Hello People of the world! I have no idea who this letter is going to so I cannot specify people of America only.
I am happy for this chance to come and talk to you. There is a lot that has happened this week, but first, my Grandmother has informed my that I have not shared enough about my new area so here are a list of things that will help you envision where I am. (thanks, Grandma, I love you)
1. This apartment is not infested with mice or spiders but with lizards.....(the poop is now on the walls not just the ground)
2. This is one of the only apartments with a washing machine and that machine stays in the apartment permanently!
3. I still bathe with cold water
4. We are closer to the ocean then I have ever been in Ghana, but can only see it when we go to the city on P-days
5. The ward I am in has a few people who are considered the pioneers of the church in Ghana - several are related to a man in my home ward, Thomas Appiah!
6. Most people in my area boundaries have received the lessons and do not want to listen to missionaries again (it is one of the oldest and most worked areas)
7. There is a nice rice and stew place that I like to go to but there are times when my companion wants to eat fufu so I eat that quite a bit now.
8. Without the language, I can hardly teach in this area. This is another reason why I wish I could have learned Fante or Twi in the MTC but, whatever.
I hope this is enough for now more will come.
Today I wanted to make sure I mention something I noticed about my prayers and my faith this past week. I came to the understanding that when I prayed I was praying knowing or having faith that something should happen. This is a good thing that I have been blessed with many answers to prayers so I believe answers will continue to come. But I realized that even this was a lack of faith, as well. Though we need to pray knowing that everything is in God's timing, we have to pray with faith in all things. For example, when I pray for an answer to something, I can have the faith that something should happen but that is not the same as having faith that it will happen. When we say something should happen, we open the doors of doubt and let in the idea that God might not do it for us. We need to realize that at all times we receive answers. As one missionary described it, God answers in three ways: Yes, No, Ask me later (be patient). Though this is not 100% accurate, is covers most every answer.
Now when you pray with faith that is when things happen. In PMG and the introduction to the Book of Mormon we are taught that the prayer of faithful brings answers and can work miracles in the lives of others and ourselves. However, we must use this faith correctly because no matter how much faith you have, if it is against the will of God it cannot happen. I would challenge all of us to attempt to align our will with God's just as Book of Mormon Prophets did of old. Some were even told that whatever they would say would happen because God knew they would not go against his will. Now I understand that none of us are at that level yet. But when we pray we can ask to be guided in our words to know His will so that at all times we are following it.
As we move forward with the right time of faith, nothing doubting, and following the Will of God all things become possible even when we ask for a mountain to be moved into the sea. We will quickly be led to a shovel and told to begin. Sometimes the Miracle has to start with a shovel full or with someone who is far less the perfect or even adaquate. Do not be afraid to be who God needs you to be even if that just means you are used to say powerful prayers that no one will ever hear.
Love you all. I hope my ideas make sense.
Bye
Elder Butters
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