One of the great Moments of Teaching at the MTC is watching young Men and Women become servants of Christ. The MTC is a place the lord can polish their talents and personalities and fit them for service. This group has changed so much over their 9 weeks. When I saw them beginning to change and be really contrite in heart I had a scripture come to mind that I felt you might like from Alma 29. Hey I know you know the first half of that chapter cause missionaries always go overboard with the "oh that I were an Angel" section but there is so much more substance in my mind in inverses 8-10 and then again in 11-14

 

 8 For behold, the Lord doth ^grant unto ^all nations, of their own nation and ^tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he ^seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true.

  9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do ^not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.

  10 And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember ^what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me.

 

 

Isn't 9-10 great! I have really been remembering the many things the lord has done for me over the last few years and I have been overwhelmed with how good life has been. When I was with my mission President again 3 weeks ago. We sat  for two days and talked about all the Joy that the lord has given us in this service. We talked about the many miracles we have witnessed since we were together for the 6 months that I lived in his home.  We talked about the many dear people that we have taught and who have remained resilient and faithful regardless of hardship. Then we talked about the tender mercies of the lord to one particular family we had married, taught and baptized that had been experiencing marital difficulties and had spit up 31/2 weeks before Scott and I arrived in the philippines.  We were unaware of what had happened all we knew is that we couldn't seem to find this family anywhere in the city... ten min latter providence lead us to a street corner where we found the Father driving his tryk (in a city of 5,000 tryks). He unfolded the tragedy to us of his wife leaving him after 12 years of marriage and my heart broke to hear  how she could leave her two children 9 and 2 years old... I was sick after hearing all that happened to this potential eternal family that I had held such high hopes for. We said goodbye and I walked somberly to our hotel. On sunday morning we went to church over an hour early so we could welcome all the members and surprise them. One of the bishoprics came running up to us in tears and said that "Tatay and Sister Dommingo were in bishops office right now repentant and wanting to fix their challenges and were in council with him". He then latter that day commented in tears " I know that the lord has sent Elder Ella, Elder Leslie and Elder Bartholomew back to us again to save your family and to strengthen our faith... The lord has much for your family if you will listen to their council" At this point we were all crying in the bishops office. I felt so greatful for the Saviors atonement and how it has the power to heal and cleanse from all our mistakes. No madder how how scarlet they may be if we come to us he will heal the wounds in our soul.  I felt great heavenly Joy to be together with those families I was able to bring to the feet of Jesus. It is something that I wish my whole life will be full of.  

 The next set of verses come to my mind right now were alma talks about how I feel in my part of this great work right now.

 

 13 Yea, and that same God did establish his church among them; yea, and that same God hath called me by a ^holy calling, to ^preach the word unto this people, and hath given me much success, in the which my joy is full.

  14 But I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren, who have been up to the land of Nephi.

  15 Behold, they have labored exceedingly, and have brought forth much fruit; and how great shall be their reward!

  16 Now, when I think of the success of these my brethren my soul is carried away, even to the separation of it from the body, as it were, so great is my ^joy.

  17 And now may God grant unto these, my brethren, that they may sit down in the kingdom of God; yea, and also all those who are the fruit of their labors that they may go no more out, but that they may praise him forever. And may God grant that it may be done according to my words, even as I have spoken. Amen.