The Atonement is Hype!!!

Well, well, well... it looks like we’ve made our way into March! Is that crazy or what?! I mean where did February go? Also, fun fact about the word February, I think it’s in the top 5 most frustrating words for Chinese people to learn. And it’s mainly just because they can’t wrap their heads around the spelling and how we say it! So, there’s that! Here’s an update for the week: 

• Wednesday, we had a blast at district council! We all got a piece of paper and had to act as a completely different person! Then another missionary would come up and try to share the gospel with you. I had the privilege of playing “Bible Bashing Bill!” I think I fit the part well. 
• Thursday, we had an exchange with our district leader and it was a blast! I got to be with the main man himself, Elder Peterson! This kid is an absolute stud! We just had a blast! We were in the Manassas area, which is always a good time! I got to go to a member meal and have American food, which was amazing! There’s nothing like a good home cooked meal where I know what everything is that I’m eating! Then, to end our exchange, we went and got F’real’s, which are my favorite thing in the world! So I’d consider it a very successful exchange! 
• Friday, we got to teach Helen and Clark. Usually, how it works out is Elder Luo and Elder Hofhiens will teach Helen English and then I’ll help Clark (Helen’s son) with math. And I just love math so much haha! It’s like the only "game" I’m allowed to play on the mission and I love it! Then Clark and I usually have our own mini lesson because we finish the math fast! This time we talked about prophets and how there’s a modern- day Moses on the earth. This got a jaw drop reaction, which is always hoped for haha!
• Saturday, we had another exchange! This time it was with the Zone leaders and it was great! I was with Elder Boyd and Elder Hofhiens! We got to meet with our friend Barry in person, which was amazing! We haven't seen him in person for so long. So we took him some brownies and he’s just the best! We meet with him on Wednesday again and are so excited! 
• Sunday I took a picture with our Branch celebrity named Grayson. He has been locked in his house for most of his life because of a life threatening disease he has. But he just got cleared and is by far the Branch’s favorite! After seeing how adorable he is, I think you’ll understand why!

Okay, my message today is based on Mosiah 11 & 18. I love scripture study! I’ll say it! I’m fine to admit it! It’s amazing! And usually while you’re reading the scriptures you highlight cool (typically spiritual) things that stand out to you. Or at least that’s what I usually do. Except this week, on a particular day while reading Mosiah 11, I decided to do the exact opposite! I decided to mark every little terrible thing about one set of people. Who are these people? The wicked King Noah and his priests. So, here are some terrible highlights the scriptures tell us about these people. (Warning: truly terrible things approaching. If you are sensitive to sin, you may want to skip over this part. Thank you.):

• They were lifted up in the pride of their hearts.
• They were supported in laziness.
• They were idolatrous.
• They were committed whoredoms. 
• They were deceiving and vain.
• They led away an entire city of people by use of flattering words. 
• Their seats were ornamented with pure gold...taken from the people. 
• They were idle.
• They were liars.
• Their hearts were set upon riches.
• They spent their time in riotous living with wives, concubines, and harlots.
• They were truly wicked.

Alright, there are probably some more in there, but that list is probably sufficient and so I’m going to leave it at that! Looking at this list, I dare say these were some pretty terrible people. And they didn’t keep evil to themselves...they changed this entire large city from righteous to selfish! These are BAD MEN! Well, if you don’t know why I would highlight these things, I’ll tell you! 

Let’s skip on over to Mosiah 18:16-29. I’m not going to write down all the verses, but you should totally go read them and then come back ;) Here are some quick highlights: 

• 204 souls were baptized
• A church was established
• God’s power was given to a new prophet
• These people were taught “nothing save it were repentance and faith on the Lord, who had redeemed his people.”

Alright, if you don’t know the story, let me fill in some quick gaps for ya! There’s this one guy named Alma. He was a priest for King Noah. All those things above that the terrible priests did... yeah, he was with them for that. He took part. He was a pretty terrible guy. Well, a prophet named Abinadi came in and taught the king and his priests the true doctrine of Christ and laid down the law. Abinadi was actually one of the coolest missionaries ever! But sadly, his teachings only affected one person... and it was Alma. As Alma sat on his gold ornamented seat with all the other wicked priests, he realized that Abinadi’s words were true. When he tried to stand up for Abinadi, King Noah said to kill them both, but Alma luckily fled and went into hiding.

Fast forward a little time and Alma began teaching this stone-hearted group of people in secret. All who were willing to listen, he taught in secret. He eventually baptized hundreds of people and established the Lord’s church. He then became the prophet and went on to be an example to hundreds and one of the coolest prophets ever! Now, here’s the point... the Lord’s grace and atonement can extend to everyone! If you ever feel like you are too far beyond reach, too far beyond saving, too far from becoming clean, I’m sorry but that’s just not true! Please, look at Alma! He did terrible things and then became a prophet! The Lord’s love is sufficient always! 

I had no idea what to write today and then my fingers just typed this out and so, whoever you are who needed to hear this, know that you’re loved. Seriously there’s nothing you could ever do that would take away your worth in the eyes of God! He wants a relationship with you. When times get tough and when you slip up, lean towards God, not away. If Alma can change, we can change. 

I hope you all have a great week! I invite you all to share somehow, in some way, your gratitude for the Atonement! Make a simple post and share it on social media. Send a conference quote to a friend who’s not of our faith. It doesn’t have to be big, you just need to reach out, and God will do the rest :) Have an amazing week everyone! 

再见，

司长老