Now Is The Time

Hello!

Great miracles have occurred this week! I'll just jump to the point. A few weeks back we had a family referred to us. We were able to give them a Book of Mormon in there language and meet with them several times. They are wonderful! Well, last Wednesday we had another lesson with them. With just over a week to read, they have already read into 2 Nephi and were ready with questions the next time we met. They were wanting to read the whole book quickly, so that they could be baptised! Even though they have only read into 2 Nephi, they already have developed a great faith in Jesus Christ, and believe the Book of Mormon to be God's word. After a little bit more discussion, the mother said, "well, if it's not about finishing the book, we are ready now!"

Well, needless to say, they are now preparing for baptism for the first week of August! (if not sooner) Later that same day, the mother and daughter came to young women's. We also were invited to be honorary young women . We had a sports night and we all had a wonderful time!

Now to the email title. In my personal studies and during that same lesson, we read from Alma 34. One section always stands out to me when I read this, 

"32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.

33 And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed."

Notice the bold/italic? As I read that, I was not only impressed at the bold call to repentance made, but also the urgency given in saying that now is the time. Not tomorrow or next week, but now. I then remembered a statement from Thomas S. Monson where he said, "Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together, to work together, to labor in the Lord's vineyard to bring souls unto Him."

As part of my study this week, I will be searching the phrase "now is the time" as stated in the scriptures and General Conference talks. Believe me, there is no shortage.

Remember, "it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize." (Mosiah 4:27) God asks us to do a lot, and it may sometimes seem overwhelming or impossible to accomplish, nevertheless, God qualifies us for His work. "With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible." (Mark 10:27)

As we earnestly seek Him, and follow the prophet's call to, "Experience the strengthening power of daily repentance-- of doing and being a little better each day", we will find Him, because "when we choose to repent, we choose to become more like Jesus Christ!"

God is reaching out to us. Just as Peter called out immediately for Christ's help after his faith started to waver, we too can grab hold of Christ's unwavering arm of strength and His divine Grace.

I am so grateful to be here in the service of God. It isn't always easy, in fact it is really difficult at times. But I have felt that God does support me, Christ walks with me, and the Holy Spirit empowers me to help lift others. I'm grateful to be here in this training ground of faith.

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

See miracles. Be miracles.

Elder Burns