"The End is Near"

Another incredibly busy week!

The highlights of the week came towards the end, when Elder Jones and I found out that the article we were interviewed for was finally published! The title of the article is, "Enden er nor" which means "The End is Near", in Norwegian.  It was featured in one of the biggest magazines in the country and many of the missionaries who were traveling to Oslo this weekend saw many people reading it on their flights!  Some of them had some really funny stories like, "Wait... those are missionaries...that's Elder Jones and Holden??" and then they recognized that we were in the article!  It was something that got me so excited, because it seemed to recognize that the work I've been striving to accomplish here, has gone a long way!

The second amazing experience, is that Elder Bednar visited the two stakes here (he spoke at Stake Conference) and later in the day spoke to our mission at the Oslo church!  It was really quite amazing to see and hear Elder Bednar teach!  He is an incredible man!  He shared unbelievable stories and basically showcased a teaching style that you'll never see anywhere else.  He was completely directed and guided by the Spirit in his teaching and you could just see that he was always teaching so powerfully.  I was so grateful to be able to listen to this man speak.  He definitely had authority while he taught.  When he taught the message of The Restoration, you just knew that it was true and that there is no way that you can deny that.

I think the most special thing that I have noticed about these apostles, is that when they walk into a room, they fill the room with their spirit.  I've come to know that these men that lead this church are men of God and there's no other way of explaining it.  The special thing about it all is that it is always when we approach these meetings with a willing heart and a desire to change, one can leave these meetings edified.  It is always through the application of these things that we are able to be blessed by what is taught.  I have been so grateful for the opportunity I have received to serve here in Norway on this mission.  It has been a very special experience and I thank Heavenly Father every day for Him sending me here. Missionary work is incredible!