February 10, 2020
ჩემო კარგებო!
I'm glad to be writing yet another letter to you all. Some great things took place this week that most of you probably won't be that interested in, but we shall see.
Early in the week, we did a Book of Mormon stand with the other set of Elders. We took a table a whole bunch of copies of the Book of Mormon in Russian, English, Armenian, Persian, and Arabic, set them up all nice, and went at it. We also took a Gospel Art Book and a copy of Book of Mormon Stories for Children, since Georgians tend to be very visual learners. It was pretty successful. We handed out five copies all in less than an hour. We had some good discussions with people about it all as well. A family from Iran walked by and we talked to them for quite a while. We ended teaching them several points about the restoration of the Gospel. They were both very nice, but the husband was concerned about the problems that might be created if they became Christian. They went their way without taking a Book of Mormon. Five minutes later, the wife convinced the husband to go back and ask for a copy. This is the conversation we had when they returned:
Husband: We are back, and we will take one. How much does it cost?
Elder Nilsson: It's free!
Husband: Really? Oh, you are sent from God!
Me: Well, actually yes we are.
Husband: What? Do you have free food too?
Elder Wells: No, not this time around.
We exchanged a few more pleasantries and they again went their way. That was probably the highlight of the night. A bit later, a guy came up thinking we were Jehovah's Witness. When we said we weren't and show him the pictures of Christ in the Gospel Art book, he was so happy. He started hugging and kissing it. We're pretty sure he was on drugs. But later his buddy came by, asked if we believed if the cross has power. We, of course, said no, but we believe Christ has power. This made him very angry and he swore at us quite a bit and for quite a while. We even got called Satans. What a good time.
Well, to round off the week, we went knocking last night. Yes, the stereotypical thing that a missionary from our church might do. This was the second time I've gone knocking, and it was neat. When Elder Hunt trained me, we avoided knocking as much as possible. Last transfer, we avoided it completely. But, as a trainer, I see it as my duty to take Elder Bergeson out knocking at least a few times. I enjoyed it quite a bit, as did he. The people are generally kind about the rejection, and a few are semi-receptive.
Also yesterday, I translated at church. Boy o boy that was difficult. Probably the hardest thing I've ever done. Elder Wells and Sister Reynolds spoke. Since Elder Wells only knows Armenian and English, I had to do a lot of English to Georgian translation. It was impossible. He just kept saying things that were very difficult to translate. Then, when I would translate the idea instead of the phrase, the next thing out of his mouth would be almost exactly what I just said. Yep, it was tough. Luckily, Sister Reynolds's talk was much easier. It was simple and in Georgian. Oh boy, it was the biggest relief in the world. Immediately after the meeting, I was told the story of one of the sister's first time translating. She cried. And then made one of the Elders go up and finish it for her. So I'm ahead of her because I didn't cry.
Alrighty! Doctrine Time! Today we will discuss Article of Faith 12. We just discussed this one in our district meeting last week. It reads: "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law." The Sisters chose for us to discuss it last week, but I saw it appropriate since the Iowa Caucuses were this week. While The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not take very many political positions nowadays, we did discuss past positions held by prophets, apostles, and The Church. We discussed current positions too, and how we can apply this to missionary work.
We took a look at some passages from the Doctrine & Covenants, particularly sections 58 and 134. Section 134 is almost exclusively about being a good citizen wherever one may live. The verse we read in section 58 reads: "Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land." This is a great scripture that very clearly states how to live. The eternal law of obedience applies here. Are there instances in which breaking the law of the land is acceptable to God? I would say yes. Take the American Revolution. This was a very important event. This event was ordained by God. The founders of this country were guilty of treason. Yet they were inspired by God to write the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. The formation of The United States of America was even foreseen by the ancient Book of Mormon prophet Nephi. Sorry for that tangent, but the point is that we believe in obeying the law of the land. That is even a part of the lessons that we teach people that are preparing for baptism. It is a very important principle.
Section 134 does a great job of explaining what a good government looks like. Governments of man are instituted by God. And it is our duty to ensure the God-given rights we have are not infringed upon. We also have the right to defend those rights, should they be infringed upon. Civil officers should be given the honor and respect that comes with their station, and if they are not fulfilling their station will be answerable to God.
Earthly governments are certainly in some way comparable to a higher government that God lives by. Government during the time of Adam was very near this method of government. The familial patriarchal order under which Adam and Eve governed the people on earth, their family. The family is still the most important government to protect and maintain. Learning, teaching, guiding, enabling, governing, and loving in families is central to God's plan of love and happiness.
I could go on for a while discussing this subject, but I know some find this very boring. Including my companion. He is right out of high school, so maybe he'll lighten up to the idea of politics. Anyway, I sent in my voting papers last week, so I'll be able to vote for the next election. Don't worry everyone, I will be an informed voter. Well, I think that is it for now. Have a wonderful week, as I'm sure I will.
სიყვარულით,
--უხუცესი ფიშერი
Surati: Elder Fisher and his companion Elder Bergeson
