Transfers are coming up!

It has been confirmed, we are getting an extra set of missionaries in our area. Hallelujah! Our Tuesdays are pretty jam packed and it's hard to meet with everyone we need to. At this rate with how the work is going, we could very well have a pool of people to sustain three sets in this area. The tough part about getting another set, is the fact that I might not be out in Paradox and La Sal anymore. Those people out there have a very special place in my heart. I realized on Sunday when I went to branch counsel, that I was saying goodbye to a lot of people out there. Although I only go out there one day a week, I have grown to love the people very much out there.

 You are all about to receive a sneak peak into this weeks district meeting. It is upon a topic that I have been thinking about for quite some time. Never knew the category that I would put it under, but I have had some serious reflection as to the work and my overall success as a missionary.

From the doctrine of Elder Sandberg, the true measure of success as a missionary is found in that of relationships. The very first relationship that is absolutely crucial for a missionary to establish, is that of a relationship with their Savior, Heavenly Father, and the Holy Ghost. Without a relationship with them, everything we do is in vain. There would be absolutely no purpose to being out here if I did not have a relationship with such beings.

 The next relationship is with my companion. The very first relationship I make when entering into an area is my companion. Without a deep and abiding relationship with my companion, the work is often strained and very difficult. Having someone around 24/7 and not having a good status can be the downfall of my mission. The next thing is the Ward/Auxiliaries we are working with. With out a solid support system or base to work from in our areas, a lot of our work flutters away. I am continually getting transferred and uprooted out of different areas. The one constant that people are going to have, aside from the Holy Ghost, is going to be the infrastructure of the church. Also, with out members trusting us and knowing us, it makes it very difficult to find referrals, as well as to ask them to help us fellowship those we work with.

The last relationship is one of my favorite because this is the area we think of most as missionaries. It is with those we work for and serve. Truly, the deepest relationships I have built out here, have been with those that I get to help come closer to Jesus Christ. It has been with those that I help to develop different relationships and connections with that I feel most close to. We are all of God's children. He loves each and everyone one of us. Just as earthly parents want to know what is going on in their kids' lives, so too does our Heavenly Father want to know what is going on ours. The greatest part of the mission is the people. You hear it all the time. It is the people because the happiness and joy that comes from strengthening relationships that will last all time and eternity is the absolute greatest thing we can do. What an honor and privilege it is to be so close to home. I will never forget about these people, nor will I ever allow myself to slip away into existence because I did not nourish the treasured connection that I have made while being here. Most of the people here know I will continue to harass them ( in a good way) to do what is right. To make changes in their life, and to build a relationship with Him whom will never falter.

 My invitation to each of you is to ponder the relationships you have right now. Think about the priority they have with other relationships. Evaluate and see if things of little eternal worth are getting in the way of the things that will forever exist. Make the changes necessary and observe the happiness that comes from rightly applying the knowledge obtained. Wisdom is found in this.

Love you all!
 Elder Sandberg

PS If some of you know someone who should be on my email list that I know, let me know. I need more contacts of individuals. Family, friends, teachers, ward members, etc.