Elder Chase Herrmann: 11/7/16

Well another week down! This week was probably one of the most stressful weeks of my life. I remember going into the mission thinking, “Oh why do people this is stressful?” But this week I figured out. My trainer decided that he wanted me to be as prepared as I can be for when I’m done with my training. He gave me the cell phone, and put me in charge of all the planning, setting up appointments and everything. It was a hard adjustment, but I’m starting to get the hang of it.

We had family home evening with 9 women from Cape Verde! One of the elders ripped his pants and was so worried they would notice and tease him all night long. We also had another party this week for a sister in the ward who was leaving for her mission in Japan! We just laughed and joked around with the members for a while which was so fun. I love this ward so much!

So remember how I told you about Luis, the guy who just showed up in sacrament meeting last week? Well we were eating lunch and watching Mormon messages when we heard a buzz and both looked at the table to see the phone light up. It was Luis saying, "Elders, is there anyway I can obtain a Book of Mormon?" It was like the heavens opened up, we looked at each other and said, "No way!" AGAIN, this doesn’t happen here! We usually beg people to read the Book of Mormon and this guy is asking for one! We set up an appointment an hour later to meet with him and teach him a lesson and leave the book. He loved the lesson! He explained that he was in the Catholic Church for 13 years and started realizing stuff he didn’t agree with. So he was searching and remembered how a friend in Germany said to visit our church if he had a chance. He remembered and when he went to church he knew that the Mormon Church was different! He has read the Book of Mormon every day and went to church again and loves it! In one of the classes we were talking about temples and the teacher said, “We are getting as temple in Portugal, that is a.....what’s the word?” And Luis jumped in and said, “It’s a BLESSING!” I thought, “Who is this guy, our next prophet?!” We are asking him tomorrow to get baptized!!! I’m so excited!

For p-day we visited Lisbon and went to Qa Castle at the top of Lisbon. It was so sweet, I love this country so much and I love the people here!

This week I learned about the importance of eternal marriage and the way that priesthood authority is able to seal two people forever, and how unique that is! LIKE THAT IS SO COOL!! Priesthood power and authority make this God’s church which makes all the difference. We should be grateful for this blessing in our lives, and never take it for granted!

I FOUND THIS QUOTE BY HENRY B. ERYING and love it so much:

“I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The dye has been cast! I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made; I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tainted visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, positions, promotions, plaudits or popularity. I now live by faith, lean on his presence, walk with patience, am uplifted by prayer, and labor with power. My face is set, my gait is fast, and my goal is heaven. My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear! I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won’t give up, shut up, or let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up of the cause of Christ. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till I know, and work till He stops me. And when He returns for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My banner will be Clear.” –Henry B. Eyring

We cannot go back on our decision! We crossed the line! We are disciples of Christ!! This brings so much happiness to our lives! I love you all so much! Have the best week!

-Elder Herrmann