Dynamic Change

March 9, 2015

Elder Sorensen and I have seen quite a bit of dynamic change.  We are now working with another family: the Clarks.  We met with them with the Mackillops (church family) and had a great lesson with them. We continue to meet with the Allens but Martin has hit some roadbumps. There are more people than this but I will ask y'all to say a prayer for the Clarks, Allens and Martin.

I have been pondering about how throughout my entire mission I have had good times and bad, like a cycle of darkness and light. I have always wanted to just be fine all the time, and not "backslide"- ever. God has taught me that just as the sun rises and falls, with daylight and dark night, we too shall have these seasons till we are perfected in Christ. 

One purpose of these spiritual days and nights is explained well in another analogy- spiritual pruning. As we grow and progress, we may grow in a way that is incorrect. We have sins and on top of those sins, imperfections. When we have those dark nights two things happen: 1. We realize our sins.    and   2. We rely more upon God.   

Just as when you put anything under pressure and stress, like a chain being pulled, a tree in a whirlwind or an athlete in intense competition, those parts not as strong or resilient crack under pressure. You see a link bursting, a tree falling, or a bad pass by an (American) football quarterback. After the weakness shows, we know how to best strengthen ourselves, whether it be strengthening the chain link, growing stronger and deeper roots or practicing passing a ball. 

Spiritually, God shows us through our faults and actions where we must improve. Like a rosebush cut back (which is not very beautiful), it is necessary to prune or cut away the bad and unnecessary growth so the plant can grow back all the more beautiful.  Moreover, now that we are humbled by our weakness and hour of difficulty we turn to God, and (hopefully) place ourselves in a position to follow his council and guidance as we draw upon his strength. This allows Him to guide our growth until we become prideful or complacent, or loose the Spirit through sin or any other way we distance ourselves from Him. 

So long as we accept his pruning and continue to cultivate faith in Christ, repent of our sins, turn our will to align with His, partake of the sacrament weekly remembering Christ always, we will become perfected in our life long process. If we can live worthy to have His Spirit abide always within us and stick with Him, not falling away nor choosing other paths, we can through His help blossom as a beautiful rose bush, robust in size, vibrant in color, sharp in thorns, deep in root and broad in leaf. 

Without His pruning, we cannot develop into all that He wants us to be.  Wild rosebushes just don't grow into the same material that beautiful plants hand tended by master gardeners become. Yet do not forget that without the plant growing steadily, day by day the process would be equally impossible. 

I wish I could talk on this further but I have run out of time- Know that I know that Jesus Christ died for our sins, that He does not desire for us to be chained down by sin, slaves to iniquity. He will make us free so that freely we may choose to follow Him. His path is the path that will lead to happiness in this life and Eternal Life in the world to come. 

-Elder Graham Hunt

Faith and Prayers

March 3, 2015

Would I be able to ask yall for some help?  In Mosiah chapter 27, Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah are going about seeking to destroy the church of God. As they traveled about an angel appeared to them, in their astonishment they fell to the earth, and the angel spake to Alma saying, "Alma, arise and stand forth, for why persecutest thou the church of God? For the Lord hath said: This is my church, and I will establish it; and nothing shall overthrow it, save it is the transgression of my people.  And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith."

Because of the prayers of the righteous (and I personally feel Alma the elder and Mosiah had done all they could do to try to bring their sons to rightousness) God arranged for experiences to bring about the true conversion of Alma and the sons of Mosiah.
Alma the younger, after this powerful experience of converting to Christ, teaches this same principle. In Alma 6:6  "...the children of God were commanded that they should gatherer themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God." 

This principle that the Book of Mormon prophets of old taught still stands today. We have been going to the members of our ward and inviting them to join us in mighty prayer for the Allens and Martin. Both have their concerns and reservations, but there is something I learned from Alma 23:14. I call it the testimony of the lone Amalekite. When the sons of Mosiah and others went to preach the gospel to the Lamanites and Nephite dissenters they converted many Lamanites with much success. 

Alma and Amulek and others went to the Zoramites to preach as well, similarly with good success. But of the Amalekites and Amulonites, hardened and wicked dissenters from the people of God, only one Amalekite was converted. Think about the opposition this individual must have faced. Family opposition, community opposition, and much more worked against the conversion of these two peoples, yet even then it was still possible to come unto Christ. The testimony of this one person stands as a witness that no matter where we come from or what we have done, it is always possible to repent. 

True conversion brings true commitment to Christ.  On my mission I have seen people that allow the littlest excuse or difficulty keep them from church, such that really anything will keep them from coming unto Christ. Others remain fathful no matter the adversity or difficult circumstances, such that nothing can keep them from coming unto Christ. The difference is the depth of a person's conversion, or complete lack therof. I know that no matter what happens, if we choose so we can overcome anything in the name of our Lord. So please pray for the true conversion of Martin and the Allen family, and we will rely on God's grace after all we can do.

