Week 44

Hello Everyone,
It was a great week here in Blackburn. We had 4 new investigators and 3 of those are accepting and willing and ready to read. I feel strongly that they have been prepared. The ball is now in their court as we turn into the coaches on the side lines. I know and have confidence in the converting power of the Book of Mormon. I am so thankful for it. Ever since, however, I heard "waiting on the road to Damascus" come out of President Uchtdorf's mouth it has been on my mind and I skimmed through and picked out the parts of his talk that have made the greatest impression on me.
What I hope you understand is that we all somehow in someway get stuck or ARE stuck on the Road to Damascus in all or parts of our lives. But look down at the first line of the talk. The most remarkable events come when we are sitting on that road, because those remarkable events that change our life are the ones that get us moving forward. We know many who in accepting the gospel sense are stuck on this road whether it be because of doctrinal issues or merely social issues. I know as we do our best to help them overcome the obstacles placed in their path, we can be their strength. We can be the source of someone else's courage. Serve diligently and put a smile on the Lord's face that will bless your name sake for eternity. Let us keep moving forward on our own roads so we can show others how to step forward.
Waiting on the Road to Damascus
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Second Counselor in the First Presidency

One of the most remarkable events in the history of the world happened on the road to Damascus.

We know that manifestations such as this happen. In fact, we testify that a similar divine experience happened in 1820 to a boy named Joseph Smith. It is our clear and certain testimony that the heavens are open again and that God speaks to His prophets and apostles. God hears and answers the prayers of His children.
Nevertheless, there are some who feel that unless they have an experience similar to Saul’s or Joseph Smith’s, they cannot believe. They stand at the waters of baptism but do not enter. They wait at the threshold of testimony but cannot bring themselves to acknowledge the truth. Instead of taking small steps of faith on the path of discipleship, they want some dramatic event to compel them to believe.
They spend their days waiting on the road to Damascus.

There are many others who, for different reasons, find themselves waiting on the road to Damascus. They delay becoming fully engaged as disciples. They hope to receive the priesthood but hesitate to live worthy of that privilege. They desire to enter the temple but delay the final act of faith to qualify. They remain waiting for the Christ to be given to them like a magnificent Carl Bloch painting—to remove once and for all their doubts and fears.

The truth is, those who diligently seek to learn of Christ eventually will come to know Him.

My dear brothers and sisters, let us strive to be among those whom the Lord can rely on to hear His whisperings and respond, as Saul did on his road to Damascus, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” 6

Our Road to Damascus
I testify that the Lord speaks to His prophets and apostles in our day. He also speaks to all who come to Him with a sincere heart and real intent. 12
Do not doubt. Remember, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” 13 God loves you. He hears your prayers. He speaks to His children and offers comfort, peace, and understanding to those who seek Him and honor Him by walking in His way. I bear my sacred witness that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is on course. We have a living prophet. This church is led by Him whose name we bear, even the Savior Jesus Christ.
Brothers and sisters, dear friends, let us not wait too long on our road to Damascus.
Instead, let us courageously move forward in faith, hope, and charity, and we will be blessed with the light we are all seeking upon the path of true discipleship. For this I pray and leave you my blessing in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I love you!
Elder Blackburn