Pure and simple gospel

In this beginning part of the mission, it has really struck me that the mission is a 2 year experience of becoming someone better than you were at the beginning. This is the longest time commitment I have ever made to do one thing, every day. So, naturally, the period of adaptation and getting used to things is the longest I have ever experienced. The mission has not been a 24/7 spiritual joyride, but instead a 12-hour workday, 7 days a week work experience with opportunities of growth and moments of true joy included. It has been hard, but I have loved the highs.

100% CORRELATION:

On the mission, I am responsible for obtaining my own food, and I have learned that I really do need to ensure that I eat 3 meals a day. Haha...as my companion can attest, I become a "different person" if it is 3:00 in the afternoon and I haven't eaten.

THE PURE SIMPLE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST:

I have loved the sensation of all the points and principles of the gospel coming together into a cohesive whole. A very sincere investigator told my companion and I, "Something about your understanding of the Bible truly touches me. You are very calm and simple as you explain things."

That is of course thanks to the Book of Mormon. One can interpret a specific Bible verse in so many different directions, and the need for another witness of Jesus Christ seems so apparent.

During my evening personal study, I felt such a joy as I came to a more complete understanding of the Apostasy, that I had to get up and walk around to relieve my excitement. It's all there, in the Bible! Jesus Christ was a real person, who walked the earth, taught, established His church and atoned for our sins. And then all of that was taken from the earth. 

As soon as conditions were right, the same church that Christ established was restored through Joseph Smith. The same principles and organization that Christ taught.

BAPTISM:

I was given the opportunity to baptise Soeur Melaine, who we have been teaching for the past month, and 4 other converts who have been taught by missionaries in our district. In terms of baptisms, missionary work is really acclerating in the Ivory Coast.

I felt so happy as my companion, Elder Kanyesa, and I were walking to the church building to the baptismal service. Baptism really is the first step to returning to live with our Heavenly Father.

I have loved the wild, totally-not-what-I-expected mission experience in the Ivory Coast. I'm adjusting to the culture, the language is always a bit tough but I'm managing, and I am loving eating with my hands. 

Heavenly Father loves each of us, and we can show Him our love by loving others. As President Nelson said at an NAACP meeting recently, we don't have to look alike, think alike, or even agree with each other to love each other.

Love you all,

Elder Evans