Weekly Update 12-28-10

     I am sure that you are all wondering why I didn't e-mail you all yesterday. Well, I am not sure if it was in the news or anything, but New York City got hit with a massive snow storm. The funny part about it all is that when I talked to my Dad on the 25th (Christmas) I was telling him how we haven't had any snow at all, and then on the next day BAM! We got smacked with a giant snow storm. It was crazy we were at church and then they cancelled Sunday school and all of us missionaries didn't know what to do. So yeah... On sun day night we were all invited to go out and eat at one of the members houses, but the only way to get there would have been from a bus, but all of the buses were full. So we couldn't get on the bus. I must say that it is a good thing that we couldn't get on the bus, because we probably wouldn't have made it home that night. So I know that Lord was just watching out for his servants.

     Due to the large amounts of snow, yesterday was just insane. We grabbed some shovels and went out and pushed people out when they got stuck. We were pushing out Ambulances and police officers and the whole deal. Yesterday was a day that I never even dreamt or thought of happening. The thing that I don't fully understand is how the streets never got snow plowed. There was no public transportation running when it came to buses because they all got stuck. So yeah there was no people going anywhere so instead the crazy New Yorkers decided to take it upon themselves and drive on there own. So because of that we had a big opportunity to serve the people here. There were seriously so many people that offered us so much money yesterday, but we just refused to take it and gave them a pass along card and told them to call and that would make up for it. I am happy about that great experience that we had yesterday. We seriously were out on the streets helping people from 12 to 9 PM with a break in between to get some food. So yeah it has been a fun last few days, and this week I didn't really have a P-day, but I was able to do the things that the Lord has called me to do here in NYC and that is to love and serve the people here.

     I am so very grateful that I was able to talk to my family over the phone on Christmas day, I am just bummed out a bit that I wasn't able to talk to my best friend, My little bro Tyler. I know that he is going to be such a great missionary, I know that his heart is in the right place and that he is willing to do whatever it is that comes with this sacred work. I love you bro! As for my family I am so grateful to hear about all of the many wonderful changes and accomplishments that they have made as I have been out here on my mission. It is such a blessing, and I know that the Lord is watching over each of you. This gospel is what blesses our lives and blesses our families. I have seen so many instances here on my mission when someone opens there heart towards the Lord and the Spirit bears witness of His love for them individually. I know that there are so many things that we are all capable of fulfilling and that we need His help always in our lives to guide us and protect us in all things. He loves us and is aware of all things that we may be facing in our lives. He wants to guide us, but we must do all that we can.

     As I have been here in my mission I have had time to reflect on all of the many things that have lead me to be where I am today, and how it all came to pass. One thing that I do know is that we are in a constant battle and war against Satan and his followers, whom seek to destroy us and our agency. As for me I know that my testimony has been my shield and I am heart willing to fight through whatever it may be that I find myself in. The Lord is my guide and I choose to follow him, and his ways in whatsoever way he leads me. I am grateful for the guidance that I have received in my life and I know that I always stand in a constant need for his guidance and I can never rely on myself, but must always rely on Him.

     Thank you all for all that you have done for me in my life. I know that time has been flying by so very quickly, but as for now I also choose to put my full trust in the Lord continually and to work even harder than I ever have before for this last bit that I have to serve my father as a full time missionary, a time that I have to dedicate all of my time, energy and thoughts towards Him, the one who has sent me here to declare His true message to the world. How great it is to have this wonderful opportunity and how great it is to have each of you in my life. I love you all. Thanks again!

 

     Elder JD Doyle