This Sunday was super awesome! We had the amazing privilege to have a special mission-wide conference (which, like, never happens), and to be addressed by none other than Elder Holland! I got to meet him and shake his hand. It was so amazing. He told us later that he does that to every mission he visits, because it's the closest thing he can get to a one-on-one interview with each of us. He shakes our hands, and looks into our eyes, and through the gift of discernment he can sense our worthiness, our purity, the desires of our heart. We got some very shining praise from Elder and Sister Holland. There was such an amazing spirit in the room, and I have never learned so much so quickly! Three hours just flew by! I got, like, three whole pages of notes. Elder Holland talked about the BOM, and how it is the most effective tool for missionary work the Lord has given us. He took us through the first seven chapters of 1 Nephi, and showed us how they present a distinct pattern of revelation that can be matched with any and every prophet in the Bible. I know of a surety that Elder Holland is one of God's chosen apostles. There is great power in him. I love him. He was such a hoot, too. Some great quotes. He was talking about how in the mission the church expects us to grow up very, very quickly, and how the endowment is the best the church, and the Lord, can do to prepare us for that. He said we have to "pull our socks clear up to our elbows," and grow up. I went in fasting, and while I didn't get the answers to the questions I had prepared, I got answers to questions I didn't know I even had. And now, more than ever, I love my mission.
We have decided, after fervent prayer and counseling with members who have known him, to shift our attention away from Daniel. He has rejected the BOM, and the church, and our priesthood authority, and chosen a different life. He has placed himself in a place where the devil uses him to subjugate his ex-wife and two daughters. Especially the youngest, Aviana. She has so much potential, and a very pure heart. Her father has poisoned her mind against the church (though not irreparably), and continues to indoctrinate her in his own brand of Christian doctrine. Our last visit, though, where we took a member and visited the girls while Daniel was away, we saw the light come on in her eyes as she began to pour out her heart about spiritual experiences she had had in the church and otherwise. There is still so much hope for her. But, just to emphasize how great a tool Daniel is in Satan's hands, in the middle of recounting a spiritual dream she had had, Daniel walked in and started ridiculing her for it. He made her cry. It was just so sad to see. We will rescue that family. The Lord has been preparing all that is needful, and now He is beginning the work of saving them. Please pray for this family.
I'll be sure to keep Grandma Hull in my prayers. I'm kinda done with having relatives in the hospital having various procedures performed.
That's about it. Love you all- only 58 days left!
Elder Brandt Hull
We have decided, after fervent prayer and counseling with members who have known him, to shift our attention away from Daniel. He has rejected the BOM, and the church, and our priesthood authority, and chosen a different life. He has placed himself in a place where the devil uses him to subjugate his ex-wife and two daughters. Especially the youngest, Aviana. She has so much potential, and a very pure heart. Her father has poisoned her mind against the church (though not irreparably), and continues to indoctrinate her in his own brand of Christian doctrine. Our last visit, though, where we took a member and visited the girls while Daniel was away, we saw the light come on in her eyes as she began to pour out her heart about spiritual experiences she had had in the church and otherwise. There is still so much hope for her. But, just to emphasize how great a tool Daniel is in Satan's hands, in the middle of recounting a spiritual dream she had had, Daniel walked in and started ridiculing her for it. He made her cry. It was just so sad to see. We will rescue that family. The Lord has been preparing all that is needful, and now He is beginning the work of saving them. Please pray for this family.
I'll be sure to keep Grandma Hull in my prayers. I'm kinda done with having relatives in the hospital having various procedures performed.
That's about it. Love you all- only 58 days left!
Elder Brandt Hull