Fly Free

 

Merry Christmas! 

We had our big Christmas Zone Conference and one of the coolest parts was when President Larson disappeared and then a few minutes later Santa Claus came in and said he had presents for us and started giving every missionary their very own physical copy of the brand new Preach My Gospel! Too bad President Larson missed that. 

It was pretty cool. 

Later, some other missionaries, including the ASLders, and I sang and signed “Silent Night" with a piano and a cello! I'm glad President Larson saw that. We did amazing!

Later that week there was this one evening we were out and we had just finished contacting all of our friends in the area. It was almost 9:00 and Elder Holladay needed to go destroy the toilet anyways so we headed to the car. We got to the car and I asked “is there anything else we're supposed to do while we are here?”

We decided we'd go find a indian house and give it a knock. The very first one we checked had everything we were looking for so we gave it a knock. A man (आदमी) came to the door and we introduced ourselves and told him we were there to share a message with him and his family (परिवार)

He said now's not the best time, he left for a second and came back with his whole family curiously staring at us. So we ask “when would be a better time?”

He says “no, here's my family, now is good. Come in” so we step in. And begin testifying of Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon. We leave one with them and get his phone number and we'll come back after the holidays. The spirit was there and I know they felt it. We also used up all our hindi and they were shocked. Incredible. I'm so glad we didn't go home early!

We also had another fire lesson with Sana and Sandeep and their family. After being offered some tea (चाय) we taught a quick word of wisdom. Sandeep looked at his mug of tea almost with disgust and promised us he would never drink tea or coffee for the rest of his life. 

Then we ate a स्वादिष्ट indian breakfast and taught them about the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now, one thing you need to know about Sana is she talks…a lot. But this time it was like she almost couldn't open her mouth until we had finished our message- that's pretty cool. We testified to the point of tears and made each of them promise they'd read the Book of Mormon and pray to know if it's true. It was amazing. I love this family so much! And guess what- they came to Christmas eve church! 

Also, I hit a little piece of metal on the road and then the tire was flat. I didn't see anything on the road, yet I still suffered the consequence. 

Sometimes there's traps Satan lays for you and you will not see them unless you're looking for them and always ready to righteously avoid them. You must watch and pray continually or else you'll get a flat tire.

In Leviticus chapter 14 we read about the ritualistic cleansing of Lepers (Ex-Lepers). It is deeply symbolic:

 “4 Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:

 5 And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water: 

6 As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water:

 7 And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field.”

What this means to me is the atoning blood of Jesus Christ (the 1st bird) sets us (the second bird) free and allows us to fly. When we are cleansed by His blood (repentance) it really feels like flying. And I know that cuz I've done it. I continue to experience it every day. I know that Jesus really did suffer the price of all sin. He bought us with His own blood. And His blood is the most precious substance ever to exist. That means we are of infinite worth as well! 

So, remember that Jesus Christ paid the price for you so you can fly free. So my invitation to you is to fly free.

Love you!

-Elder Owens