So my past couple emails have been pretty lighthearted but today I wanted to kind of discuss some of the more spiritual aspects of my week. First off though, the Chinese is still coming slow, but it is coming really well! My goal is to know just slightly more than Elder Jensen did when he left. Hahaha but I really don't think that is going to happen cause he knew a ton. So maybe I'll just have to settle for learning as much as he did hahaha. Also we were able to host last Wednesday and it was really fun! And I'm hosting again this Wednesday, so I'm hoping to see my family when they drop Tanner off! That would be so sick haha.
Anyway, a powerful experience that I had this week was when an elder in the room that I sleep in asked for a blessing. He was feeling really sick and he asked me if I could give him one. I was kind of taken off guard and it was getting late, so I asked him if he maybe wanted to play it by year and if he was still feeling bad in the morning then I would give him one. He decided that that was good. But then after about 5 minutes the Spirit whispered to me that he really needed a blessing that night. By then it was about 10:29, but I decided that if there was one excuse to stay up 5 or 10 minutes late then it was to follow a spiritual prompting and provide a blessing for this elder. My comp and his comp were on a split up saying goodbye to another district that was leaving, so they were kind of rogue. So I knocked on Elder Smith's door and just asked him if I could borrow him. Elder Smith and I are pretty good friends and we are both really intent on being exactly obedient, but when I said I needed him he just got right up and came out without a question. Then when I told him what was up, he was happy to help. I'll spare you some of the details, but I ended up giving the blessing. And I can testify that it wasn't me who gave it. I never really knew how this worked, but know I know that blessings are directed 100% by the spirit and that the priesthood holder is just a conduit for that spirit. It was so amazing. The best way I can describe it is that I felt something overtake my entire being and the only words that were mine were when I said the elders name at the beginning. Then the spirit took over and it washed through the room. Elder Smith and I marveled afterward at just how powerful that spirit was and how amazing it is to feel it work through you. It was crazy because I realized afterwards that the spirit didn't allow me to utter a word of healing. The phrase that kept popping up was that he would have the ability to continue to go to class and put all of his heart, might, mind, and strength into the work. His sickness got worse the next day, but never once did he have to miss class or slow down his studies in order to take care of his sickness. I can say without a doubt that the spirit is a real power and it not only able to convert, but also to comfort and to bless. I am so grateful for the opportunity and the trust that the Lord has placed in me in holding his priesthood authority and power. I can't wait to be able to share that spirit with the people of Australia once I get out there.
I am so grateful for this gospel and for the spirit that I feel here in the MTC each and every day. I feel the spirit sanctify my and guide me throughout almost everything that I do here and it is a wonderful blessing. I really love the MTC because it is an environment that I can always feel that spirit. In 3 weeks, I'll be heading out to share it and I'm so so stoked for that! I love and miss you all and I know that this church is true. I also know that the Book of Mormon is true. I have received so much revelation through that book as I have been here. I'm grateful for all of your support and I hope you have a wonderful week!
Elder Jackson
Anyway, a powerful experience that I had this week was when an elder in the room that I sleep in asked for a blessing. He was feeling really sick and he asked me if I could give him one. I was kind of taken off guard and it was getting late, so I asked him if he maybe wanted to play it by year and if he was still feeling bad in the morning then I would give him one. He decided that that was good. But then after about 5 minutes the Spirit whispered to me that he really needed a blessing that night. By then it was about 10:29, but I decided that if there was one excuse to stay up 5 or 10 minutes late then it was to follow a spiritual prompting and provide a blessing for this elder. My comp and his comp were on a split up saying goodbye to another district that was leaving, so they were kind of rogue. So I knocked on Elder Smith's door and just asked him if I could borrow him. Elder Smith and I are pretty good friends and we are both really intent on being exactly obedient, but when I said I needed him he just got right up and came out without a question. Then when I told him what was up, he was happy to help. I'll spare you some of the details, but I ended up giving the blessing. And I can testify that it wasn't me who gave it. I never really knew how this worked, but know I know that blessings are directed 100% by the spirit and that the priesthood holder is just a conduit for that spirit. It was so amazing. The best way I can describe it is that I felt something overtake my entire being and the only words that were mine were when I said the elders name at the beginning. Then the spirit took over and it washed through the room. Elder Smith and I marveled afterward at just how powerful that spirit was and how amazing it is to feel it work through you. It was crazy because I realized afterwards that the spirit didn't allow me to utter a word of healing. The phrase that kept popping up was that he would have the ability to continue to go to class and put all of his heart, might, mind, and strength into the work. His sickness got worse the next day, but never once did he have to miss class or slow down his studies in order to take care of his sickness. I can say without a doubt that the spirit is a real power and it not only able to convert, but also to comfort and to bless. I am so grateful for the opportunity and the trust that the Lord has placed in me in holding his priesthood authority and power. I can't wait to be able to share that spirit with the people of Australia once I get out there.
I am so grateful for this gospel and for the spirit that I feel here in the MTC each and every day. I feel the spirit sanctify my and guide me throughout almost everything that I do here and it is a wonderful blessing. I really love the MTC because it is an environment that I can always feel that spirit. In 3 weeks, I'll be heading out to share it and I'm so so stoked for that! I love and miss you all and I know that this church is true. I also know that the Book of Mormon is true. I have received so much revelation through that book as I have been here. I'm grateful for all of your support and I hope you have a wonderful week!
Elder Jackson