​Hello Everyone!
 
Sorry this email has been a long time coming. The past few weeks and months have been filled with a tremendous number of adventures, both joyful and sorrowful. 
 
We have been so busy that we have had to resort to the wildest of shenanigans to keep the work going. Instead of fixing a leak in our aircon, we made a device to catch the water. When our power went completely out, we used our stove fire to heat the iron to unwrinkle our shirts. The amazing cuisine that has kept us alive, is almost entirely made out of hot dogs and eggs. 
 
At the current moment, My companion and I have two families that have a goal date for their baptism. We have been hard at work in an attempt to help them prepare for the covenant they will make. In the meantime, we have found a plethora of new people, each with their own unique set of circumstances and problems. 
 
I have come to recognize how harsh the world really is when looked at through the secular view. I have seen so much suffering here. Broken homes, abandoned children, and the rampant spread of poverty always accompany the day’s work. 
 
In the Book of Mormon, we read of a dream had by the prophet Lehi. In his dream, he saw a road that leads to the Tree of Life and many diverse roads leading to death and destruction. The only way to make to the tree without falling away is to the hold to a rod of iron which extends itself from the world to the tree. 
 
Lehi describes two types of people that make it to the tree. Those who "cling" to the rod and those who "hold fast". Those who hold fast, stay at the tree forever, but those who cling, fall away. In the English language, these two groups of people may seem to be doing the same thing, but after careful pondering, I do not think that they are anymore. 
 
When I use the word cling, it almost always accompanies the underlying theme of fear. The phrase, clinging on for dear life, is a great example. However, the phrase, holding fast, shows something different. It shows consistent strength followed by determination. 
 
The scriptures tell us that the iron rod is the Word of God. When we put our hand on the iron rod, we have two choices. We can look directly at the tree, or we can focus on the fallen world around us. The iron rod won't change, but our perspective can. Those who focus on the disharmony of our world will cling. They will see the suffering, pain, and affliction caused by our mortal condition. Despite the rod, they will fear. However, those who focus their eyes on the tree of life, have no reason to fear. They understand the horrors of the world, but they know that there is hope. 
 
In the Bible we read the story of Peter walking on water. At first, Peter successfully walks on the sea, but what causes him to sink? To quote Matthew 14: 30 - 31
 
"30.But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; 
 
He was focusing on the fear rather than the hope. What saved him?
 
"and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 
 
31. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"
 
Focusing his eyes back on his Savior and calling out for help, he was saved. In our lives, it is easy to see the winds and waves, but in those moments, we forget about the figure out on the water. We forget the very tree we are walking to. Despite all of the terrible things I have seen, I have never seen a day without the tender mercies of the Lord raining down from heaven. I have seen how much love and care He has for even the poorest of his children.
 
I have a firm witness, that focusing on the Savior in our trials prepares us to face our own storms, because we know, that in the midst of them, is our Savior. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
 
Elder Wilhelm

Hello everyone, 
 
A lot of crazy things have happened in the past few weeks. The work has progressed a lot, but it has not been without its setbacks. We had two families accept the invitation to be baptized, however we have had many reject this gospel this Christmas season.
 
A few weeks ago, Elder Bosley and I hiked into the mountains in order to teach a progressing family. After some time of trucking through the mud, we finally arrived at the mountain abode. The family was excited to see us, and we taught the gospel of Jesus Christ. They accepted the message and the invitation we bore, but as we began to pack up our things to leave, we noticed something unfortunate. All of the small dogs that had been running around our feet were covered in hundreds upon hundreds of lice. On the way down the mountain, I confirmed that it had indeed spread to us, and we hurried our way back to our apartment. The better part of two hours was spent in an attempt to save our hair. I am glad to report that it was successful.
 
Another unfortunate happening of the past few weeks was the emergency transfer of my companion. It was 9:45 on a Monday night when we received a surprise call from the office. They informed us that my companion would transfer early the next morning. Without almost any warning, we spent the next 4 hours preparing for his departure. The next day, we traveled to Tacloban, and I received my new companion. Due to the transfer, I have become the new district leader for the largest district in my mission. Though I was prospected to transfer this cycle, it seems like my adventures in Capoocan are not yet over. 
 
