Cicha Noc

This week was Christmas week and it was another good week overall. We got to see the members quite a lot which was nice as it gave me the opportunity to get to know them a bit better so that was good. We finally had some dinner appointments haha, and just like the teaching appointments I mentioned in a previous email, they both came on one day haha. But it's all good, it was good food and it was filling. 

At one of the dinner appointments we met with a member named Juan from Venezuela. I really wanted to go and see him as he's out here alone without his family and doesn't speak Polish so he cooked us a meal and we shared with him a spiritual thought. I shared with him how he can use the little time he has to read from the scriptures and have spiritual experiences each day, and also the importance of keeping a study journal where you can record the thoughts and impressions you receive. I shared an experience I had, where I looked back through my old study journal and saw something I'd written about why I was serving a mission and who I wanted to be in 2 years time. I simply wrote that I want to be a better version of myself and that I want to make the Lord proud. It gave me some much needed strength at that time, and being able to share this experience with Juan was so special and the spirit was so strong. I'm glad I get to share these experiences with others and hopefully make a difference in at least one persons life. 

On Christmas Day we hosted a Christmas party and we planned so much stuff and made cookies and no one showed up haha, apart from one member who came and so we stayed and sang carols with him and played games haha.

On Boxing day we went caroling, and there was one experience that stood out to me and has been in my mind quite a bit since. We saw a man on a bench and we sang Silent Night to him, not thinking much of it. I sat next to him on the bench and shared with him the lyrics so he could sing along with us. Once we finished he started to cry, and he began to thank us for what we were doing. I don't understand much Polish but he said that he had lost his wife and kids, and didn't think that Christmas existed anymore, and so he was grateful for us simply singing a carol with him. It shows just how far a simple act of kindness can go, and the importance of love and care toward others. 

Over the Christmas period something I thought a lot about is the Saviour's birth and his truly humble beginnings. In the Christ Child video, the very last image is the manger in which He was born, and this was really powerful to me. I thought a lot about it, I thought about His condescension and His humility and His love for his Father in Heaven. There was one scripture that came to mind as I thought about this and it's found in Matthew 8:20, and it says,

"And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." 

It just really struck me and reaffirmed to me the knowledge that the Saviour knows us individually and perfectly. He was born in a stable, He was a poor man and He was homeless. He can empathise with the poor and the needy because He too was poor as to the things of the world. He can empathise with the downtrodden because He too was "a man of sorrows ...acquainted with grief." He can empathise with those who are spat upon, and cast out and rejected, because He too was spat upon, and cast out and rejected. In Luke we learn that He was sent "to heal the broken hearted." He was sent to bind up our wounds, to offer refuge for the captive soul, and to help us on our way home. I know I speak about this a lot, but to me it's the most important thing I could talk about, so I hope I don't sound like a broken record haha. I just love my Saviour, and I really do stand all amazed at the love that He has for me.

Speak to you all soon, and have a lovely New Year!

Starszy Ashworth x 

Testimony

So this week has gone so fast. It's been so so busy and I can't believe it's P-day already. We had zone conference this week, which was really really nice. It was on the meaning of  Christmas and what we want our Christmas to look like while we're here in Poland. It's different here, I'm not with my family, I don't have the christmas tree and the christmas songs or even Home Alone. This Christmas has been a great time to really think about the true meaning of Christmas, why we celebrate it and why the season is filled with so much joy and so much hope. It's the season of giving, of sharing and of loving. The reason why we have Christmas is because 'God so loved the world that He sent his Only Begotten Son.' God sent His Son Jesus Christ, who was born in a stable in Bethlehem. The God of the Old Testament, the Lamb of God, the Saviour and Redeemer of mankind had such humble beginnings, and the story of His birth sparks within us joy, and love and care for others as we are reminded of what is really important during the Christmas season. I've had moments of peace and moments to be still, as I have thought about the Christ child, His mother Mary and the humble Joseph. I've been filled with gratitude towards God, for the gift that he gave us, the gift of His Divine Son. 

