Dear Family and Friends,
The Spirit is so present here. I have been moved to tears daily and often more frequently. I know that the Spirit that resides with me constantly is a result of my prayer, 27 prayers yesterday alone; I counted. I am pleased to announce that I actually have bruises on both of my knees from the amount of times I pray. The Lord answers our prayers. I can say that with no doubt. The Spirit teaches people, not us missionaries. Our only job is to let the spirit speak through us. This is an experience that I've already had many times.
I was called to serve as District Leader. Our district contains (including me) 4 Elders and 7 Sisters. I cannot begin to tell you how much I love and care about each and every one of them. They are the choicest spirits, and I see their great potential. I know that they will all bless many lives. The Zone Leader expressed to me that he knew I would have this calling as soon as he saw me. Later, the Branch President told me that he was inspired to give me this calling. I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have been given to serve these wonderful missionaries. My only hope is that they know how much I want to see them succeed in the way that I know they can.
My companion is a wonderful man and a great missionary. He is such an example to me and instills in me a desire to improve myself. The bond between us is unbreakable. The amount of spiritual experiences that we've shared has made this bond stronger that I have ever felt before. I know that our effectiveness as teachers is dependent upon our obedience and our love for each other. "Obedience to Exactness." We've taken upon ourselves this challenge. No matter how tired we are or how inconvenient the task may be, we strive to accomplish all that has been assigned to us in the way that it has been asked to be accomplished. This goal has brought us closer together and we grow happier each day knowing that we are doing what we need to.
One of the teachers here pointed out a quote from Preach My Gospel. "Teaching is central to everything you do." Everything we do. Taking this to heart, my companion and I have spent any amount of time that we aren't learning or teaching formal lessons, to ask doctrinal questions of the other and be taught on the topic. This includes time that we walk from one building to the next and over meals. It has been a great blessing to us as we have been diligently working towards this goal.
As a District Leader, I have had the amazing opportunity to have my eyes opened when looking upon the members of my district and to see them as Christ sees them. I have received revelation on a few occasions for things that I need to say to them individually. I had the opportunity to bless one the Sisters having no prior knowledge as to what was troubling her. The Lord spoke to her through me. I have no doubt because the Spirit later affirmed it to me. I am so blessed to be in a constant state of two-way communication with the Lord. We speak with each other throughout the day.
I dare say the best moments that I've had here came last night. We were scheduled to be taught as a zone. However, no teacher showed up. Elder Russell, who had expressed his difficulty in feeling the spirit during his time here, suggested that we share thoughts and experiences from the previous night's devotional. The Spirit was ever present and I have no doubt that angels resided with us in that room. Even as I reflect on it now I am moved to tears. The level of unity in our district grew tenfold. Elder Russell also felt impressed to offer a blessing to one of the Sisters. It was one of the most beautiful blessings I have ever heard. What a wonderful experience for him to be blessed with. I told him later that I myself received no revelation on the matter of her distress nor did the other Elders. This experience was for him; that blessing was meant to be given by him.
All in all, there is no place that I would rather be at this time. The experiences that I've had and people who have touched my life will be things I never forget. I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity. I am grateful for this magnificent calling. I love and miss all of you but think for a second that that means I'm coming home. No way. You will all be in my prayers and may the Lord bless you.
Much Love,
Elder Kirk
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