It has been really awesome to hear about Parker's growth on his mission. Because we are not there, we learn about his growth from Monday phone calls and/or letters. Usually, it is just us observing. This letter is kind of fun because he is writing about some things he has noticed in his growth.
I love and miss this boy so much and especially love watching him grow in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
July 18, 2022
Subject: Weaknesses to Strengths
This week we had an awesome Zone Conference. Elder Klebingat the Africa West Area 2nd councilor came on a mission tour. It was by far my favorite Zone Conference. One of my favorite things I took from the Conference was about imperfections. While on mission I have come closer to God in many ways and I have tried to give off a good example as I am a disciple Of Jesus Christ. An Elder asked a question that went something like, "As disciples and representatives of Jesus we want to act in a way others can see that we are disciples of Christ, but sometimes in the moment we make mistakes and do something that isn't Christ like at all."
Elder Klebingat let us know we can always try our best to be good representatives of Christ, but we are still human and still make mistakes. And that's ok, and we can use the gift of repentance and recommit to being a Christ like person. And if you knew me back home, I liked to be loud and do anything for attention and a lot of the time it wouldn't be in alignment with something Christ would do. On mission I've become better at controlling my actions and words. Don't worry, I'm still the same Parker,but just a better version.
I have focused on keeping my thoughts, actions, and words cleaner and more Christ-like. But one thing that keeps nagging at me is back home. It didn't bother me when I did, thought, or said something that I should not be doing, but now on mission I find myself beating myself up over and over for much smaller and less frequent bad thoughts, words, and actions. Sister Klebingat mentioned a scripture in The Book of Mormon.
Ether 12:27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their aweakness. I bgive unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my cgrace is sufficient for all men that dhumble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make eweak things become strong unto them.
It helped me see that now that I'm coming closer to Jesus Christ, he is showing me my weakness. Back home I was just rolling with the flow, doing what I had to to make my parents happy. But now I'm learning and living the gospel because it makes me happy. And now that I am seeing my weakness, I see how I can improve on it and soon my weakness will become a stronghold in my foundation in Christ!
Elder Parker Gwilliam
The temple
Big fish paaaa
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