Wow. This week was really good. We had our last multi-zone conference with President Farnes on Tuesday, and it was very good. The Spirit was very strong. He talked a lot about the principles that he´s been teaching in the mission and how they are actually life principles. Everyone bore their testimony about the Atonement and Jesus Christ. It was a really great experience.
We came out of that a lot more dedicated to have some results this week, so the week was a lot better (despite an alarming pain in my right foot and ankle). We had one really promising investigator in church, and we also had a confirmation.
One of the things that really stood out to me at the multi-zone conference was something President said about the parables of the treasure in the field and of the pearl of great price. For those who aren´t as familiar, here they are:
44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Many a time I have thought of my investigators while reading this parable. That they need to sell all they have to buy the field where the treasure of the gospel is hidden, to give away even good pearls that they already have for the one pearl of great price. But, as is usually the case with Jesus´ parables, there is more than one correct interpretation, and this was what President taught us in the multi-zone: What is the kingdom of heaven? Usually when we as members speak of the "kingdom of heaven", we aren´t referring to heaven but in reality the church. And what is the church? Well, it´s us. So now the whole imagery of the parable changes. If we are the kingdom of heaven, then we are likened unto a treasure in a field and a pearl of great price. This therefore, makes the man in the parable, of course, Jesus Christ, because no other man could "pay all the he had" to redeem us. If there was ever any bit of imagery to stress how precious and valuble to God and Christ, this should be it. I was profoundly touched. I love you all, and can´t wait to see you again.
Elder Blaylock
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