The Book of Mormon in Action!

Well, this week was just full of seeing the Book of Mormon put into action! I only have a few minutes, but I know that the Book of Mormon is true- not so much by reading and praying, but by seeing it in action! Seeing the Book of Mormon work to bring others to God and to change their lives is a miracle- even a marvelous work and a wonder!

Zone Conference was all focused on the Book of Mormon and how to best help those with whom we meet gain a strong testimony of it. Any problem or concern they have really goes back to if Joseph and his successors are prophets of God revealing His word, and we know Joseph is prophet by gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon. 

There was a street display in Hagen this week, and we all really focused on the Book of Mormon. It was amazing! So many people were so excited about this book- and there is a lot to be excited about! Ozzo was Muslim, but felt there was somthing missing. We talked with him about the plan of God, and how He revelas His word to us, especiall today through the Book of Mormon. We read from 3 Nephi 11, right on the street, that wonderful miracle chapter! Ozzo was so excited that there was such doctrine and truth again on the earth- he is going to begin meeting with the Hagen missionaries. That was just one of 6 very clear experiences I had on Saturday at this street display. It was amazing! From Dennis, 17 years old, to A woman and her two kids, telling us to take another copy of the Book of Mormon to her husband at his hair cuttng store, so they can fix their family and marriage, (which we did, they both loved the Book of Mormon and were excited that we talked to them and to meet with the Hagen elders!). It is amazing to see the Book of Mormon in action! It really is the best missionary- just let it speak for itself!

I know Christ lives, and a big reason I know that is because of the testimony of Him that the Book of Mormon gives, and which I have developed by reading and applying. This Church is the Lord's restored organization for how we should live and help and progress- and how to do all that together, to establish Zion- Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise! It is all true and glorious, and such a marvelous work and a wonder!

schöne und liebe Grüsse,

Elder Nathan D. Garlick
German Frankfurt Mission
"Shall we not go on in so great a cause?" D&C 128:22

p.s. You asked about our Zone, there are 11 cities in our Zone: Dortmund, Hagen, Siegen, Essen, Gelsenkirchen, Oberhausen, Herne, Münster, Hamm, Paderborn, Unna. With 13 Missionary companionships (us, sisters, and McPhersons in Dortmund). It is a pretty big area, but I am not sure how to say how big it is.... 45 minute train ride to the far west point!

3 of these areas are branches, the rest wards. Thanks for taking care of the missionaries in College Station! I met a few elders in the MTC that were heading to the Houston North mission... maybe they will be around some time!

Glad to hear the Aggie tradition is still alive :-)

The Book of Mormon- What a Powerful Truth!

Liebe Familie und Freunde:

I have been reading and studying and experiencing a lot about the Book of Mormon recently. Zone Conference is this coming Friday, and Chapter 5 of Preach My Gospel is the main focus for it. I love the Book of Mormon! Here are a few reasons why:

1. It is full of simple explanations of how to live, that anyone can understand. For example: 

·         2 Nephi 31:5, " And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!"

·         Mosiah 2:17,  "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellowbeings ye are only in the service of your God."

·         Moroni 10:5, 23  " And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may aknow the btruth of all things"..." And Christ truly said unto our fathers: If ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me."

2. It is a witness that Jesus Christ lives. For example:

• 3 Nephi 11: 8-10, "And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descendingout of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them. And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying: Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world."

3. It is a witness of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For example:

• 3 Nephi 21:2,7, "And behold, this is the thing which I will give unto you for a sign—for verily I say unto you that when these things which I declare unto you, and which I shall declare unto you hereafter of myself, and by the power of the Holy Ghost which shall be given unto you of the Father, shall be made known unto the Gentiles...it shall be a sign unto them, that they may know that the work of the Father hath already commenced unto the fulfilling of the covenant which he hath made unto the people who are of the house of Israel."
• That covenant being fulfilled is the gathering of Israel, the fulfilling of the Abrahamic covenant, and the establishing of Zion, the New Jerusalem again on the Earth.

