Yet thou art there.

That's been my favourite little line this week. It's been a nice reminder that the Saviour is always there, regardless of how we feel. Not much has changed since last week, we're still doing the same work, still on Facebook, still wondering when it'll all go back to normal. It's a funny old time to be in, kind of just taking it all a day at a time because that's all you can do really. I've found a lot of peace in prayer and scripture study. Those basics that we're always reminded to do, but they're so powerful. That's one lesson I've learned from all of this, just how much Heavenly Father wants us to talk to Him and tell Him everything that's going on. 

Prayer really is what connects us with Heaven and there's a quote I love from President Hinckley,

"when life gets too hard to stand, kneel."

It's so true and I have felt the power of prayer in my life. So too with scripture study, I'm grateful for what I'm learning and the peace that it brings. I'll say that word a lot.

Peace. 

But that's what this gospel offers. Peace, hope, joy, renewal, happiness, purpose and so much more. One of my favourite things as well is that we can access all of this through scripture study and prayer. 

I've been reading the gospels recently in the Bible, and it's been a really profound experience. My testimony and gratitude and love for my Saviour have continued to grow and I just love the New Testament you should all read it. There's too much to talk about but I've loved comparing all of the final events of Christ's life in the gospels. 

There's one part that stood out this time as I read them all, and it's when the Saviour goes back to Peter, James and John after coming out of the Garden of Gethsemane and He says,

"sleep on now, take your rest." In the Bible it emphasises the word 'your'. The Saviour had compassion on His disciples, and told them to take their rest, while He knew there would be no rest for Him. He would be betrayed by one of His own, face illegal trials and then move on to crucifixion. I'm just amazed again and again and again by the love of my Saviour and His example. What a time to be a missionary and bear His name. 

Speak to you all soon! 

Starszy Ashworth. 

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