Sometimes, it seems that I keep getting curve balls after curve balls on the mission. A cycle has not gone by when I haven't been afflicted with a strange new disease or ailment. From never ending diarrhea to heat exhaustion and athletes foot to projectile vomiting,  sometimes it feels like there is always one more thing. But despite the consistency of the unexpectability, life goes on. I have learned a lot in the field of patience and "to come what may and love it."
 
A while ago, Elder Joseph B Wirthlin gave a talk in regard to the uncontrollable lives in which we live. He recounted the advice his mother had given him when he had been young. This was to "come what may and love it." You can't always see the sharp turn ahead but the ability to be composed despite the sudden shifts in life will always result in a better outcome. Early on in my mission, the smallest things used to get on my nerves. My constant murmuring and complaining never helped the problem and often resulted in a lower morale for everyone. For the longest time I used to see the misfortunes of life as nothing more than an inconvenience that should never have existed in the first place. Little did I realize that these inconveniences were the plan for happiness.
 
Our Heavenly Father never intended us to come into life comfortable and have it stay that way. He wanted us to experience discomfort. The Lord himself, Jesus Christ, was born in a manger and experienced all sorts of pains and afflictions in his childhood. Despite the conditions however, he
 
"increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." Luke 2:52
 
I hope that we can come to love the lives that we have been given despite the circumstances. I know that they are given to us so we can increase in wisdom and love of God as well. Through the Savior, Jesus Christ, we can be succored in our afflictions and feel the strength of Lord in our sorrows. He is the bread of life and our salvation. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. ​

​Hello Everyone!
 
This week has been fairly uneventful, but a few things worth mentioning occurred.
 
I recently have been having some tooth pain and so last Wednesday me and my companion were able to go to Tacloban (the main city in our mission). I went to the dentist and was fairly nervous because... health care is not always the best where I live. However, I was pleasantly surprised with how amazing the dentist was. He did a filling on one cavity, and I didn't even feel it. The pain is gone, and I really hope that the cavity is too. On top of all that it was only 25 dollars so that was a major bonus. 
 
Earlier this week we also found a family that has started to progress. At first we weren't entirely sure if we should teach them but felt that we should try. They started becoming more engaged with the lesson and we returned one more time to meet with them and gave them a Book of Mormon. They said they would read the Book of Mormon and had many questions but told them to save them for next time so we could explain more in depth. All of their children listen very well, which is quite unusual for children as many parents know, and so we are so happy to truly teach the whole family and watch all of them grow. 
 
There are some days in missionary work where you feel like you on fire, and there are some when you don't. This last week was mostly latter, but on the mission I have learned an important principle in personal growth. When one grows, it is often assumed that it will happen in leaps and bounds, and that one must always have the perfect study, workout, or exercise in order to improve. Sometimes I would procrastinate my improvement because I don't have enough time, or it won't be the best practice. On the mission, however, I have learned that it is the small daily things that can add up to great skills or feats. In the Book of Mormon Alma Counsels that:
 
6. Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise. 
 
7 And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls. (Alma 37:6-7)
 
When memorizing languages, you can't memorize all the words in one day, and memorizing a lot in one day won't help you retain them very well. It is much better to memorize a few at a time and continue to use them as you build your vocabulary. Careful consistency in small means and efforts is the key to long term and permanent growth. 
 
Likewise, is our spiritual growth. The soul and testimony is often compared to the seed of a tree. One cannot expect the tree to grow in a rushed manner, and one cannot force the growth. Slowly but surely, our tree will continue to grow as we consistently feed and nurture it. Daily scripture study, prayer, weekly church attendance, while small, will add great things to our testimonial trees.
 
Having faith in Christ isn't one decision, it a series of small decisions that make up a lifetime. I know He will help us with the big things in our lives as we continue in the small things. I know God loves us and that he sent us His Son to help us grow, slowly but surely. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

​Hello Everyone!
 
I hope everyone is doing well. I have been able to see a lot of amazing miracles this week both in myself and with the people around me. 
 
