The fruit of the Spirit

Colorful Swedish Homes

Jonathan with Runestones

 This last week went by so fast, it was amazing.  Time is going faster and faster.  Just as I can't imagine it going by quicker another week is gone.  It's summer 2014, and I left end of summer 2012.  I am excited to see friends and family again but it's coming too soon.  There are things on the mission that can be frustrating, or annoying, or discouraging.  But I love being a missionary, and I love being one here in Sweden.  It's the best.

      At one point last week, we were teaching an Investigator who had never really before had a faith.  He spoke to us about how he had always had Mormon friends and liked the church.  We taught him about Gods plan for us, how all will live again, and all will have a chance to follow Christ.  He said a lot of what we said spoke perfectly to his thoughts, to his concerns about the afterlife.  When we were finishing the lesson he talked about how much he needs to read the book of Mormon and we were just able to agree.  As we were wrapping up though one last thought came to me, to speak of recognizing the spirit.  We had to share the scripture from Galatians 5:22-23.

      22.But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering,gentleness, goodness, faith,
      23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

     After reading the Scripture he was able to speak of how he has felt the spirit in his own life, and how he feels as if he has been guided by the spirit even while growing up.  Part of it is having the ability to recognize the spirit in our lives. The spirit was very strong and I know that the spirit is able to carry to the hearts of all men and women the words of eternal life.  The word of God fills holes in the heart, but it's the spirit that delivers the message.

     This upcoming month (June) is going to be a month of invitation throughout all of Europe, every member is challenged to invite their family and friends to come to church.  The saints here are amazing examples.  And the work is hastening in Europe!  Never before in European history have they had so many people attend sacrament meeting as they have had this last year.  Europe is growing in church activity at unprecedented rates.  There is a special spirit of hastening here.  Last quarter Europe was the highest baptizing and reactivating continent (per capita active membership).  I am blessed to be a part of all of these miracles and progress.

love,

   Äldste Jonathan Moe.