Spiritual Feasting

Family,

This week was an amazing week. We worked hard, but we learned the virtue of patience in the Lord's timing. We also learned so much this past weekend. We had a zone conference with President Whitehead, and I know that this man is called of God to help guide us. We learned so much about how to become so much more and how to humble ourselves enough to receive the blessings that are in store for us. We learned how to teach more effectively and how to develop better Christlike attributes. I have learned that humility is crucial for being a leader and to help others more than yourself. 

I also learned so much in this General Conference. Every single question I had for the conference was answered in the first session. I know this church is led by Jesus Christ, and I know he calls men to help him in his glorious work. 

We also had Rafael assist (attend church) this weekend. He also had all of his questions answered and wants to get baptized this weekend but he needs to wait for the end of October. We were all extremely blessed, and I am extremely grateful for the answers I have received. 

The last three weeks have been so hard. Training is not an easy thing. Nor is having the patience to deal with certain things that are different about my companion and me. We have figured everything out and we plan to work harder than all of the missionaries in our zone. Mom, I cannot begin to explain how much that first paragraph of your letter helped me. Thank you. I needed that so bad. I also am going to need Bosley when I come home. HAHAHA! 

No, seriously. I am grateful for prophets in our day and I would like to share a spiritual thought: Moroni 7: 43-44 Y ademas he aqui os digo que el hombre no puede tener fe ni esperanza a menos que sea manso y humilde de corazon
porque si no su fe y su esperanza son vanas porque nadie es aceptable a Dios sino los mansos y humildes de corazon y si un hombre es manso y humilde de corazon y confiesa por el poder del Espirtu Santo que Jesus es el Cristo es menester que tenga caridad porque si no tiene caridad no es nada; por tanto es necesario que tenga caridad.

If we do not have hope we will not have faith... if we do not have faith how can we ever expect to receive the blessings of God if we don't have these things? If we are not humble enough we are not acceptable before God. I know that these characteristics of Christ are so vital not just for a leader but for families as well. I know that this church is true, and I hope to bring every soul I can to Christ because their souls are precious. And I desire so badly to help them.  

My family, I love you all!  Ustedes saben que les amo muchisimo adios,

Elder Thompson



And in case you are wondering what Mama Bear had to say to him, here is the paragraph he is referring to. Please note that I refrained from name calling and naughty words. I also refrained from mentioning what looks like some hair loss. . . but he confirmed my suspicions.  


Hey Kyle,

I have been thinking about you all week, Son.  I hope that conference was just what you needed.  I thought of you especially during Elder Robbins' talk when he spoke of missionaries and leadership.  I am sure you are doing your best and giving it your all. And to those who are critical or feel the need to tell you what you aren't. . .all I can tell them is that true leaders don't tear others down to make themselves look better.  Let's remember we are all on the same team here and working together and giving positive feedback does more to improve the work than criticism.  And to you, I would like to say this: There are many ways to lead--so many in fact, that the Lord calls a variety of people to do his work.  So, keep your chin up, smile that awesome smile, and know that you have been called for a reason.  Yes, you have much to learn, but so does everyone else.  Don't you dare let others get you down. Their criticism says so much more about them than it does you.