Kia ora Whanua!!
WHAT A WONDEFUL WEEK. Christmas is upon us and with that we bring in the spirit of Christ. Or do we? I now realize more then ever, that we should celebrate the first and greatest gift ever, which is Christ. Rather then focusing on the new toys or new iphone 6? (that's ridiculous we don't need 6 of the same phone) Those things get old and boring. They bring us what maybe 6 months of joy? Christ can bring us an ETERNITY of joy.. that's a lot longer then 6 months for you mathematicians out there.
To kick off that great spirit we had an awesome mission conference on Bringing Christ back into Christmas. We forget too often of what he did for us. That is what sadly enough gets put out of our sight by new gadgets. We need to remember the things He does for us and share that light. Sometimes the best gift is a smile to someone. REMEMBER WHAT COMES FIRST IN CHIRST-Mas
So The week was awesome! I love being here. I had a great privilege to go on an exchange with an Elder who has been having a hard time keeping his mind on the mission. So in the morning I told him "lets go to the beach for our studies today." He was so down. So we go. Now my Older brother Sam gave me this talk about "burning our boats". What the heck does that mean? Well back in the times of Vikings, when the Vikings went to war, they would burn their boats. They were totally committed to the task that was in front of them. The boat would have been a way to leave. But since it’s burnt they can’t. So I take this Elder and we do just that. We are at the beach, and we burn our boats. (its almost like I planned this or something.) Afterwards, he lights up. His boat has been burnt and he says.. "Elder I feel lighter.. what did you do". That my friend is the Atonement working on you. Tears came as we sat and talked. I have never been so privileged to be a servant of the Lord, to be able to help.
SO I WANT TO MAKE A QUICK SHOUTOUT TO MY MOM. She is turning 31 on Saturday. She is the best person ever. A true angel in these days. Mom I love you like crazy. You have always been there when I have needed you, and always have known what to say. Through funny and through crazy hormonal teenagers, you have been by there for me. I can’t imagine where I would be with out you.
I hope you all have a great week , and a very Happy Christmas..
ofa lahi atu
Elder Gish
