Monday, September 11, 2017
September 11, 2017
My friends!
I didn't have this testimony to this degree 2 years ago. I
remember after about a month out here I thought to myself that I had already
learned more in 1 month than I thought I would in 2 years and I realized that
this isn't a sacrifice, it is an investment that will continue to pay me
forever. Now looking back I have learned even more but more importantly, I have
BECOME. That is what this was intended for the whole time.
I am a witness of the joys and sorrows of serving the Lord.
I am not exaggerating when I say that this has been the happiest two years of
my life so far. The Lord has taken me from someone living far below their
potential, to more of a man than I could have hoped to become on my own. The
enabling power of Jesus Christ is real. His ultimate expression of love by
suffering in Gethsemane has allowed me to be happier than I ever have been,
lifted me every time I have turned to Him, and sculpted me into someone that he
is pleased with.
I testify that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God, I know
that Joseph Smith was God's chosen prophet and revelator, I am firm in my
knowledge because they have been witnessed to me by the Holy Ghost in a way
that I will never be able to deny. These things I know to be true, but even
more than these I know that Jesus Christ is my personal Redeemer. I am a living
testimony of His power to cleanse, transform, and lift us to heights not
attainable by our own efforts. I know of His personal love for me, I haven't
seen it's depth but I know it is forever and real.
This is my last email. That seems crazy but it is here, I
won't be able to next week so I wanted to share my testimony. This is literally
the most valuable thing that has ever happened to me. And it will continue to
influence my life in a significant way daily for many decades! I feel
successful in what has happened in the last 2 years but I look forward to 40
years from now as the litmus test for my life. Will I be actively listening to
and acting on promptings from the Holy Ghost? Am I acting in such a way that my
children will see a worthy priesthood holder? Will I be able to personally
kneel down before my Father in Heaven and feel clean and repentant? Do I
respect and honor all of my covenants? When I can honestly answer yes before
Him, and then continue to endure to the end of my life, that is when I will
know that this mission has been a success. That is the only goal that matters
to me.
Elder Mark Howland
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
September 4, 2017
This was the fastest week of
my life.
This experience happened last
night.
I was struggling this week on
many levels. Elder Swainston asked me what was going on and the blessed thing
is that we have a relationship that is built on trust and respect so I felt no
shame telling him how I was struggling. We talked about how we both wanted to
be better.
I know we have angels around
us helping to guide us and strengthen us.
I went to another room and thought about the angels that are around me
and decided to speak out loud to them (even though I felt dumb) and ask them to
help me because I was struggling. (Not crazy I promise!)
I went back to Elder
Swainston and asked him for a blessing and he asked me to say a prayer first. I said a prayer and that helped a little bit,
and then Elder Swainston gave me a blessing that was perfectly what I needed to
hear, and that helped a lot. Then he asked for a blessing also. I gave him a blessing and after both
blessings I did some self-evaluation and realized...a complete 180 degree
change had happened. I recognized a completely different spirit about me and I
knew that once again this was a testimony builder of the power and authority of
God working in my life.
It is pretty incredible. I
know it is true because I am the evidence of it. The things I have experienced
I can never deny. They are too real. And I am so grateful that God's power is
evident in my life and that I am serving so that I can witness it! It is so
great!
Thank you for your prayers
and love
Elder Mark Howland
This picture was sent to me by a new member in Elder Howland's area. Her name is Emily (recently baptized) and this is Elder Howland with her husband, Shawn. They're presently teaching Shawn and Emily tells me they're very close. Clearly...
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