Love you guys!
-Elder Hunt  

Ride Hard, Have Fun, Honour God

February 24, 2015

Well, we have had an ice storm blow in last night and today- there has been freezing rain. I am a bit disappointed because it has been a rather wimpy ice storm, however it has made things difficult.  The bad part is that it got above freezing today and the ice melted and is now re-freezing on us. Tomorow morning more freezing rain is expected so we will see what happens. Don't worry, Madre I am completely safe and warm and dry and the clothing and gear I came out with is plenty enough to keep me warm through it all. 

We went on excellent exchanges this past week.  I was with an Elder Schow and Elder Sorensen with an Elder Powell and we had great learning experiences. Elder Sorensen and I have realized a pattern: When we go out and talk to everyone we see and throw ourselves into the work we can turn bad days into good ones. Talking to people and sharing this gospel makes me feel good, and I love that. I love you all too, and pray for you and hope for the best for y'all. Elder Sorensen and I have been striving to pray more often- we have seen a new spirit come into the work with doing so.
 

Back in Henderson, there was a "cowboy church" (cowboy themed church) called Bar None Cowboy Church. They had a billboard up with their slogan: "Ride hard, Have fun, Honour God." Elder Witkowski and I thought it was hillarious- but now that I am on a bike it is very appropriate to what we are doing.

Love Y'all!!!

-Elder Hunt

Family History Fan

February 17, 2015

Hello Family,
Thank you so much for those stories of my ancestors. I remember when you had me go to the temple for Sydney Whittingham and you told me a little bit about him and his story. Thank you for taking the time to send me quality family history. I have been a bit doubtful with using family history for missionary work, but as I read about Sydney and Issac Hunt, I felt the Holy Ghost give that good feeling. I feel that this approach to missionary work will open up doors for people to choose to progress in their journey to follow Christ. Because of this I can put my faith and trust in this directive from the mission.
I love you Madre, Fadre and Brandon. We are so blessed to have each other, to be sealed, to be blessed by God with his priesthood power. It is a wonderful thing to be out here sharing that blessing and so many other blessings with everyone around me. This is the place the Lord needs me, and the place I need and want to be.

Love,
-Elder Hunt 

Happy in Lewisville

February 10, 2015

Dear Friends and Family,

Last Tuesday I was transferred to Lewisville,TX.   It is right on the border of our mission (again, seems they love to do this to me) and it is very similar to Frisco and Plano where I served before.  

My new companion is Elder Sorensen, from Fillmore, Utah and he has been on his mission for three months - soon to be four. Our ward mission leader is Brother Larsen, who I formerly knew as Elder Larsen, the Texas Dallas Mission vehicle coordinator. The man who called y'all to let y'all know where I am is Brother Loschen, one very dedicated ward missionary. 

We are on bikes here in this area which I am glad of. Coming back into the metroplex reminds me once again that Dallas is not Texas but a piece of California that was picked up and dropped right next to Fort Worth. Yesterday at church many ward members reacted in many different ways once they heard me talk! 

Last night we had the great blessing of teaching Tristan and Isabelle, both friends of a girl in this ward.  They both have come to church in our ward many times and both are very interested in learning more. However, they both live in the Fort Worth mission so we will be having them get in contact with those missionaries and have them taught by the proper missionaries. Nevertheless, they are both prepared and received the lesson very well.

 

Our mission is begining an initative to focus on family history work as a way to bring less actives back to activity, keep our converts, and hastening the gathering of the elect. We have been asked as part of this to ask y'all (my family) for any stories, photos, or other family history y'all know. Turning our hearts to our ancestors helps people think on an eternal perspective, not just here and now. Using this will add power and meaning to our teaching of the doctrine of eternal families and temple work. So if yall have any interisting stories, names, photos yall could share with me that would help immensely!

 

I am so happy to be here in Lewisville - this is where I need to be right now! I hope that each one of y'all are happy where you are. God leads us and guides us so that we can do good and bring to pass much righteousness - as long as we are willing to follow his direction. Even a flat tire on a bike or a car can lead to you meeting people you can uplift or share the gospel with. Difficult cirumstances or frustrating setbacks can lead to spiritual growth if we work to over come them. No matter what happens, the Lord has promised that all things shall be for our benefit.

 

Love,

-Elder Hunt

A Jewel in the Crown of Blessings

February 3, 2015

Hello,

This Monday morning I found out that I will be transferred tomorrow morning. I do not find out where I am being transferred to or who I will be companions with until tomorrow morning. I am sad to leave Henderson, I feel as if I just arrived here and now I am so soon leaving it behind. I will miss Elder Witkowski - he has been an excellent companion.   

