary Training Center) district got their visas, and I saw them this week, which was really exciting.

Yesterday we met a really cool guy named Algusto. He is a young man who is honestly searching for the gospel of Christ. The spirit was very strong during our lesson with him.

Thank all of you for your love and support. I have been growing a lot lately. My trials have been a blessing in disguise because after every trial I overcome, I come out stronger in the end.

I know that God is here helping me. I know that living the gospel will help every single person in the entire world, regardless of their circumstances or trials, better their lives.

I know that God is listening to our prayers, and when we don't feel like He is answering, He is giving us the opportunity to find the answer ourselves. I know that the scriptures are true; they are the words of God for us. Most of the time God has already given us the answer to our problems, and we have just been to lazy, or have lacked the faith. to look in the scriptures for them. I testify that Joseph Smith was a prophet. He saw God, and Jesus. God used him to restore his church on the earth. I testify that God loves us; each and every one of us are living witnesses of this love. I testify that we are not alone on this earth; as children of God we have the right to his help when we obey his will. I know that all the commandments that God has given us is for our well being and growth, and by following, we receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

To Adam: The first time I passed the sacrament, we were visiting another ward. I messed it up so bad that the bishop asked everyone who hadn't recieved the sacrament to stand up so that they could receive it.

To Mom regarding the Children's Songbook he received: I have enjoyed singing the hymns and enjoyed the gentle touch of the spirit as I sing the pure truths of the gospel.

I love you all tons!,

Elder Merrill