My Soul Hungered, pt. 1

One of my favorite Book of Mormon stories is the story of Enos. He is one of my heroes. His story is a good example of an obedient son remembering the words of his father. It is an account of one who was faithful and who kept true to the faith. Enos was not perfect and in his book he never gave that impression. However, amiss his flaws he tried to do what was right. He prayed, and the power of prayer was made manifested in his account.

Heavenly Father wants all of His children to pray to Him. He loves us and He cares for us greatly. In my next blog entry I will share how prayer has helped me in my own life. However, at this time I want to encourage you to read the Book of Enos found in the Book of Mormon. It is a powerful story.

In moments of our lives we too struggle and wonder where we fit in this universal scheme of things. Our souls hunger for truth, and for placement. We feel the need to belong, we desire to know our purpose, and we relish any truth and peace that we can find. We struggle to know where to go. Enos remembered the words of his earthly father, Jacob, and knew that he had to pray. So he prayed, and Enos records the answer he received after he had prayed. God does answer prayers. He will answer yours, and He will answer the prayers of all those who humbly kneel before Him.

I bear you my testimony that prayer works. It is powerful. I have seen miracles happen because of prayer. Heavenly Father loves you, and cares for you far more than anyone else in the universe. Don't ever feel like He doesn't care. He does listen, and He knows you. Do you know Him? How can you know Him, unless you pray and talk with Him on a daily and personal basis. So pray, and come to know God, and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent because He loves you.

CHRISTMAS! Give me mas (more) Christ!

My favorite holiday is Christmas. It is the one time of year that you can see a bonding take place. A bond between all people, nations, and faiths. It is a time where love is felt and goodness is exchanged one from another. I like reading about the birth of Christ. It is a tender time in world history. Time itself revolves around this most significant event. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer of mankind, was born to take away our sins and sadness. "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5) It is my prayer this Holiday season to remember Christ in all that we do, and how we interact with all of God's children.

SUPER ELDERS Episode 0-The Preface and Episode 1- The Ball

This is a picture of the original of the first Super Elders comic strip that I drew. I drew this during one of my first weeks in Cody, WY. In it I tried to do a similar introduction that is associated with Superman. "What's in the sky? It's a bird, no it's a plane! No, it's Superman!" Likewise I did the same for Super Elder! Originally it was going to just be a story about me and my adventures as the Super Elder, but I soon realized that this strip needed to move past the solo super hero to a super missionary duo!

Thus the dynamic duo known as the Ball and the Vroomster came to life. I gained inspiration for the two characters while in our apartment. My companion at the time was solving a Rubik's cube while sitting on a chair. He was wearing a ski mask that was bright red and black.

I said, "There you have it! That is what you will look like!" He told me to draw him round like a "ball" and make him short. So I did. My character, The Vroomster, had not fully been developed as I started drawing him back then. He still continues to change more and more as the mission continues. Through the Super Elders comic strip I was now able to have more material to draw from as I expressed my mission in my drawings.

These comic strips reflect the highs and lows of missionary work. As I continue to post more comic strips on my blog I will also explain some of the stories behind them. I bear you my testimony that this work is true and that God loves each one of His children.

Super Elders!

One of the things that I have started doing while on my mission was to draw comic strips. It first started while I was in Cody, WY. My companion at the time asked me what were some of my hobbies. I told him I liked to draw and I like comic books. He asked me if I had ever drawn comics about missionary work. I thought about it and thus...SUPER ELDERS was born.

I think that missionary work be considered "super." For two years young men and women are going beyond what any normal human being would. They face opposition almost everyday of their service. They all share a common objective and a common ally, the Holy Ghost. They also face one of the most evil villains of all time, the Adversary, in a daily struggle for other's souls! It is hard at times but is very much worth it. The joy of saving "some soul" is far suburb comparatively to reaching the conclusion of any good comic book. I feel that for me, drawing has been a way of expressing my own feelings. It has helped me use the talents that the Lord has given me to serve other people. In every area I have had, i try to share with them this gift in hopes to strengthen the relationships between missionaries and everyone else, and to bring them closer to Christ, which is the ultimate goal.

The Challenge- Is it true?

An issue I often come across as a missionary is whether the Book of Mormon is true or not. I have been in arguments over it time and time again. In my mind there is no possible reason why it wouldn't be true. A statement from the Book of Mormon prophet sums it up for me, "And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good. And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness"(2 Nephi 33:10&11). The Book of Mormon is true because it testifies of Jesus Christ, our Savior, Lord, and Redeemer, on every page. Read it and pray for yourself. I challenge you to find out for yourself.

Called To Serve

Hymn Number 249

Called to serve him, Heavenly King of Glory,
Chosen e'er to witness for his name,
Far and wide we tell the Father's story
Far and wide His love proclaim.

Called to know the richness of his blessing
Sons and daughters, children of a king.
Glad of Heart, His Holy name confessing
Praises unto him we bring

Called to preach the Gospel of the Savior
Men and Women searching all around
Proud to be in God's holy favor
Knowing that the Truth was found!

Onward, ever onward, as we glory in His name
Onward, ever onward, as we glory in His name.
Forward, pressing forward, as a triumph song we sing
God our strength will be; press forward ever
Called to serve our king!