Even if we dont start a charity in Africa

11/30/09 Email Message

Konnichiwa!

Genki? [Doing well?] I am so cold right now. Hachinohe has got to be the coldest place on earth. I went from Sendai (pretty much perfect weather) to the most northern area in our mission - my first night of dendo [proselyting] was a pretty big shock. But now that Ive broken out my gloves and scarf Im surviving. After this we are going to go buy new ear muffs and gloves - so exciting!

This new area is awesome. There hasnt been much success here lately but Heavenly Father has really blessed us in just the few days Ive been here. Things are looking up. My new companion is cool too. His name is Carthew choro and hes from Australia. Hes only been out a few months but he has so many ideas and a great desire to be a good missionary. Its been fun to be with him and feel his dendo fire.

Also hes super smart and super talented. He went to one of the top private schools in Australia. He speaks french, plays the bassoon, trumpet, guitar, and piano. He also has a great singing voice. Also he started a charity in high school that goes to Africa and builds schools for children that have lost their parents to AIDS. He paid for his mission by starting his own online business that designs and builds web stores for small home businesses. And after all that he gave up a full ride scholarship to the top university in Australia to come on a mission. Which leads to my problem.

After two days with him I realized that I have no talents. Wheres my charity for starving children? Why cant I even read music? What am I doing with my life? With these thoughts in my head we went out to dendo. That night was one of the most blessed nights of my mission. The Lord led us to 3 amazing new investigators and a handful of people with a lot of potential. I was having so much fun talking to people, testifying, and preaching the gospel. But strangely enough, when we got home my companion seemed a little sad. When I asked whats wrong his answer surprised me. "I cant do anything. I cant speak Japanese. I dont know what Im doing. How are you so good? Ill never be as good as you" Thats when I realized how wrong my thoughts had been before.

The Lord gives us specific strengths and calls us each to specific callings. Theres no need to compare ourselves to others. What Elder Carthew said was so not true, but what I had been saying was also completely wrong. I do have strengths - I do have accomplishments. And God is proud of me. We just have to make sure we have the right perspective.

God loves us no matter what weaknesses we have. He'll forgive us even if we dont start a charity in Africa. And Im so grateful for that...but that doesnt mean Im not thinking of ideas for my own charity when I get home. Ill keep you updated ;-)

I love you! Talk to you soon! Have a happy Holiday!

Elder Brendan Kingsford