The rest of the week was really good, we finally taught a lesson haha, and not just one lesson but two! It was so nice, I couldn't help but smile as we taught because I was sharing with them something that is so important to me and they were both such lovely people searching for the truth. We shared with them the message of the Restoration, taught them about the Book of Mormon and gave them each their own copy. I'm so grateful that I get to share with people Salvation. It's moments like these that make it all worth it, just look for the good in your life because I promise it will always outweigh the bad. 

Another good thing is that my Polish is improving a lot which is always a good sign. It's been a huge blessing and I've just been able to embrace it without fear and I find myself having conversations and talking and listening like woah I'm really doing this hahaha. It's quite funny to be honest but it's so cool. We had the ward Christmas party on saturday as well and it was a 12 course meal without any meat which was bizarre but I enjoyed it for the most part hahah.

At the zone conference, President Chandler gave me the opportunity to share my testimony of my Saviour and I was grateful for this. I'm always grateful for the opportunity to share my testimony of the Saviour because it means so much to me. I cherish my testimony of my Saviour, because he is everything to me. I am so grateful for Him,I'm grateful for His example, His love, His teachings and His atoning sacrifice. I feel his love each day, it helps me to continue on, when I feel like no one understands me I always remind myself that there is always one who knows, there is always one who understands, because Jesus Christ knows and understands perfectly.

Speak to you all soon!

Starszy Ashworth

Have Joy in the Journey

This week has been a really good week. I've been much happier and I can feel the approval of my Heavenly Father as I just try my hardest and do what is in my control. Again I just want to stress that God doesn't care about numbers, he just cares about our offering to him, and I have felt this during the week. It's been hard, there's still been tough days, days where no one listens, days where I feel like I'm not good enough, but at the end of the day I always feel comfort and love from my Heavenly Father because I'm doing what I can to serve him. 

Although people have turned me down constantly this week, I've been so happy! it's strange really, but acting in faith will always help us to have joy, because we're doing what's right. And I really do have a testimony that 'all things work out for good, for those who love God.'

I wish I had more stories about meeting people and teaching people but at the moment I don't sorry, but I'm really trying hard, I know that there is someone out there who is being prepared by the Lord. So far the one who has been coming closer the Saviour is me, and honestly I've never felt closer to the Saviour in my life. Although it can be hard some days, I really am grateful for every experience, especially the difficult ones. Without those moments we wouldn't grow, we wouldn't have to experiment on the words of the Lord, and it's in the difficult moments of our lives that we grow closer to the Saviour, because our understanding of His atonement grows, and so too our grasp of His love. 

 One thing that has brought me great comfort is that not only did the Saviour atone for our sins but he took upon himself our pains and our sorrows and our heartaches too. He can empathise with us because he has felt all that we will ever feel, and he did this 'that his bowels may be filled with mercy... that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.' I can take great comfort from knowing that the Saviour, the only perfect missionary, the very Son of God, was rejected and spat upon and cast out also. When I stand seemingly alone I stand with Christ himself, and he lifts me up, he matches my tears with his own and he gives me the strength to carry on.

One of the most precious things in our lives is our testimony of the Saviour and so I would ask this week that you do what you can to strengthen your own testimony of Him.

Speak to you all soon. 

Starszy Ashworth x 

Łódź - The Manchester of Poland.

So, it's been my first week in Poland, and in all honesty it's been pretty hard. I was super excited to be here, and I still am, but it's taking me some time to adjust. What's giving me comfort is knowing that the Lord is with me, he's mindful of me and he knows how I feel and this brings me comfort. Also, the Lord won't ask me to do anything that I can't do, so I know that as I continue to work hard and have faith that I'll do alright.

 As far as Łódź goes, (pronounced woodge) it's a really pretty place, there's a huge street that runs for like 4.3 km, it's huge, and I've spent most of my time there lol. Also the name of the city means boat, but there's no water near it whatsoever which is confusing. 

