It's been a while but hello everyone. A lot has happened in the last couple of weeks, i don't remember the last time I sent out a message but here I am. I had a lovely Christmas, I was in a city called Szczecin. We spent the day with the senior couple there and also with a family named the Sorensens'. It was really fun, they fed us some really good food and got to speak and relax a little which isn't really the missionary norm haha. Relaxing is something I struggle to do now hahah, when I have nothing to do I get kind of anxious and need something to do so one thing I've definitely gained on my mission is drive, drive to get up and make a difference in the world, even if its only something small. Shortly after Christmas I moved areas again to a city called Kielce, I've been here since Wednesday and I love it. Josef served here at the beginning of his mission so it's really special for me to be here. I love it already, it honestly reminds me of Oldham haha so it's like home i guess. The apartment is really nice though, it's big and warm and has a really nice shower and the beds are comfy so I'm out like a light when my head hits the pillow haha. New years was also fun, we worked hard during the day and then we got to stay up at night and watch the fireworks which was nice. It was a special night though, because when it hit midnight and the fireworks started flying, it was like a weight had been lifted from the world, it was as though hope had filled the hearts of the people and I know I was definitely filled with hope, that 2021 will be a better year, the sun will shine a little brighter, people will smile a little wider and we'll all be able to have hope for a better world.
Recently there's been a scripture that has stirred my heart each time I've read it. Recently my gratitude for the Restoration has grown so much. As I reflected on what it is that I'm grateful for, I read this verse and it expressed my feelings much greater than I can. They were penned by Joseph Smith as he was refined to a home, hiding from those who sought his life. In such uncertain times, this is what he wrote,
"Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy."
I love this verse. This is the joy that we can all have, regardless of circumstances. I particularly love the words, "a voice of mercy from heaven ; and a voice of truth out of the earth." Mercy from heaven and truth out of the earth. We all need mercy, and we know how we can seek that mercy because of the truth we've received out of the earth. I know that God is a merciful God, and He extends that mercy to us so freely. We need only turn to Him. These words give me hope, and I hope they can give you all hope too.
Miss you all, hope you all had a lovely Christmas and a happy new year,
Starszy Ashworth x
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