Hello!
I'll get the tough part out of the way first. I'm sure many
of you have heard about the fires occurring out in the West. Nothing new right?
These fires happen every year, I know that's what I thought growing up.
California, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon... yeah, they all get really bad fires.
Nothing new this year, except now I have a different perspective.
This past week has been one where I have recognized just how
important faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ, is to powering through fear and
sadness when frightful current events are happening at your doorstep.
Fires have been going on this past week around most of the
towns up here in the Baker Valley region. John Day, which has its own set of
missionaries, was at a Level 2 fire warning, many people have been evacuated
and a neighboring town, Canyon City, has lost at least 26 homes and one
firefighter died in service. The John Day missionaries were at one point
trapped within the valley there with no roads open to leave the city. Here in
Baker City, fires have been moving closer every day. Winds were terrible the
other day. Smoke has descended upon the city, obscuring the nearby hills and
mountains. Soooo, everyone is smoking here in town, including us....that much
smoke. Helicopters with retardant and other materials make frequent passes
overhead. The freeway was closed for a while. Other sets of missionaries have
been moved due to fires in other towns in Idaho. Lots of livestock has been
lost, which is a big part of the economy out here.
Despite all of this, the Lord's work continues. Any and all
prayers that are offered for the people out here are answered! Fire and smoke
may come, but what endures and is the most important are the lives of those we
love and care about. Even those that lose loved ones can be assured that they
will see them again. The Atonement of Jesus Christ, which encompasses all the
pain, fear, and sickness caused by these fires, also ensures us of immortality
in body and spirit.
We have talked with people this past week and the topic
leading into conversation is usually about the fire. I am grateful to see how
the Gospel of Jesus Christ and its principles calm and bring about peace. We
spoke with a woman named Linda and she was quite worried. We shared John 14:27
with her which says "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:
not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid."
I was able to witness a spiritual fire this past week at the
baptism of a young man. He is eight years old, which is the age when children
can be baptized and be accountable for that decision. His baptism was the first
I have ever been to where a member family had their child baptized. His dad
baptized him. I felt the Spirit very strongly and rejoiced in my heart that I
was able to be reminded of the purity baptism brings. I am humbled to know that
I could very well have the opportunity that his dad had, to baptize my
children, and that thought gives me great happiness.
Cindy made it to the baptism and afterward we talked about
it. There is a woman who has felt the Spirit of God in her life and whose faith
has been healing her spiritually and also physically.
We met with Amos and his family this past week. Again, the
Spirit moved very powerfully throughout the lesson and after teaching the
Gospel of Jesus Christ, I felt prompted to point out to the parents that they
should look to their children as examples of having faith. We can learn so much
from those younger than us.
I apparently said something in a lesson with Nick this past
week that made him upset. He is 12 years old and wanted one of the pamphlets I
had. I had unknowingly dismissed his request and it hurt him. He let me know
afterwards by pulling me aside and talking to me about it. WOW! That kid is
going to be a leader someday because I've been trying to learn how to correct
and talk to people throughout my mission and I still feel like I can't do it
right. I was super impressed with him and I told him that he would be a great
missionary someday! He will!
I hope you all have a wonderful week! If you are given $100
randomly, use it wisely and help someone with it!
Love,
Elder Adamek
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