Be Brave

 Elder Winegar can be reached directly at jacob.winegar@missionary.org

Oh hey, 

Time is my most precious commodity these days and I seem to never have enough of it. Today I may be brief once again.

It seems that you all know who Lamar is by now, he's become quite the celebrity. If not, feel free to check my Facebook feed. We spent a lot of time with him this week and his enthusiasm always lifts my spirits, even on the toughest of days.

We did a virtual tour of the Laie, Hawaii temple with one of our recent converts that brought a poignant peace to the hearts of all present.

We had some unexpected experiences finding people who were seeking God, by being diligent and courageous in the midst of uncomfortable circumstances. One that stands out in my mind was our friend Florentino, who we met sitting in his car at 8:55 PM, munching on a burger after work. After being prompted to roll down his window by two strangers emerging from the night, he was surprisingly willing to talk to us, especially about Jesus Christ. We cannot fathom the lives that we could bless by breaking out of our comfort zone. Be brave, someone may need you.

Mainly I've been struggling with illness all week long. I've tested negative for COVID so don't stress, but it has been a genuine trial for me. It can be deeply discouraging while seeking to help the people, when one is incapable of mustering the power to help oneself. But despite my pervasive weakness and apathy, there was no better medication than turning outwards, losing myself in the work, and allowing myself to genuinely serve those around me with love and compassion.

Have we not been taught by Christ himself that, "whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."

Truly we can lose our lives in our love of, and service to God, by loving and serving His children. After all, "when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

I testify that the character of Christ is perfectly selfless, and that following His example by striving to constantly and consistently turn outwards in love, even in the most challenging circumstances, will bring His healing, redeeming power more abundantly into our lives.

~a treat~

Never There–Cake

Love You Madly–Cake

So much love to you all,

Elder Winegar