My only funny story from this week was that while contacting in the streets, I went up to someone to just say hi, but I panicked and said thank you instead and they just laughed at me and walked off, quite awkward but ah well.

 I've heard some really uplifting things this week and have had many moments that have given me strength and reminded me of where I am and who it is that I am serving. My favourite though was that God doesn't care about how many people I baptise, He doesn't care about numbers, He just cares that I give my will. The one thing I can give to my Heavenly Father that is truly mine is my will, and so long as I submit my will to my Heavenly Father then I'll be okay, and my Heavenly Father can't ask for anything more. As well, when I serve and I go forth, Christ has promised us that He is with us, He is on our right hand and on our left and His angels are round about us to bear us up. This brings me great strength and I am so grateful for this knowledge.

Another thing this week that I've realised how important the Book of Mormon really is. Of course I knew this before but I know it even more now. It really does provide us safety for the soul, it is the word of God and gives us the guidance and direction we need, and it also teaches us of Christ and his Love, and reminds us that we are Children of God. I've found comfort and peace in it's pages, and I know that it will bring peace to your lives too as you read it. I promise you.

Lastly, I want to just testify of the power of prayer. This week I've really had to rely on my Saviour and His atonement, and I've had to turn to my Heavenly Father in prayer. We should always have a prayer in our hearts, always keep our minds on the things that bring us peace and joy. As we always have a prayer in our hearts, we keep our feet on the ground, but we have our minds in Heaven. 

I hope to hear from you all soon, do widzenia!

Starszy Ashworth x

POLAND

So I leave for Poland in 3 days, I'm so so so excited, it feels like I've been in the MTC forever and now I'll finally be able to preach the gospel to the Lord's people in Poland. It's been a rollercoaster of a week. I went to the doctor with some knee pain, and he said I'd torn my meniscus. He sent me to a specialist in Utah and I had an x-ray done, he also told me that I'd torn my meniscus and then I saw another doctor who also told me it was torn, so it looked like I'd be going home. I had an MRI scheduled and after the MRI I was going to find out whether I'd be going home or not, so I went and asked a district president in the MTC for a blessing. The moment he finished the blessing, I stood up and the pain was gone, and the MRI came back with no damage to my meniscus at all, such a miracle. 

Yesterday was thanksgiving and Elder Neil L Andersen came for the devotional and it was amazing. He told us to be grateful for all that we have and he bore such a powerful testimony of the Saviour, it was really moving and the words of this primary hymn came to my mind,

'love one another as Jesus loves you, try to show kindness in all that you do, be gentle and loving in deed and in thought, for these are the things Jesus taught.'

One of the best ways to follow the Saviour is to love those around us, and as we approach the Christmas season it is the perfect time to be kind to others. Think of someone you can serve, think of something you can do to help someone smile, and think of something you can do to lighten someone else's load. I promise you that you will find joy as you are in the service of others. 

Also, please please please all go and watch the new light the world video. It's called the Christ Child and it is amazing. Just type in LDS Light The World into your search bar and I'm sure you'll find it, and it'll help show the true meaning of christmas. 

Next time I email you all I'll be in Poland and I can't wait!

Speak soon,

Starszy Ashworth x

Me with Brother Eggert the MTC choir director. 

18 Words of the Saviour

This week has been another good week, I've laughed a lot and I've had so many things to be grateful for, so many reasons to smile and so many reasons to give thanks to god. I am so blessed to be a missionary, so blessed to have the Lord on my side and so blessed to have a knowledge of this gospel. The language has been coming along so good this week, I have a newfound desire to continue learning and expanding my ability to speak. It also helps having a brother who can speak Polish, it's such a cool opportunity to go to the places he went, and to walk where he walked and share those same experiences.

 I've been studying a lot recently about the restoration, reading about the importance of the Book of Mormon and how it can change lives. I have a testimony of that book and of its divinity, I know that there is power contained within its pages and I know that if anyone wants to draw nearer to God, then they can by reading the Book of Mormon and turning to God in prayer.

