Service

Monday, August 21, 2018

Hello everyone!

I am amazed that when we serve others, we in turn receive the love of God. There is true joy that comes from serving those around us. The scriptures lay out clearly why service is so important:

Mathew 25:40 (Bible)

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Mosiah 2:17 (Book of Mormon)

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 fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

These scriptures both tech the same thing. They teach us to love God and our fellow man. We had the opportunity to do service for a couple in our ward this last week. We worked along side them trimming bushes, moving dirt, and lifting railroad ties. It started to pour, but all of us continued working happily! There is something about the spirit of service (along with a little mud) that makes me so so happy.

I'm thankful for all of you and invite you to serve one another. As you do, you will feel God's love for that person, as well as in your own life. Love y'all and talk to you soon!

Elder C.R. Anderson

P.S. I have a new companion, Elder Webb! He's 6'6" from Rexburg Idaho

Staying in Searcy!

Monday, August 13, 2018

Hello Everybody

Just got some exciting news! I'll be staying in Searcy for another 6 weeks. At the end of this 6 weeks I'll have been here for 6 months!! That's a long time! Good news is that I'll probably be able to stay a little longer than that.

My current companion, Elder Ogaard, is going back to Idaho this week. I'm for sure going to miss him. Elder Webb is going to be coming to Searcy with me though! He was on the same plane to Arkansas that I was. So we have both been on the mission for about the same amount of time. He seems way nice, and like a great guy. Haven't had a ton of interactions with him before now but I already love him. He seems way cool. He is actually a little bit taller than me, so we will stand out from the crowd.

I'm so thankful for this opportunity to serve as a missionary. It is a marvelous time. The amount of time (all the time) that I get to devote myself to Jesus Christ is, will be, and has been, life changing. I know that this church is true. I believe in all its organizations, doctrines, and practices. Why? Because I believe in Jesus Christ, and this is his church. It is not a replica of his former church, or a reformed church. This is the restored Church of Jesus Christ in every sense.

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints is lead by Jesus Christ. If you don't believe that or know it yet, then lean on me and try my word. But more importantly try the word of Christ. Read the Book of Mormon and the Bible and find the truth.

To all that read this, I love you. I may not know each of you personally, but God does. I know that you are my brothers and my sisters. Please email me with any questions that have been weighing on your mind. I am here to listen.

Talk to you all soon!

Elder C.R. Anderson

Family

Monday, August 6, 2018

Hello and happy Monday!

The importance of family has been my topic of thought throughout this week. The love that can be felt in a Christ-centered home, is unparalleled by any worldly standard. I am so thankful for my loving family and that they continue to love me unconditionally.

This past week was the baptism of Eric Jr. (8 years old). This baptism was a very spiritual experience for all who were present. His dad was the man that was baptized about 3 months ago. It was amazing to see the whole family there to support them, and to see Eric baptize his son, Eric Jr.. Something that the spirit testified to me while we were there is that families are meant to be forever, and that likewise, we are meant to progress forever. This family saw that there are still things they can do to ensure happiness in this life, and in the next.

So how can we apply this? I would suggest that it is by adopting the truth that progression is eternal. That we are not yet perfect, and therefore "fall short of the glory of God." However, through Christ we can be clean, and eventually perfected. This is a comforting thought. I am so thankful for my family. I love you and I miss you! However, there is no other that I could possibly be doing.

I love you all and cherish my relationship with each and every one of you. I pray that God and His angels watch over you, and I know that they do.

Love,

Elder C.R. Anderson

1. Future Missionary