4. It has a power that changes people. For example:

·         I remember back to Antonia and Jürgen, to the Rode Familie, to Guang, countless others, to me, when we read the Book of Mormon and felt the power of it. There is something indescribable about the feelings of the Book of Mormon. But through it all, the feelings are good and positive. Those are the feelings of God. I remember when I gained my testimony that the Book of Mormon was true- I will always remember that day, and that prayer I said, and the feeling and answer I received. That has been a guiding force for my service here in Germany. To help others experience that same feeling, and feel that which I felt. It is the power of change, the power of truth, the power of God. This morning, I was reading in 2 Nephi 19.. Isaiah was talking about wars and battles and other things I wasn't sure about.... and I was reading in German, so couldn't quite see where all this was going... and then, this verse popped out, and really suprised me, I nearly exclaimed out loud! "For unto us a achild is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (2 Ne. 19:6, Isaiah 9:6). It was such a neat feeling when I read these scriptures- I am not as familiar yet with the German scriptures as the English, so it really was a neat surprise of peace and joy when I read this verse in German in the midst of the war and other big things that Isaiah was talking about. This morning was another witness to me that the Book of Mormon has power- because it is a testimony of Jesus Christ, and we cam feel that every time we read the testimony of a prophet in the book about the divinity of the Son of God.

I really look forward to Zone Conference this week, a time to learn about how to more effectively use the Book of Mormon in teaching and inviting others to come unto Christ. I also studied the words of prophets and apostles in the General Conferences- what great men and great words of truth! It was also neat that many of the testimonies yesterday at church were about the Book of Mormon and how members had used that to share the gospel and bring more joy and peace into lives of their friends and families. 

This week, Kathir decided to be baptised! His story is a very special and personal story, but the answer he got was the same that others receive when they know it's true- that it's true! He wants to be baptized in September. We will talk with him tonight at Family Home Evening.  Christian was at church and bore a powerful testimony, that he, too, knows this church is true, that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I get strengthen so much every time I experience people discover the power and truth of the Book of Mormon.

On Saturday night, the sisters in Dortmund went with us to a contact that they wanted us to teach. He wasn't there, and we were on the sidewalk, us four, talking and waiting for the bus. Then this man from England comes by and asks if we are from England. Leide, nicht! But he began talking to us and asked what in the worl we were doing here in Germany- once he found out, he couldn't believe it! We ended up talking with him for 30 minutes on the sidewalk, him asking our belief on God and way of living. He was amazed that missionaries all over the world take this time out to further the cause of their God and finance it themselves. He said he is an athiest, and believes that UFO's destroyed the ancient civilizations of the past, and will be here to end the world in December. We testified of the God we know, One who loves, knows us individually, and has a plan for each of us to reach our potential. We testified of Joseph Smith seeing God and Christ and being called as a prophet to restore His truth and church and priesthood to the earth. At the end of all that spirit and testifying, he asked what on earth made us like this... what on earth could make us young kids so firm in the belief and do all that we do... we asked if he wanted an honest answer.. he did! So we pulled out a copy of the Book of Mormon and invited him to find out for himself. Something changed in his eyes when I handed it over to him- a glitter of hope, even a twinkle of light. The Spirit was there. He tried to give me €5 for the Book, but we said we would meet with him for 15 minutes this week instead of €5. He agreed! That is the power of the Book of Mormon- it really has changed us, and the living of the teachings have made us who we are- and living the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, of which the Book of Mormon witnesses and proves, and I know it can change this man, too, if he lets it.There is power in those 531 pages. There is real power and truth. I wish I could just tell everyone in the whole world of the miracle that is the Restoration of the Gospel and the coming forth of the truth from the earth, even the Book of Mormon! I'll do the best I can here in Dortmund!

And one of my all time favorite scriptures about the Book of Mormon: "And righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth, to bear testimony of mine Only Begotten; his resurrection from the dead; yea, and also the resurrection of all men; and righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, unto a place which I shall prepare, an Holy City, that my people may gird up their loins, and be looking forth for the time of my coming; for there shall be my tabernacle, and it shall be called Zion, a New Jerusalem." (Moses 7:62)

This work is true. The Book of Mormon is true. Christ lives, this is His Church. This is His Kingdom that we are building and strengthening all over the wold! This is an eternal work- it's the kingdom of God, or nothing.

Love you all! Thanks for your prayers and support.

 
Elder Nathan D. Garlick
German Frankfurt Mission
"Shall we not go on in so great a cause?" D&C 128:22

A God of Miracles

Liebe Familie und Freunde:

It has got to feel weird just having the three kids at home! Crazy how time and life go on and change! Something that hasn't changed, that is really not normal, is my companion! Elder Walker and I will be staying together for another cycle! This is 4 cycles, or 6 months together. Neither of us have been with a companion longer than 2 cycles- so here is venturing off into uncharted territory! We are excited- there is so much to do, and miracles are just happened all over the place!

