Madrid!!!

Welp y'all so I'm in Madrid, here with Elder Gallup. It's been pretty lit we have a ton of families in the ward from all over, and especially from the Philippines and Japan which is lit because that's Where Matt served and where Tim is at right now. We had a lady from the ward try to explain us her name and how to say it. I've never felt more gringo in my life. It was so difficult to say, good thing she has an American name too. We helped them throw a birthday party for their son he just turned 1! 

Anyways the bishop thought it would be funny to give me a talk my first Sunday and it was pretty fun. One of the best sacrament meetings I've had in the mission. The meeting was focused on missionary work. Started with one sister who just got home from her mission. Her testimony went crazy and she invited all the youth to prepare for a mission. Then I had to go after, didn't mess up too bad, I had written the talk the day before, but as we got into the Ward council meeting, as I talked with members and felt the spirit guide me to switch my talk. So during the rest of the council I rewrote my talk. I decided to talk on the families and their relationship with missionary work, and on the joy it brings us. The blessings of peace and joy, remission of sins, sustaining power of God and protection against temptation. I got to talk about the example my parents have been for me and how their work in the church and in missionary work has changed my life. How when we strive to be a part of missionary work, not only do we get blessed, but our whole family too. Active members, inactive members or nonmembers the blessings will get to them. I can promise that.

After we had a member talk about spiritual streaks. Just like in Snapchat we have a streak with someone or in whatever it might be, a spiritual streak can help us to grow consistently. Her and her husband chose that everyday they would do at least one thing of missionary work. Doing service for others, sharing their testimony with someone, or helping the missionaries with a lesson. If it is loving, sharing, or inviting, as long as something is done everyday we can begin to strengthen our spiritual streak. She told everyone about those same blessings I had mentioned, and invited all to begin their spiritual streak. It was pretty powerful. 
Then our ward mission leader got up and told everyone the things we had said were true and that we want those same blessings in the home of every single person there. He is from maracaibo venezuela too so he is maracucho and he speaks with a very strong voice so as he expressed his words to invite all to share the gospel it was pretty touching. 

This gospel is true. Do missionary work, you will never regret it, you will only regret not doing it.

 
Love Y'all!!

Elder Larkins