Recently I have started to learn an ancient Filipino writing system called Baybayin. One of the other Elders in our house is fluent in it and has started teaching me. The letters are very flowy and are all based on the shells that are frequently found on beaches here. Anyone that knows me well knows that my handwriting is less than adequate. Since I've started learning Baybayin, however, my bad pencil grip suddenly changed into how one is supposed to write. My handwriting continues to get better and better. I consider this a real miracle because I have been trying to fix my handwriting for over a decade with no luck, until now.  
 
Other than that, my week has been full of finding amazing new people all around our area. We found a new person all the way out in the jungle, and they are progressing super-fast. They said that they had passed our church before and wanted to go inside but were too nervous. They said they had prayed that someone would come and help them get inside that church. She then recounted that we had showed up shortly after. She has accepted everything we have taught her so far and has already come to church. She is already such a blessing to the ward because there are many members in that area that can't go to church because it is too far and expensive, but she said that she could give many of them a ride. What a miracle!
 
One thing that I have learned since being on my mission is the reality of hoping for and believing that miracles will occur. Sometimes I think it is easy to fall into the trap of only doing the things we are told to do because we are told to do them. I have found that when we have belief in the things that we are doing, the result will often work in the correct direction. But belief alone in ourselves will not spring up into miracles. We need to believe in God.
 
To believe in God is to believe that things will get better. It is to believe that there is sun behind the darkest of clouds and have faith enough to see it. To have faith is to move forward, unwavering in following the commandments of God while knowing that no matter what happens, He has a plan for us. God is the only sure thing. Whether there be prophecies or knowledge they shall pass away, but the prophecies and knowledge of God are eternal, full of truth, and are unchanging. 
 
I implore you to set your foundation in the One True and Living God. For it is written that,
 
"12 ... it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation;... 
 
which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall. " (Helaman 5: 12)
 
I know that belief in Christ will spring up into miracles and through His Atonement alone, do we have the ability to endure to the end. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
 
Elder Wilhelm

​Hello Everyone!
 
Sorry this email has been a long time coming and sorry it is also a long email. A lot has happened in the past few months so please bear with me.
 
Around one a half months ago my companion, Elder Valencia was admitted to the hospital. Before we went to the hospital Elder Valencia had been fighting a nasty fever for a few days and it seemed to be getting better until it hit almost 104° F. This is when we didn't waste any more time and went straight to the hospital, which is fairly far away. After getting some lab work done, we found out he had so many different illnesses and he was promptly transferred to Tacloban to be admitted to a better hospital there. The main thing he had was Dengue Fever, which is a really nasty illness, but we were thankfully able to catch it in a relatively early stage. We spent the next week and a half in the hospital which was an interesting experience on its own. I navigated the hospital system in a different language and made sure the insurance went through properly. That is never something I thought would occur on my mission. After a long two weeks, Elder Valencia recovered, and we returned to our area. 
 
However, a week before the transfer cycle ended, I went to Tacloban until the transfer cycle started. I was in a companionship with Elder Rawlings and it was just the two of us because his companion went to the office. We had a fantastic week and found so many new people to teach. The area had so many mountains in it and so we spent a good amount of time hiking through the jungle. 
 
When the transfer cycle came around, I got transferred to Tunga, which is the smallest municipality on the island. It was so beautiful there and the people were so nice. Sadly, my companion was really sick since he had just gotten out of the hospital. Due to his illness, the mission president decided it would be better if his companion was one of the same language, so I transferred again. It was pretty sad because we were good friends and were fairly excited to be companions. My new area is in Capoocan where I am companions with Elder Phillips. Our area is humongous, and it has so many beautiful spots, including some white sandy beaches. Since our area is so big, we use every single form of transportation imaginable to traverse it. 
 
The past few months have been interesting to say the least. One thing I learned more in depth about is forgiveness, not only for others, but for ourselves. 
 
In the book of Mathew, Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother and Jesus replies
 
22 "... I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven."
 
