September 2, 2005

• From a letter dated August 27, 2005 "Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of Him to declare His word among His people, that they might have everlasting life." (3 Nephi 5:13).

  
  

  
  

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  Dear Friends, Family and fellow Xangans,

  
  

  Today is my birthday, and what a wonderful birthday it has been. Thank you home and Zippi family for the cookies, they were great. I have to say I love the MTC more and more as the days go by.  Having said that, I must confess the stereotypes and stories you hear about the MTC are mostly true.  Except that they've done away with the so called "tree of life."  The food lives up to the stories though.  The prophet Jeremiah describes it best in Jeremiah 4:19-21 Ah the power of vivid imagery.  We all really miss our music.  I think the most missed song is "Swinging" by Fall Out Boy because I hear every one humming it all the time.

  
  

  In all seriousness, I am learning so much here in the Missionary Training Center.  I'm learning how to keep things simple.  I'm learning how to officiate in ordinances.  Above all, I'm learning how to listen.  This is the most valuable skill a missionary can have.  It is also one of the rarest skills.  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (an Apostle I admire a lot) taught "more important than speaking is listening. . ." (QTD. Preach My Gospel, page 185)

  
  

  In one of my classes we watched a movie titled The Restoration.  You all should watch it.  It puts our Church in its historical context.  More importantly it uplifts and inspires both Latter-day Saint and non-Latter-day Saint alike.  I encourage you to get a free copy of the video by asking me to send a DVD or by visiting www.mormon.org and clicking the following sequence of links: the Church, introduction, History of the Church, Joseph Smith, The First Vision, request a free Restoration video.

  
  

  I want you all to know that though I miss you so much, I am happy with the mission I am a part of.  I know that the message I will bring to California is true and will bless the people who accept it.  Jesus is the Christ.  He pleads our case before the Lord that we might be saved.  I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

  
  

  Sincerely,

  
  

  Elder Embree

  
  

  P.S. Thanks so much for the letters, I'm working on writing back individually, but free time in the MTC is Scarce. 

  
  

  
  

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  "Listen to Him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before Him - Saying: Father behold the sufferings and death of Him who did no sins. . .behold the blood of thy son which was shed. . . Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life." (D&C45:3-5)
  

  
  

  

  
  

  Note from Editor - I will cut and paste any comments you make to Elder Embree and he will receive it in his next letter from home.

  • 5:22 pm
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