If it were up to me I would that I might stay longer, but the Lord has more wisdom than I. Wherever I have found myself, whatever has happened to me, all things have been for my benefit as long as I learn from them. I know that the missionary the Lord brings into Henderson is who is needed at this time, and I too am now needed elsewhere. So long as I can continue in doing God's will, it doesn't matter where He sends me. 

I'll admit when I opened up my mission call to Texas it took me off guard. I wasn't exactly excited at the prospect of spending two years in Dallas. It was rather ignorant and immature of me to feel that way; serving here has been a jewel in the crown of blessings God has placed upon my head. 

Over the past two weeks Elder Witkowski and I have seen many miracles, events that many would dismiss as coincidence or luck. I know that we have been led by the hand of God. Elder Witkowski and I have a solid investigator now! He is a man by the name of Matthew, who has kept the commitment to read and seek God's direction in regard to the Book of Mormon. It is amazing to see the Spirit of God work in the hearts of people, but there are many outside pressures against those promptings. Matthew nearly didn't meet with us last Saturday and was about to send us away, but changed his mind. We were able to meet and Elder Witkowski was able to share his perspective and some of his story as a convert from Catholicism. Truly this is the Lord's work, for without the Holy Spirit it would be impossible.

Yesterday at church was a wonderful experience for me, especially now given that I know I will be leaving. Several people bore testimony who never had before. One of the youth bore his testimony and invited the other youth to also bear testimony, saying that it wasn't only for adults. In gospel principles class we taught about the fast and fasting with a purpose. One of the sisters had never even heard of fasting with a purpose! We have been having wayside members coming back to activity - slowly. 

All in all it's just like you taught me, Fadre: "leave it better than you found it." 

I am so grateful for all I have learned here in Henderson, I am so glad of all the Lord has taught me on my mission. Now I must be changed by it. It is easy to hear of Christ and see His influence and understand His Gospel but how about go and become like Christ? I'm still working on it and will be, until God tells me I am perfected in Christ, having any particle of desire for sin uprooted out of me. I write boldly on this computer but the man typing these words is just a nineteen year old kid. 

I could not amount to such aspirations on my own. It is impossible, I have many weaknesses and faults to overcome. Nevertheless I know that through my Savior, Lord, and Redeemer all of humanity can be changed, transformed from evil to righteousness and from hate to love. We can't change others but we can with Jesus' grace and atonement change ourselves- and just as a softer metal cannot cut a harder metal, we must become strong in the faith of Christ for God to use us as a tool in His hands to help shape or influence others. We must first be changed to change others. That is completely within our power to accomplish. So it all starts with you and me. And that's why I feel I need to follow Jesus Christ.

My family I love you,

Elder Hunt

Being Sanctified

January 26, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

I want to take the opportunity to share what I have been learning.

I have been caught up with the word and concept of Sanctified and Sanctification for what feels like a few weeks now. Thought I would share a little of what I have learned.

In 3 Nephi 27:20 the Savior says, "Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day."

Jesus here challenges us to change what we want and what we do. He invites us by a commandment to repent, to be baptized and to get the gift of the Holy Ghost. If we choose to follow Him, and do as He says we shall be sanctified by getting the Holy ghost. It is when the Holy Ghost is in our heart and we have God's spirit with us. God no longer views the bad things we do- but we are clean from sin as a white shirt is cleaned from a stain when it is washed. (see Isaiah 1:18)  That is what it means to be sanctified. If you have been baptized and given the gift of the Holy Ghost by someone holding the authority to do so, you were sanctified at that time. Each week we have opportunity to renew, again make our agreement with God to follow his Son. The way is to partake or participate in the sacrament each week.

In 3 Nephi 18:6-7 the Savior says,  "And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you.  And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me.  And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you." 

If we always have the Holy Ghost with us, we are always sanctified! If we are always sanctified, we stand spotless and without any sin before God now and at the last day. 

In 3 Nephi 27:22 Christ instructs, "Therefore, if ye do these things blessed are ye, for ye shall be lifted up at the last day."

We are taught in D&C 133:62, "And unto him that repenteth and sanctifieth himself before the Lord shall be given eternal life."

Eternal life is to live with God in heaven forever! This is the greatest gift God can give us! Jesus showed us the way-- If we will obey God's will, be baptized and each week partake of the sacrament, continuing to repent and forsake our sins we will have that ultimate goal.  Next time you take the sacrament at church, remember how important what you are doing is, and take it as a commitment to follow Christ better than you have previously. I know that if we will continue to improve little by little, we will look back and be astonished at what we have achieved.

-Elder Hunt