This commandment to forgive doesn't just mean to others but to ourselves as well. Sometimes it's really easy to doubt ourselves after making the same mistake over and over again. Satan can easily flood your thoughts with statements such as "you cannot change", "look how much you have failed", or "look at how much more they are improving than you". There may be times where these statements have some truth in them, but it is not the design of God to discourage his children. God knows you will mess up and He has provided a Savior just for that. It is written that 
 
"7 Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered." (2 Nephi 3:7)
 
We must develop a contrite spirit within ourselves in order to do the will of God. That is, the work of charity. We must forgive ourselves in order to properly forgive those who have hurt us. We not only have to trust that the atonement will work for others, but that it will work for us.  This is putting your faith in Him, "relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save." (2 Nephi 31:19)
 
There are times when it is hard for me to feel God's love for me. In those moments, however, it is imperative that I pray. When I pray and read the scriptures, I receive a witness of his love. I begin to understand that as long as I rely on the spirit, I will make the right choices. I know of the love of God because I've felt it. I know as we learn to love ourselves and have patience with our growth, we will be better follows of the commandment to 'love one another'. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
 
Elder Wilhelm

Hello Everyone!

Sorry its been so long again! I'm always falling asleep on Pdays but I will try to do better in the future. Thank you so much for all those who reached out since last email, your kind words are truly a blessing. The past few weeks have been fairly fun and challenging.

One day we were walking to a more remote neighborhood to visit a family. It was a pretty long walk and sadly, her whole family had pink eyes and so we decided to let them rest and come back some other time. When we turned to walk away, however, we were swarmed by children. Now being swarmed is not unusual for a young foriegner so far in the mountains, so I started giving out fist bumps and talking with the children. Slowly, however, I realized that every single kid had pink eyes. After passing through the children in an attempt to avoid contamination, every single person we saw had very bad pink eyes. I don't know how we didn't notice walking in but we had just walked straight into a pandemic of pink eyes. Our usual slow walk turned into a slight jog as we cleared the area before any more gangs of children could surround us. It was like a zombie apocalyse, but for a slightly irritating infection. What made it worse is that the sweat from my forehead was making its way into my eyes. My blonde, poor excuse for eyebrows were of no help, and I could not rub them, for fear of pink eyes.

I luckily didn't get pink eyes, but I did get pretty sick, so you win some, you lose some. I have slowly been recovering the past week and today I tried doing something I have wanted to try for a long time. Making tortillas. Tortillas are so expensive here, and I miss borritos a lot so I had to at least attempt it. I got a recipe from my Mom who in turn acquired it from a sister in my home ward. (Thank you so much Sister Black, you are the best!) I had all the necessary ingredients and I successfully made the dough. Alas, I did not have a rolling pin. I ended up using a cylindrical ketchup bottle instead, but it did not work very well and the tortillas were very misshapen. The taste, however, was sublime. I made shredded chicken and cheese quesadillas and it was so wonderful. Thank you again Sister Black, that recipe is amazing. 

Making those tortillas taught me two important lessons. Number one, making tortillas is harder than I thought, and Number two, simple things are often more profound than trying to do something complex. The tortilla is such a simple combination of flour and water and yet it is so delicious. It lays the ground work to many complex dishes and yet it is so simple. This is an important principle to remember in our lives. Sometimes we are caught up in trying to have that perfect service project, perfect personal study, the best advice for our friend, or the best dish. I found that this anxiety of not being the best causes many to give up trying. One would think, "How could I make a difference, my effort is so small? I am so unskilled and unimportant."  The Lord, however, has shown us the reality of the world.

Remember what is written in Alma 37:

6 "...but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise."

 7 "And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls."

The fact that by insignificant acts, great things shall come to pass is a wonderful token of truth. We all feel a little small somtimes. This, however, should not keep us from trying. In my mission I have seen the effect on someone from a small instance of kindness. A well taught gospel principle can never measure up to it. Actions really do speak louder than words and the best speech can not mimic a kind deed. I used to be obsessed with the lexicon in which I spoke to people. What words should I use? What will touch their hearts? I had forgotten the teachings of Paul. In his letter to the Corinthians he wrote, 

8 "Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away."

