Dear Family,
Thank you for all those who wrote this week. It is always a
wonderful experience to hear how your families are doing and what wonderful,
testimony building experiences you are having. When Mom told the story of how
the ward back at home pitched in to help a woman in need, it brought tears to
my eyes to think that there so many of these people all around the world who
would do the same in a heart beat. That kind of willingness to sacrifice comes
only from those with pure testimonies founded in the true gospel of Jesus
Christ. Sometimes i dream of the day when we could organize a trip to Ukraine
with our ward back home and come and do service here along with the members and
just be examples. We talk about it in all of our meetings, the need to serve
and give selflessly but the talk has yet to move into its next phase of action.
I firmly believe that this is something that will come when a handful of
members decide to dedicate themselves to the work and truly live the law of
consecration by giving all that they have to know God through service to his
children. Thank you for sharing that experience, it truly warmed my heart. This
week we began this and next transfer's companionship exchanges with the elders
from Gorlovka. We spent our Sunday there and were able to see many
familiar faces that I love and miss. I love the people here. Each area of our
mission has a different feel with people that take adapting too but once the adaptation
takes place, it's hard to leave them. Our trip to Gorlovka was a witness of
that to me. This time for our exchanges we spent a few hours singing on the
street while one missionary sat out in front of us with a box of Books of
Mormon. It was good for the Elders see how the people really softened up and
openly talked to us as we first took the step out of our comfort zones. We had
many really pleasant conversations and gave away about 10 books. We also did a
little house tracting in the private sector, places where people have their own
houses and not apartments. For some reason its been in the culture of our
mission from long ago that this wasn't very successful and
at times hazardous because of the massive dogs that could eat you. But, as far
as we've seen and as far as the mission is beginning to see, people are
generally pretty kind and will even at times let you in to chat. The part about
the massive dogs still proves to be true but the Lord is with us and the dogs
honestly get pretty friendly once the owners let us into their property. I also
find great truth in the story of Daniel in the lions den. Lets just say, prayer
is a great blessing:) Well, this week is transfers and i'm looking forward to
this next transfer I feel that much change will once again being required of me
and i feel i'm ready to receive it. I cant think of any other place
were such change is required on such consistent basis. It is a blessing
to be here on my mission and come to an understanding of the vital changes i
must make in my life if i truly want to be a disciple of Christ.
Though the change is sometimes hard to cope with, the ability to take it and
run with it with constant and consistent faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ
is a priceless attribute. I hope someday i can become that kind of person. That
is my dream. I love you family and i hope you all have a wonderful week! Cant
wait to hear from you!
With Love,
Elder Ostler
