May 1, 2018 Valborg

Valborg!

Our P-day was moved to Tuesday this week because Elder Renlund came and visited our mission this weekend! He held a devotional Sunday night for all members in Sweden which was broadcast from Stockholm to the other meeting houses, and then he held a meeting exclusively for the missionaries Monday morning. The missionaries in the surrounding areas were invited to attend, but unfortunately we are too far away, so we watched the meeting as a broadcast.

The meeting on Sunday evening was absolutely incredible and exactly what we needed to hear. Elder Renlund actually grew up here in Göteborg (we were hoping he'd come visit his home town, but he

Göteborg

didn't have time...) and served his mission in Sweden as well, so he gave his entire address in Swedish! It was amazing to hear an apostle of the Lord speak in a language other than English, and to be able to understand. His ability to speak the language and his emotions as he told the members that he felt like he had come home was truly special, and all the members feel a deep love for him as "one of their own". He spoke of remembering our conversion to the Lord. We all need to remember the feelings in our hearts and the conviction that was ours when we first came to know that the gospel was true. To have a question is not a problem, but to let our doubts consume us and steer us is. Instead, we must let our questions lead us to seek truth from divine sources. To Oliver Cowdery, who desired an answer to one of his questions, the Lord said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried

Äldste Bringhurst and I

unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things. Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?" (D&C 6:22-23) When Oliver Cowdery had a question, the Lord counseled him to reflect and rely on the witness that he had already received. Once we receive an answer, we should not longer doubt or question, but rather move forward with faith and act in accordance.

The meeting Elder Renlund had with the missionaries on Monday morning was even better. It was incredible to receive instruction from an apostle of the Lord regarding our mission. As one who has both lived and served in Sweden, he is well acquainted with the challenges we face, and was able to give us exactly the counsel we need.

Monday was also the Swedish holiday of Valborg! The tradition is to "burn away winter", so they gather a bunch of dead-fall from the forest and make massive bonfires. (Now that's spring cleaning done the right way...) We met with the YSA at one of the parks, had some food, and watched them light the fire. Naturally it was also pouring rain, so we were absolutely soaked, but this didn't deter them from lighting the fire anyways. It was probably the closest thing I'll ever see to Elijah calling down fire on the altar soaked with water...

Äldste Sirrine