 The devotional this tuesday was amazing, it was given by Bishop Waddell of the presiding bishopric of the church. He spoke a lot about the Book of Mormon and its role in missionary work, and he also gave a really powerful message about the Saviour and his 18 words. The first 5 words were, "Here am I, send me." From the very beginning, the Saviour was prepared to be our Saviour and redeemer, to rescue mankind and to give us hope, to heal the broken hearted and help us on our way back home. Much like the Saviour I have accepted my call to serve, I have said 'here am I, send me' and the Lord is relying on me to do his work.

The next 7 words were, "not my will, but thine be done." In the greatest display of love ever shown, the Saviour submitted to will of the Father and partook of the bitter cup. He took upon himself the sins and the sufferings of all those who had lived, those who were living and those who would live, that they would never have to bare lifes burdens alone. He completed the atonement which is infinite and individual, and helps us to overcome all of lifes challenges and sorrows.

The next 3 words were, "It is finished." The Saviour finished His work on earth, He claimed victory over the grave and completed the atonement on the cross. I'm doing this for him, he never gave up on me, so I can't give up on him. He finished his course for me, so I'll finish mine for him.

The last 3 words were, "He is Risen." Christ lives, and I share with you my testimony that I know this is true. I know that my redeemer lives, he lives and he loves us. He loved us to the end, and he loves us still. He is our advocate with the father, he pleads for our cause, and he will never let us walk alone. I love Him and will stand as a witness of Him in everything that I do, because I am not ashamed to be His disciple, I am not afraid to stand for what is right.

Have a great week everyone.

Speak soon.

Starszy Ashworth x 

The Divine Gift of Gratitude

This week has been one of the best so far. It started off pretty rough because a lot of my friends were leaving who had finished their 6 weeks. My good pal Elder Degener left for the Belgium Netherlands mission and so I was gutted about that but I'm sure I'll make some new friends. I'll add some pictures hopefully next week because I haven't been good at that so far lol. 

The devotionals this week have been amazing. We got shown the new Light the World video this year and we got to see it early! Let me just say you're in for a treat. It is such a moving video, it is so real and we really get to see the journey that Joseph and Mary took, and their characters and their care for the baby Jesus. Also, the portrayal of the wise men is amazing, it had me in tears, I can't wait for you all to see it. 

I was kind of struggling to be positive this week, but this Thomas S Monson talk kept popping into my head, about the gift of gratitude. I was sat in class on Monday or Tuesday I cant really remember which, and I said the most simple thing in Polish but I used it in the right context and I was super happy with myself. But then I gave all the thanks to God, I was grateful for Him for helping me and answering my prayers, and after this I was even more happy, God had blessed me for being grateful and I felt the Holy Ghost in my heart. Think of what you're grateful for, write them down, even if it's the simplest of things and I promise you'll see Gods hand in your life, no matter who you are. 

I've had some good teaching experiences this week also, teaching has been a struggle of mine, especially when it's in Polish, but this week the Lord has shown me what I'm capable of through Him. I bore simple testimony of the Book of Mormon and of its truthfulness but for me it was one of the most powerful experiences I've had. It's amazing being a missionary, it's amazing being set apart from the world, having the Lord on your side always and knowing that Heavens help is all around you. 

Speak soon,

Starszy Ashworth x

We're on our own journey!

Hello everyone. 

Quick email this week as I don't really remember much of what's happened, it's been a blur, I just have some experiences to share and then a spiritual thought that really stood out to me this week. So in the choir this week we sang Joseph Smith's First Prayer! An amazing experience and one I won't forget, I am increasingly grateful for Joseph Smith and the man that he was, and it also amazes me to know that God and Jesus Christ appeared to him in our day, God hasn't abandoned us, he hasn't forsaken us, the windows of heaven are still open, miracles happen all around us each and every single day and I know gods hand is there in every little detail of our lives. 

Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf and his wife gave the devotional on Tuesday as well! It was crazy! For those who don't know who he is, hes an apostle of the lord. He's one of my heroes and we were so blessed to hear him speak, and to listen to his inspired council.

 The thought that really stood out to me this week came from Elder Uchtdorf's conference talk back in October, where he spoke about our adventure called life. Our branch president mentioned how we're on our own journey, and it made me think of the day I left on my journey and I remembered my mum and my dad, the tears that were shed and how hard it was for them to see their little boy go. And this got me thinking of our Heavenly Father, the day He sent His only begotten, to suffer, bleed and die for us on the cross. I think of the tears He must have shed as He heard his son cry out from the cross, 'father, why hast thou forsaken me.' While I am constantly reminded of the love that my Saviour has for me, this week I was reminded of just how much our Heavenly Father loves us. He loves us so much that He sent his own son to atone for us that we might be able to return back home to His presence. I know He loves us and knows us, I know He rejoices in our triumphs, and I know He matches every tear that we cry.

Speak soon,

Starszy Ashworth x 

www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2019-11-07/provo-mtc-elder-uchtdorf-missionary-prison-inmate-166289

I love that I'm a representative of Jesus Christ

Another week down and I'm pretty much half way through my time here at the MTC. It's safe to say that I can't wait to get out to Poland, I'm literally so excited to get there, just 4 and a half weeks to go now! To say I've already been here for a month is pretty crazy, but I really am loving every minute of it. I love that I'm a representative of Jesus Christ, in everything that I do and say I stand as a witness of Him, it really gives me confidence to know that he is with me until the end. 

This week has been filled with so many good experiences, but in particular I've just been filled with gratitude for the prophet Joseph Smith, I have felt again and again that he truly did restore the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth, and he really did see god the father and his son Jesus Christ. My favourite thought from this week was shared in a devotional on Tuesday. The first words that were spoken by heavenly father in the grove of trees were "Joseph, this is my Beloved Son, hear him!" Despite all that was to follow, we see that first and foremost this was an answer to a humble and sincere prayer from God. It was the beginning of a great and marvellous time, but it shows us that Heavenly father knows us by name, he cares for us and he answers our prayers, he knows our hearts and our desires, he knows our sorrows and our pains. This truth applies to all people, heavenly father knows you and he loves you. 

On another note, my Polish is improving. It's a slow progress but its progress nonetheless so I can't complain. I can testify of my Saviour and the restoration and the plan of salvation so I should be okay. I miss you all and I'll speak soon. 

Starszy Ashworth x 

My mum and dad are in Poland right now!

Hello everyone.

This week has been another good week again, and it's flown by! That'll probs be what I'm saying each week because honestly it's so weird to think that I'm already into my 4th week. The Polish keeps on improving, we've learned past tense which is really useful but it's still a bit tricky to get my mind around it, but learning the language is so fun and it's starting to make so much sense which is really nice and I just really love it. 

My mum and dad are in Poland right now which I'm jealous about but that'll be me soon and I'll be sharing the glad message of the gospel of Jesus Christ so I'm really excited for that, it's going to be so fun. 

It's been another pretty busy week, most days are the same, we wake up and study then eat, then it's exercise time and then we have study again, then we have lunch and then class then another study period, then dinner and then class again and then we go to bed. This might sound really full on, but when you have a language to learn and you're learning how to teach people etc. then you realise how important it is. Also when you realise the work that you're doing and realise that you're a representative of Christ you feel like you can do anything and you just forget yourself and go to work. I've been working on this as well, having the character of Christ, turning my focus from myself to others. I don't want to learn the language for my own benefit, nor do I want to become a good teacher for my own benefit, I want these things so that I can help others come unto Christ and receive the restored Gospel. 

The devotionals this week have been really good, I've really enjoyed them. What stood out most to me is something that has been said quite a lot recently and that is that we chose to be here at this time, we pled with the Father to be saved for this time, to be part of this great and marvelous work, and I just think that it's so cool. 