(1 Corinthians 13: 8)

Do not forget that small acts of charity will confound the wise. I implore you to be kind, it truly is the power of the meek. Do not be scared if you feel that your small action will not measure up, it will. I could not put it better than one of my favorite authors,

"Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I have found that it is the small everyday deed of ordinary folks that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love." (Gandalf, The Lord of the Rings)

Don't forget to be kind. It doesn't have to be grand, it can be as simple as a tortilla. The importance lies in its power. That it is charity, the pure love of Christ. He is the example of ministering to the one. May we follow Him, in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Elder Wilhelm

​Greetings! 

My apologies, this email has been delayed for quite some time. My mind has been consumed with the daily rigors of missionary work. The recent happenings of my life have been unpleasent, but I have learned lessons I shall not forget. 

About two weeks ago I was admited to the hospital on account of illness recieved from intense heat, lack of water, and a good amount of stress. The work has not been progressing very well and the investigators we did have seemed to slip through our fingers despite our best efforts. In reaction to the lack of success, I thought, "Well... it's because I'm just not working hard enough." I began to work harder than I had before and went to unhealthy lengths to try and help our area progress. Alas, nothing happened. I began to doubt myself, my ability to speak the language, and the ability to help others feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. I became angry. I worked harder and yet less effecient until I eventually ended up in the hospital. After being released from the hospital I had blamed myself for not being strong enough to overcome the trials in which I had been given. As trials began to heap themselves upon me I began to slowly give up. I slowly convinced myself that God had given up on me. I felt desperetely and utterly alone.

This act of selfishness heavily affected the work. As I looked inward instead of outward it presented itself in my lack of ability to do the most basic of tasks. I had forgotten my purpose in coming to the mission. It had never been about baptisms or miracles, People coming to church or investigators reading the Book of Mormon. My mission was about inviting others to come unto Christ. I forgot the whole point of it all. Its not about meetings, activites on a wednesday night, numbers and statistics, or even baptisms. It was about Christ. That he died for our sakes, rose on the third day, and ascended into heaven. That he is waiting for you. I did not come to the Phillipines to convince people to join my religion. I came to tell them that there was hope, that there is light beyond the vail, and to invite them to act on it. To invite them to draw near to the Savior through covenants. If so, amazing. If not, thats ok too. Christ wants all of his children to feel his love, especially those who don't want it. If I can't baptise anyone but I can make a few people draw even a inch closer unto the Savior, then I have accomplished my purpose. 

I had forgotten that it is not in our strength that allows us to overcome our trials but in the strength of the Lord. It was in the strength of the Lord that Moses parted the red sea, that Stephen preached against the Pharisees in the Sanhedrian. I, however, want to focus on the story of Elisha. The king of Syria, desiring to beset him, sent an army of men upon Elisha and his servant. His servent, probably being no older than a deacon or priest said

"Alas, my master! how shall we do?" (2 Kings 6: 15)

Encompassed on all sides of the city by the great hosts of their advesaries, this young man felt fear. He felt enticed by Satan to doubt the Lord his God. The prophet Elisha, however, did not feel as intimidated. He knew where he had placed his trust, and it was not a foundation that could be shaken. Elisha's response to the youth was simple and profound,

"16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."

They that be with us? They were just a boy and a old man, and not necessarily fighters at that. Yet, Elisha knew that it was not just them on that battlefront. He knew that God does not suffer His children to face their trials alone. As Elisha prayed, the young man's eyes were opened and he saw,

"Behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha"

In our lives we were never meant to go through our trials alone. We were never meant to lift up the weight of our sins and carry that burden. The Savior has already done that. The heavy lifting has been done. While we run through the valley of the shadow of death we shall not fear evil for we run with chariots of fire, and they light the way before us. Remember the words of a hymn. 

"Fear not, though the enemy deride;

Courage, for the Lord is on our side.

We will heed not what the wicked may say,

But the Lord alone we will obey."

May we not fear the enemy and remember in whom we have entrusted our souls. In Jesus Christ, the Savior of all mankind. May we lean on him for strength when we have none left. I know he will not abandon us because he did not abandon me. He stood with me throughout it all, I just couldn't see it. I invite you all to carefully observe and record the Savior's prescence in your own lives and to find solace in the understanding that He is with you. That he will not leave you alone. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Elder Wilhelm

Hello Everyone!
 
