Chapter 6: Sermons We See

"I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day; I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.  The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear,  Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear; And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,  For to see good put in action is what everybody needs. 

I soon can learn to do it if you'll let me see it done; I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.  And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,  But I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do; For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,  But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live. 

When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.  When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.  And all travelers can witness that the best of guides to-day Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.  One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold; One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.  Who stands with men of honor learns to earn his honor dear,  For right living speaks a language which to every one is clear.  Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,  I'd rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day." "Sermons We See"  By Edgar A. Guest This week was absolutely incredible. It was full of the hardest times I've experienced, and yet it was the greatest week of the mission so far. It's incredible how God uses such extreme duality like that to teach us important lessons; I marvel at His incredible wisdom. But so often in scripture we are admonished to "marvel not," so I will take that advice best I can and strive to continue working hard. Two months have gone by very quickly, and so I would like to take this week to talk more about the dear people I am teaching and the wonderful experiences associated with them. The first person I met and taught here in PA was Joy, and ever since that first meeting, well quite fittingly I have always been filled with so much Joy! She has had an incredibly difficult life, one that I can't even imagine, and yet, again with the duality, she is perhaps the most determined and faithful person I have ever known. Her witness of Christ's hand in her life is beautiful, because her life is one that when looked upon with an outside eye, would lead one to believe she had been abandoned by God. And yet, she sees Him in everything. Joy has taught me a sermon:

True faith is acknowledging God's will in everything that happens for or against us. True faith is the perspective that God is always in charge. True faith is trusting in and finding God through the bad just as much as the good. I love Joy and am excited for the legal setbacks to be relieved so that she can enter the waters of baptism. She is beyond ready and I'd love to be there to see it. Augustine is a humble soul. When I first met him, as I described briefly last week, I found that his humility and gentle nature opened up our souls to be able to connect with each other in a way I had never experienced. Augustine was raised in the knowledge of God. He knows the Bible to be true. His testimony is powerful, and he, like so many of us desires to change. When he told us he wanted to change, however, his reasoning touched my soul. He said, "there are people in my life that I need to be better for. If I am not pure or in line with God, He won't be able to use me to bless them as much as I know is possible. Please help me become more for them." Augustine has taught me this sermon: True humility is realizing that a lot of our life isn't about us. True humility is acknowledging our role in the lives of others. True humility is desiring and striving to be who God would have us be for the blessing of the people we love. True humility, true charity even, is wanting "to be" for another besides one's self. Our lives are full of lessons. Perhaps that is because life in and of itself is in fact just that: a lesson. Each of us learn different lessons, which then in turn teach others lessons: our lives can be lessons for others. Reflect on your life, the lessons you've learned, and look for the lessons still to be learned from others. In all we say and do there are sermons to be seen, so do your best to be your best. And remember, Christ's life and example are the greatest sermons any of us will ever be able to study. When in doubt, turn to him.  Life is good.  God is wise.  Let Him prevail.  Don't give up. 

Elder Childers 

Beautiful sunset driving home from Zone Conference

Me in my suit. Fun fact: later that day, I ruined the pants with bleach. Somethings we learn from mistakes.

PA foliage. It's so much more beautiful in person trust me. 

Mamas Famous Pizza. If you ask me, it was a solid 6/10.

Trains. Reading is famous for trains. If you've ever played monopoly you will be familiar with the Reading Railroad, turns out my entire life I pronounced it Reading as in reading a book. Turns out it's actually RED-ing. If you got it wrong all your life, join the club haha.