Elder Chase Herrmann: 8/29/16 - Dom Das Linguas (The Gift of Tongues)

This week has gone by the fastest. I don’t know if I am more excited or nervous to get out of here! I am learning many things that will apply to my whole life.

First off, I realized how excited I am to do the Lord’s work. I woke up on Thursday feeling really sick but I decided to tough it out and go to class. When I was in class I was coughing the whole time and the teacher sent me back to the dorms. I took a nap and woke up and realized how much stuff I missed in the 3 hour block of class and without hesitating I got up, put on my tie, and went out the door to the second 3 hour block of class. I decided that I will not be sick and stay and the dorms here in the MTC because I have so little time to prepare for my mission and I can’t be just sitting in the dorms!

Next, if people say that the mission changes your sense of competitiveness, let me just say, “It does not!” For those of you who know me well, know that I’m a very "passionate" person. During exercise time I am so competitive and want to win that sometimes some elders have to say, "Elder Herrmann, take it easy man."

During my study block from 6:30-9:30 my companion and I like to study outside since we are inside all day. We found this really nice spot in the corner of the MTC that is very beautiful and we can feel the Spirit so strong. But there is now a problem. Every Friday and Saturday I am studying away having a good ‘ole time until I hear the drums and cheers and announcer for a football game...I then instantly lose my focus and start thinking about football. Man, I miss football a lot. Once I hear the marching band start playing my comp knows its game over. So from now on we do all our studying on Friday and Saturday inside!

This week as a district we made some goals, one of our goals was that 2 days out of the week we were going to have an "English fast" where we only speak Portuguese! Our teachers said it brings blessings but I was skeptical at first. My comp and I spoke only Portuguese all day (which meant there wasn’t a lot of talking) and we got the hang of it. We had a lesson that night with Fabio our investigator and the Spirit was so strong!! We were speaking so clearly and with so much power and conviction! I know that Dom Das Linguas (The Gift Of Tongues) is a real thing and that we need to put in effort and faith for us to have this gift! Another goal was to "Be a Do it All Missionary." This means being the best I can be and working my hardest the whole time!! Not just when it’s convenient. The next goal was "Don’t compare, Don’t compete, Don’t Complain!" When I pondered this quote I realized how much happiness it can bring me if I follow those 3 simple steps.

The thing I love the most about the MTC is the clarity that is found here. You really do learn how to "follow" the Spirit in everything you do. One thing I have learned is that you teach by the Spirit not with the Spirit, I want to be the tool the Spirit can speak through. We had a devotional this week that really hit me. It was from a very humble man who lived in Peru and is a convert to the church. He told us some very profound things. His talk was based on D&C 4:2, which means a lot to me. He told us is that when you read the Book of Mormon you should feel peace, joy, and understanding, through the Holy Spirit. Also, as a missionary I need to talk less and DO more! Because the Spirit is the strongest when the investigator takes action. Lastly he said that we all have blessings or gifts from our Heavenly Father and that during the next two years we will discover many of them and that just made me so excited!!

Lastly, I want to tell you guys about the importance of the Book of Mormon. I have gained such a love for the Book of Mormon here, it is so amazing! If only I knew how amazing it was before my mission!!!! I know that if you have a problem or a question and you pray to the Lord that he WILL answer you. And the way to find that answer is through the BOOK OF MORMON! I promise you it works, try it out! It’s like magic! haha I have learned so much and love the principles and doctrine the Book of Mormon teaches.

I want you guys to know how much I love you and how much I know that this gospel is true! I have no doubts!! May God be with you this week!

-Elder Herrmann

PS The package Mom and Dad sent was awesome! One thing though, don’t send me anymore food because I am getting too fat! Also, congrats to Tessa and Sammy! Awesome picture!