I hope that everyone has been having a good week. This past two weeks were a little rougher than most, but I learned a lot of lessons I wouldn't have without it. From almost getting hit by a super typhoon, to being dropped by almost all of our investigators, the past two weeks had it all. 
 
Almost the entirety of our teaching pool rejected us this week leaving us with almost no one to teach. The week prior me and my companion were unfathomably sick, therefore we didn't work for a solid 4-5 days. Anyone who has been on a mission knows how much of a killer that is for the work. Recovering from sickness isn't the easiest in the Philippines and coupled with the vast droves of rejection, our mental capacity was at a breaking point. And then, the most unexpected thing happened. A bug flew directly into Elder Stout’s ear. 
 
This bug did not just fly in there and cause a minor annoyance. It proceeded to lodge itself so deep that the earwax prevented Elder Stout from getting it out. We went home immediately and used the collective three braincells that most young men have to remove the insect. Our efforts, of course, were completely foolish and vain. We then, wisely, contacted the mission leaders and promptly went to the hospital. The hospital is a good 1.5-hour journey, so it took up the rest of our day just to get there. When we finally got to the hospital they told us they couldn't see anything in the ear, so we would have to visit the ENT the next day. This was pretty frustrating because it would take up a majority of our Saturday which is the most critical day since most people can only meet with the missionaries on Saturday or Sunday.
 
The next day we went back up to the city and after a lot of searching, we found an ENT clinic that was open. After waiting for a few hours, we saw the doctor and he said there was nothing in his ear but he should take all this medicine anyway. We consulted the mission leaders, and they told us to buy the medicine just to be safe. We tried using the mission insurance card, it got denied, and so we had to come back the next day with more money! We luckily had enough to pay for the appointment but not the medicine. This meant that after church on Sunday, our second most busy day, we would make the long journey to buy some medicine. The travel expenses coupled with the medical expenses have left us nearly destitute for the next week (also transfer week). It was not the most enjoyable time, but I learned so much the past week of the Lord's goodness, mercy, and longsuffering toward his ungrateful and sinful children. 
 
I'm not going to lie and say I handled these weeks with the grace of a trained dancer. I will admit that I did my fair share of murmuring as we encountered trial after trial. They were seemingly endless and kept piling on an already hazardous week. Then, on Saturday afternoon we walked deep into the jungle to one of our recently baptized converts and a progressing investigator. We taught them a lesson and the whole time it was filled with attentive listening, good questions, joy, and the spirit. By the end of the lesson, I had such a joy and confidence that I hadn't felt in a long time. A hope that despite my trials, God was still looking out for us. Then, I began to feel embarrassed. I had spent the whole walk into the jungle complaining and murmuring that all our work had been for nothing. That all of our investigators had dropped us, and that I wish we were just given a break. 
 
Walking back, I realized I had forgotten my Lord. I had forgotten that despite my trials I needed to:
 
"...press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end.." (2 Nephi 31, 20)
 
That scripture began reverberating in my head. "A perfect brightness of hope". Was I representing that very well? Not at all. I needed to change, repent, and walk with a "steadfastness in Christ". I thought of the story of Nephi. Despite being hung to a mast for three days, he never murmured against his God. He remained, in all darkness, a perfect image of hope. I learned that relying on the Lord is to remember the words of Paul to the Philippians (Chapter 4).
 
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)
 
Sometimes we expect that the strength of the Lord will always give us some untold super power to easily overcome all our trials. This, however, is not always what I think will be given to us. Sometimes the strength of Christ gives us the ability to have hope. That even through the tears in our swollen eyes and our cries unto Heaven, we have a hope for good to come. God spake unto Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail. In D&C 122 it reads:
 
7. ...If the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
 
8 The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?
 
Let us not forget the Lord in the time of our affliction. He is our Savior, our Redeemer, our All. He descended below all things and yet he kept his light aflame. Through him, all of our trials, tears, cries, and anguish will be for our good. Of this I testify, in his name, even Jesus Christ, Amen.
 
Elder Wilhelm