How Empowering it is to Know the Plan!

The Chapel in Vila Franca de Xira

Namastē! 

Thats hello in Nepali! We have become very good friends with some Nepalis who own Everest Handicraft, a shop near the train station that sells Nepali handmade things (coats, shirts, rings, statues, tea, tibetan singing bowls, etc.). Those guys are awesome. They speak...Nepali, obviously, and broken English and very little Portuguese. Very different beliefs and many language barriers but no matter. :)

This week has been pretty great. We read 3 Nephi 11 and then watched The Testements with Ivan. Man that was powerful. I would say that the best part was his deep chuckle at the point when all of Zarahemla is on fire and everyone is running about in panic, but, without a doubt the greatest was the spirit that was manifest. After it ended we simply sat in silence, nothing to say. "One hour," he told us, "one hour straight I had goosebumps everywhere." He still hasn't been marked for baptism but we hope that will happen today!

The reason for the title of this email is because of my gratitude for the Plan of Salvation. The Liahona for last month had that exact sentence in one of the talks. I'm so grateful for the knowledge that I have of God's plan for all of His children, including me. That plan that tells us from where we came, why we are here, and what will happen to us after this life. I don't think I had ever realized how much comfort and purpose knowing this plan gives. This week we had the opportunity to teach a couple the Plan of Happiness. Now, perhaps more questions were raised then answered, however, they told us about their search for answers. They had faith that God had a plan for them, after all, thats what most religions teach. But they always questioned what it was. She said it was overwhelming that, out of nowhere, all of the answers to her questions were presented. 

How amazing it is to know that our Heavenly Father knew us before we came and we chose this life to grow and progress. How amazing it is to know that we have our Savior, Jesus Christ to atone for our sins and give us the opportunity to repent and be made clean. How amazing it is to know what steps we need to take in this life to truly follow the Master and become like Him. How amazing it is to know that we can see those we love and be with them once again and for all eternity and that death is but a short separation. How amazing it is to know that we can perform ordinances in God's temples to help our loved ones who have passed on without a knowledge of this Gospel to come unto Christ. How amazing it is to know that death has no power and that we may all be resurrected. How amazing it is to know that we have a perfect Judge, and a perfect Savior, who together can meet the demands of Justice and Mercy and provide a way for us to return once more to live with our Father in Heaven. Truly it is empowering.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is truly the straight and narrow way. We can rely on the Savior, He is at the helm. We need not fear. The way has been set forth and is clearly available. It is a path that all may follow. Not a single person on this Earth is exempt from the promises that this Gospel brings. We however, must fear not, and trust in the Lord, and, once again, He will lead us home.

I know that my Redeemer lives. What comfort this sweet sentence gives. He lives, and while He lives I'll sing: "He lives! My Prophet, Priest, and King!"

Love,

Elder Cordon

I walk this path EVERY DAY

Overlooking Vila Franca from Bom Retiro