So the other night, we had a ward mission leader stake training. We were with the high counselours in charge of missionary work for the stake. It was real good. The neatest was that we introduced ourselves, and I said I was Elder Garlick, and this one older man nearly jumped out of his seat! He was Uncle Steven's Ward Mission Leader when he served in Bochum, here in the stake! Br. Riebe wants his email address- could you send me uncle steven's email address, then I can get it to the missionaries to give to Br. Riebe? danke!

This week was just evidence to me, that God really is a God of Miracles.

Christian is the friend of a woman we talked to on the street. He got in contact with the SIsters, who set up a time where us four could meet with him. We had a great time teaching the restoration. He really felt the spirit, and decided to study as much as he could, and really find out if this is true. We didn't hear from him for a few weeks, then last week, he showed up at church with this friend we talked to on the street, as well as another friend! He said he needed to come and see the church in action before making a decision. He liked it, but still wasn't sure if he wanted to learn more. During the week, the sisters called us and said that Christian called them back and said that he had the most amazing experience of feeling the most intense spiritual feelings he has had, feeling the love of God and a confirmation that this is the truth. He said he wants to join the church as soon as possible! He will be baptised the first week in October. We need to go over a few commandmanets with him, but he is so ready and so willing! He stayed after church on Sunday for ward choir practice, and is pretty much already a member! This is the kind of miracles that just happen- friends telling friends about the gospel, them coming and seeing, and feeling it is true. The Lord leads us to those who are prepared- but I know even more now than ever before, that He always leads the prepared to His church. There is power in this work- power greater than any man or woman, power more intense, real, or tangible than gravity or any other natural force. This is the work of the Lord, His power is at Work. We learned on Sunday about the Priesthood- the power of God that governs all things in heaven and on earth. His Priesthood is at Work!

This was just one example, and there are so many more I wish I could tell! Like with serving the Grockowiak family, Br. Dwelk's wife being interested in the Gospel, SIs. Dschuschuk coming to church after many many years, and many personal spiritual victories and experiences. I will just have to tell them all to you soon! I have learned so much recently about the power that each of us has to further the work of the Lord. I wish I would have done more through school to invite others to come and see, and learn more about the gospel- well, I have a life time ahead of me! The worth of every soul really is great in the sight of God. There is great power in the invitation of a friend. I trust the words of the Prophets and Apostles, which say that the more excellent way to do missionary work isn't so much wearing a name tag and going door to door.... it is in the daily lives of each member of the church to do their part at living righteously, and inviting others to come and see. People notice righteousness when they see it, and everyone trusts a friend. I have recommitted myself to be myself- to let the gospel affect every aspect of my life, so people will know that I am a follower of Christ, and am living His resotred gospel and living the covenants I have made with Heavenly Father. And not in a "I'm going to live so everyone knows," but living the life that we have covenanted to live. Then people will see, then they will feel, then they will ask, then they will come. And that is cool. That is the work of the Lord at work! That's how it will spread to the whole earth, to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.

I know this Gospel is true. All the ordinances, laws, and covenants are given to us to make us happy and successful in this mortal journey. It is beautiful and simple, yet profound and eternal. I know Christ lives and leads His church through His prophets. What a great blessing it is to live in a time when God speaks, when angels visit the earth, and when the truth has come forth, and will continue to do so- for that's what truth does, it continues and continues and continues, unto all eternity.

Have a great week!

Elder Nathan D. Garlick
German Frankfurt Mission
"Shall we not go on in so great a cause?" D&C 128:22

Deutsch ist schön, oder?

Liebe Familie und Freunde:

ich dachte, dass ich heute auf Deutsch schreiben würde! Google Translator funktioniert ziemlich gut..... :-)

Ich fange mit einem Erlebnis an, die mir tief ins Herzen beeindrückt hat:

