Hey Everyone!

Just have a quick second, but wanted to let you all know that I'm doing great! I love being a missionary! I've learned so much. There have been a lot of hard times, but those are what truly test and build you. I have a strong testimony of the greatness of obstacles and how much they can build us up depending on us and if we choose to learn and grow from them. I've grown so much. My testimony has been strengthened a lot.

Since Christmas is coming up, I want to share a couple quick scriptures. First, Mosiah 3: 5-10 and second, Alma 7: 11-13. These are some of my favorite scriptures. They testify of Christ and the things He has done for us. I too testify of Jesus Christ. That's why I'm out here. He love you. He has gone through all those things so that "His bowels may be filled with mercy and compassion" for each of us and the things we go through.

With the Atonement, we gain hope. In knowing all that He has done for us and that there is a way to feel of everlasting peace and the love He has for us. It is a love that is incomprehensible to the World, but a love that we are so blessed to have. We are his children.

As I've learned even greater to serve people, my capacity to love has grown and I've become a happier person. I think back to a picture that I saw in the office of a Bishop of a dear friend of mine at the time he was being ordained as a Melchezedik Priesthood holder. On the wall, of this office, hung a picture of a staircase with people walking up it. The thing that struck me was the love that was portrayed through this picture. It has impacted my life. As these people were traveling up the staircase (which lead to heaven) they were reaching back and grabbing the hands of those on the steps lower than them. They were reaching back for their brothers and sisters.

We, being brothers and sisters, are all on this journey. Its not a time to compare and compete, but a time to lift and inspire those around you. As we do so, we will be filled with an incomprehensible love of the Saviour and our desire and capacity to become better will be greatly enhanced. As I think of this picture, I always think of the scriptures, "when ye are in the service of your fellow being, you are in the service of your God" and also, "let he that is greatest among you be the servant of all". Our job is to serve. We are here to make it back to heaven. But, we aren't here to make it back alone.

I'm so grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ and the example He is to me of the ultimate capacity to love. Love is the greatest commandment. I promise that as you seek to serve and love others this Holiday season, that you will see it become the greatest Christmas you have ever had. I love being a missionary! I love you all!!

Love,
Elder Stephen Ferris