Also we each have talents and gifts that our Heavenly Father has blessed us with. Find out what these gifts are, use them to help and lift others and you'll find happiness in doing so. One of the speakers also mentioned the story of Enoch, which is a personal favourite of mine. I love His example of humility and how the lord works through the meek and the humble. I've had a lot of great experiences this week while studying, learning more of gods love for me and learning more of the saviours atonement. I ask that when in need, when you feel lonely or feel that life is unfair, turn to Christ, the shepherd of our souls, the author and finisher of our faith, the Lamb of God. Do as the great book of mormon prophet Alma did, and cry out in your hearts, "O Jesus, thou son of God, have mercy on me." He will be there to calm your troubled heart, wipe away your tears and shoulder your burdens with you, that they may be made light.

Speak soon.

Starszy Ashworth

"the night is dark and I am far from home"

Hello everyone!

Another week down and its absolutely flown by. The Polish has been coming along so much better, I can put together my own sentences which is really fun, and then last night we taught 2 20 minute lessons alllll in Polish which was really nerve wracking at first but I actually ended up really enjoying it and it made me realise how much Polish we've actually learned. 

The class time is getting a bit more fun, we're really starting to get into the grammar and things like that so it's getting interesting. We got to go to the temple last week and we get to go again today which I'm really looking forward to, it's fun to take the walk to the temple and get away from the MTC haha. I helped out yesterday with new missionaries.  It was a really nice experience.  I prayed for service opportunities and I feel like that was one.  

Quentin L Cook and his wife came and spoke as well on Tuesday which was the best, it was so good and I feel as though so many prayers were answered, he spoke about the importance of having a testimony of the Saviour and how this is the most important thing we can share with the people we meet. There were other things of course but this is what stood out to me the most. I also joined the MTC choir lol but it's actually really fun, and I got to sing for Quentin L Cook which was a good experience. We sang Lead Kindly Light which has become one of my favourite hymns, there's a line "the night is dark and I am far from home" and this is quite similar to how you feel as a missionary, but I know that the Lord is always with me. 

So yeah I'm doing alright, I'm having fun, I'm making loads of friends and I'm learning about my Saviour every day so I can't complain haha.

Elder Ashworth x 

Lead Kindly Light

https://youtu.be/PnIYLEXHeFk

General Conference was amazing!

Hello everyone, It's finally P-day so I can speak and tell you how my first week has been. Its been a very up and down week but it's been good for the most part. Adjusting to life has been pretty tough, Waking up at 6:30 has been easy hahah but having 2 guys with you allllllllll the time is definitely going to take some getting used to.   Also the language is extremely hard but I'll get there, looking back on it though I've made some really good progress to say I've only been here a week. I can introduce myself, I can say a prayer and  I can testify of a few things, so I'd say that I'm doing alright. 

I've made a ton of friends, I think being English has helped, but I just get along with people really well. 

General conference was amazing, the speakers were so inspired and as a missionary it was like every word was relevant hahaha, we watched all of the sessions and they went by so fast! There's a lot that I took from it but here's the main thing. Nephi, Moses and the brother of Jared were all commanded by God to cross the sea, but their means of doing so were all different, they each did it in a different way. This is much like us today, we are all called to gather Israel, but our means of doing so are all unique to our individual selves. Our Heavenly Father has given us each unique personalities and characters and talents, so use them! This was such an amazing message and one I won't forget. 

I also loved how there was such a huge theme of becoming more like our Saviour and staying on the covenant path, there was so much that I learned and I really could go on forever. 

Until next time.

Starszy Ashworth.

Good-byes are tough!

Tuesday 1st October  was an emotional one.  We had a really early start , in fact we never went to bed  Monday night we pulled an all nighter.  We left the house at 3am to get to Manchester Airport.

People that came to the airport:-  mum, dad, Ben, Naomi, Josef, Abi, Jake, Aunty Jill and Grandma.

Checked in pretty easy, took some photos and then walked to departure area where we had to say good-bye - lots of tears and hugs and kisses.  A wave of the hand and off I went.