Letzte Wochenende, habe ich wirklich gebetet, und der Geist gab mir die Wörte, die ich sprechen sollten. Das war schön. Ich sagte, "Vater, wirst du mir helfen mit deiner Augen zu sehen, damit ich deiner Kinder sehen kann wie du sie siehst?" Das war Samstag aben. Sonntag morgen, auf dem Weg zur Kirche, gab es einen Mann, Michael. Er war im Bus mit uns, uns hat uns oft angeschaut. Er sah ein bisschon wie eine "HoBo" aus, eine Person der auf der Straße lebt. Er ist auch aus dem Bus mit uns gestiegen, und hat uns angesprochen. Ich dachte, das er total betrunken war, so hat ihm nicht viel Beachtung gegeben. Er ist weiter mit mir gelaufen, und ich merkete nach einer misschon Zeit, dass er nicht betrunken war, und konnte sehr gut sprechen. Er erklärte mir, dass er viele Kranklheiten hat, deswegen spricht und läuft er komisch. Er erklärte mir auch, dass letzte Woche, sind wir vorbei gegangen an einen Potential, und hat seine Tür zufählig geklingelt. Er öffnete die Tur, und sah so krank und dreckig aus, und murmelte viel. Wir sind weg gegangen. Auf unsere Weg zur Kirche, er erzählte mir, das er vor vier Jahre ein Untersucher war, und ist oftmals zur Kirche gekommen. Er spürte sich schuldig, dass er uns nicht rein gelassen hat, uns hat sich eintschieden diese Woche zur Kirche zu kommen. Er hat das getan, und die Mitgliedern der Gemeinde hat ihn befreundet, und wir treffen wieder mit ihm an Donnerstag. Wow, ich habe so viel von diese Erfahrung gelernt- 1. Der Heiligen Geist kan wirklich uns die Wörte geben, die wir im Gebet sprechen sollen, damit das Werk des Herrn vorangehen kann, 2. Der Wert einer jeden Seele ist in den Augen Gottes groß. Es ist egal wie Mann spricht oder geht, er ist ein Kind Gottes, und mit den Augen Gottes, können wir ihn sehen wir er wirklich ist. 3. Wir dürfen nicht richten, weil wir wissen nicht genau die Hintergrund eines Persons. Während unserer Lauf zur Kirche, die Wörte eine meine lieblings PV-Lieder ist in Sinn gekommen: "If you don't walk like most people do, some people walk away from you, but I won't, I won't. If you don't talk like most people do, some people talk and laugh at you, but I won't I won't. Jesus blessed all He could see, then turned and said, come follow me, so I will, I will. I'll walk with you, I'll talk with you, that's how I'll show my love for you." Ich bin so dankbar für diese Erfahrung. Ich weiß, dass jeder ein Kind Gottes ist, und dass Gott wirklich möchtet, dass jeder zurück zu ihm kommt. Ich bete dafür, dass ich würdig sein kann noch mehr von diese Erlebnisse haben zu dürfen!

Auch, traffen wir oft mit Kingsly und Kathir. Am Donnersat abend, schauten wir "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration" an für die Untersucher, und aßen Waffles! Es gab sechs Untersucher dabei. Das war so schön! Der Geist war stark, und es hat mein Zeugniss gestärkt, da zu sein, und über Joseph Smith zu denken. Ich weiß, dass er wirklich Gott und Jesus Christus gesehen hat. Er ist ein Prophet Gotts! Ich weiß auch, dass Thomas S. Monson der Prophet heutzutage ist. Ich hoffe auch, dass die Untersucher auch beeindrückt warren.

Ich bin so dankbar hier in Dortmund sein zu dürfen! Danke für eure Gebete, und für ihre Liebe.

Alle Gute!

Elder Nathan D. Garlick
Deutschland Frankfurt Mission
"Sollen wir in einen so großen Sache nicht vorwärts gehen?" LuB 128:22

Unity is Strength

Liebe Familie und Freunde:

Meine Gute, es tut mir sehr Leid, dass ich nicht viel die letzte paar Wochen geschrieben habe... wir waren sehr beschäftigt! Hopefully I can fill you in enough of the great miracles and experiences the last few weeks....

First, we went down to Frankfurt this last week for the Mission Leadership Council. We went to the Tempel on Wednesday, and then the meetings on Thursday. I love the Tempel. This time through the session, I really felt that this was the Lord's house, and holiness to Him. It was really powerful to be there will 30 other missionaries and feel the power of unity- unity is strength! We were there as the servants of the Lord, to get re-fueled with power from His house, then go forth and serve HIs children. I came away with a greater desire to be actively righteous- not just obedient or choosing the right, but really using my agency to be actively righteous and choose to do many good things of my own free will and choice. And that is really what happened- we had a powerful testimony meeting afterward, and then shared all the successes of the different zones for the last month. Elder Walker and I put together a slide show with all the things that have been going well: FHE, Institute, Sport Day, Finding Days, Focus Member weeks, new reports for the stake and wards, etc. After we finished the powerpoint, we printed it out and looked at each other in pure amazement- we have no clue how all that was able to get done in the last month... and it was definitely nothing of our doing. We just sat down after the last Training Meeting and decided what needed to be done, then did it. It was a great learning experience in planning, organizing, prioritizing, this last month. 

