Week 6

Elder Claiborne has had another interesting week at the MTC. In particular, he had two very powerful experiences this week that demonstrated to him personally the importance of following spiritual promptings. In each instance he acted on his prompting and his actions proved to be a tremendous blessing not only to him personally, but to others with whom he is working.

We add to Elder Claiborne's testimony that God speaks to His children through the Holy Ghost. However, it seems we often fail to recognize the promptings we are receiving. Perhaps the question should be not, "Does God speak to His children?" but "Are we listening?"

We are humbled and grateful this week for a Heavenly Father who is mindful of one young man striving to do His will and for a young man who has prepared himself to listen and act on direction from his Father.

August 12, 2011
General Update:

Well, another week down, full of challenges and uplifting moments. I wish I had exciting news about investigators, and how cool my mission is, but while I'm still in the MTC there is not a whole lot of excitement. The days feel like weeks, and they are all pretty similar; lots of studying, lots of reading, and lots of praying.

I love the nights when a letter or two comes in the mail, so for those of you who have been able to send them, thank you. I will be getting some pictures sent to Courtney for her to put on the blog she and my mom are working on. I'm moving forward and will continue to do so.

A dear friend told me this week that I should share my testimony of the Atonement with everyone I come in contact this week. It is impossible to express the extent of my gratitude for the Atonement of our Savior, especially in an email. I'll try and follow my advice though, and share a couple short thoughts. Just know that Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of this world. I know it. The miracle of His life and sacrifice can penetrate even the most difficult struggles and rough times we will experience in this life. He is there. He lives. He loves us and is waiting for us to more fully turn our lives over to Him. Thanks to Jesus Christ, we have the ability to live with God again. Heavenly Father has a plan for all of us, and it is only by and through the infinite Atonement of Christ that any of it is possible.

God bless everyone, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,
-Elder Claiborne