Week 94 - November 11, 2024

 Hey, everyone, back at it again with another update.  This one is pretty big, as a ton happened in just the past week. Let's get into the big news. 

To start, I was moved out of Maimon on Thursday.  After four (very fast) months of serving there, I can confidently say I put my all into that area, and I left it content knowing that I really gave it my all.  No regrets.  I also really enjoyed my time there a lot, it was a great area and I made a lot of great memories with the people we taught and with my comps that I served with there.  Now, I've moved on to one last area for one last transfer (six last weeks of the mission).  I'm now in the beautiful peninsula of Samaná, and there's nowhere else I'd rather finish up my two years of service.  I marvel at the creations of the Lord as I see the ocean come up against the south side of the area, as well as the palm trees that cover the sides of the luscious hills that surround us.  I'm also, of course, super excited to get to know the people here and to help them come unto Christ. 

Transfers were on Thursday, but I actually didn't get to Samaná until Saturday afternoon, because the drive is six hours from the capital, and we had to stay in the capital on Friday for a special devotional with Elder Ronald A Rasband. That's right, an apostle came to visit us!  We were there in Santo Domingo, the West, North, and East missions all together to listen to the words of this man called of God.  If I had to describe this meeting we had in just one word, I would honestly say it was life-changing (two words but close enough).  It strengthened my testimony so much to hear his words, as I felt the Spirit confirm to me that he really was the Lord's mouthpiece just as Peter or James or John were in the past.  Truly an incredible experience! 

As I'm entering the last six weeks of my mission, I've been reflecting on what I've learned throughout my almost two years here.  I would say I've definitely strengthened my testimony a lot of the truthfulness of the message we share every day.  I know it's true, and now it's not just because my parents or leaders tell me it is.  I can feel the truthfulness of what I teach every time I teach it.  I've also been able to really feel of God's unending love for me.  I know He knows me better than I know myself, and I can see that all the trials I went through were tailored specifically for my growth, and they really did make me a better person.  Every time I was clouded in distress or discouragement, God was there to answer my prayers of personal peace.  I've always known God was real, but on my mission, I've learned that He truly is a God of peace, love, and mercy. 

I'm truly excited for these last couple weeks of the mission.  I have a feeling they're going to be some of the best ever!  I love you all and appreciate any form of support you give me.  I'm praying for you constantly!  Talk to you again soon!

I must go -Elder Barlow

Weeks 89, 90, 91, 92, and 93 - November 3, 2024

Hey, guys, it's been a while since I last wrote, sorry about that, but these weeks have just been flying by so quickly and all of them just blend together so easily now.

About a month ago, we got to watch General Conference, which was great!  The talks were all really good, and I of course, loved President Nelson's talk.  The DR getting a new temple in Santiago is something we all here have been waiting for, so it was a really awesome moment for us to finally hear the announcement, and to be a part of the construction of that temple! 

In the past couple weeks, me and Hayes have been working really hard, but unfortunately, we've been showing very little results.  All the people that were progressing seemed to suddenly completely lose interest and now it seems nobody here in Maimon has any interest to follow God.  It's very sad, and Elder Hayes and I have been very frustrated at the slowness of the work.  This Thursday is transfers, and we'll see if I leave or if God still needs me here for some reason. 

This Thursday also is the beginning of my last transfer (six weeks) in the mission.  I'm very grateful for the many things I've learned about myself, about God, and about life during my two years here.  My mission has been something that has definitely pushed me past my limits, and it was definitely what I would call the "refiners fire," which technically is exactly what I wanted my mission to be.  I've been pushed and refined, and I would say I'll be coming out of this a much better person than I was before.  I still got a ton of things to learn and change, but it would be disingenuous to ignore the changes I've made so far. 

That being said, we're not done yet.  There's still some work to be done, and whether that's somewhere else or here in Maimon, it's work that's gotta be done.  I'm ready to make this last transfer one to remember and to go out with a fight. 

Thanks everyone for your love and support, I'll keep praying for y'all.  Please pray for us in Maimon so that we can find those that are ready for the gospel... if they really do exist. 

I must go -Elder Barlow