There have been some huge miracles recently here in the zone and in Dortmund- there were 4 baptism dates set and Saturday was a baptism, and another this coming Sunday. Big changes are happening- but it is really all through our small daily efforts that they happen. It is really neat to see areas that used to be real slow pick up and set baptism dates! We started a sport day the other week, Friday night! We wanted to have a way to invite people to be with us and get to know others, but not first at church. The first sports day, the sisters had an investigator who came and brought a friend, a returned missionary came, and we invited two young guys to come play with as well. It was real neat! The next week, the two young guys brought three other friends, three other investigators came, a new convert brought her husband and son, who also brought a friend. It is so cool to see how just inviting people and having a time to get together really helps strengthen relationships! Soccer, Basketball and Frisbee at a nearby park- Missionary work is so much more than just door to door! But we will be scaling down on our side... last week Elder Walker dove to grab a Frisbee.. it was a sweet dive, but he really pulled his shoulder! But all is well.

A few weeks ago, we met Freedom on the street- a cool guy from Nigeria. He is here learning German, and just here for a better life. He came to institute, then rode his bike an hour and a half to FHE, then came again to Institute. He says that his schedule is School 8-12:30, then he goes home and reads the Book of Mormon :-) He is such a cool guy- quiet and reserved, but really genuine. We talked about church, and he said he really wanted to come. I way playing the organ yesterday, and I felt my phone buzzing in my pocket. After the prayer I checked it, and it was Freedom! I hoped that he had come up and was calling to see where we were. I tried to get Elder Walker's attention in the congregation... the members probably thought I was going crazy, trying to explain to Elder Walker to go out and get Freedom.. but he didn't even see me -) Then the door opened, and Freedom came in, followed by a friend! After the meetings, we went and met Kingsly. This guy is the coolest guy ever! He is so polite and real smart and a great people person. He is Freedom's roommate, and also from Nigeria. We were talking a bit after church and at McPherson's house for lunch about his family- His father and twin brother died about 10 years ago, and his mother is alone in Nigeria. Relationships with people are the most important thing to him, and he says that his mother always told him, that if he makes a friend, make him a brother- with the love, support, and unity that families bring. He just praised his friend Freedom, and for good reason. After lunch with Freedom and Kingsly- ...and what an aweseome name!- we played a round of chickenfoot. As he was leaving he was so kind to the McPhersons and us, saying that he was so grateful for their kindness, and really felt the love of family with them. It was real touching, having talked with him for nearly an hour before lunch about that. After the sacrament meeting, I introduced myself, and asked how he liked the meeting. HE said 'I really liked it- I feel it is the word of God here." And I hope that after being with the members and seeing and feeling their Love, that he can understand that it is the word of God here- not just spoken or sung, but in action and love. That is the Gospel of Jesus Christ- love in action.

We had interviews with Präsident Schwartz on Saturday- I love that man! He is so supportive and loving and wants to help us all so much. One thing we talked about were spiritual treet- I havn't the time today to explain it all, but the roots, branches, and fruits of our spiritual lives and are so important. I started studying more about the roots yesterday- Roots deep in Jesus Christ really do provide the foundation and life for us through any situation.

I finished the Book of Mormon in German last week. Guess what... it is still just as true in German as it is in Englisch! Well, of course it is :-) I followed Moroni's suggestion at the end, and really prayed to Heavenly Father to strengthen my testiomony of the Book of Mormon. I realised that my testimony of the Book of Mormon hasn'T really come by just reading and praying and feeling good. My testimony of the Book of Mormon has come as I have applied the teachings and seen the fruits of it in my life- planting a seed of faith, avoiding the appearance of evil, doing unto one of the least of these, asking to be filled with this love, go and do- and so many other truths found in the Book of Mormon, when applied, have witnessed to me that this book truly comes from God. I know it is true, and it continues to help me every day. I started again today, with the goal to finish the German Book of Mormon by the time I come home, this time focusing on "Faith in Jesus Christ". 

I know this work is true. I have experienced the reality of the Atonement, and the purpose of it- to really change and become what He wants us to become. Jesus Christ lives, just as much today as two thousand years ago. 

ich hab' euch alle viel Lieb!

Elder Nathan D. Garlick
German Frankfurt Mission
"Shall we not go on in so great a cause?" D&C 128:22