August 31, 2026

Wow it's great to be back in Cadiz! Sanlúcar is absolutely stunning - like how I imagine an Italian town in the movies. Frankly it is just a retirement town on the coast which makes the missisionary work quite difficult, but the views are amazing. My new companion Elder Schwember is from Chile which is a lot of fun.

This last Wednesday, as we began contacting in the streets for the first time, a man named Manuel first stopped us and then invited us into his vacation home. He was visiting from Sevilla and was so impressed by our mission that we shared tortilla patata, jamon, y queso while we taught about the restoration. I always appreciate those willing to be kind. It goes a long way.

I would like to share a verse that refers to the degree of glory we one day may inherit. 

D&C 88

32 And they who remain shall also be quickened; nevertheless, they shall return again to their own place, to enjoy that which they are willing to receive, because they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received.

33 For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift.

These scriptures change a lot our perspective of judgment and justice. It is less about being cast down from heaven into hell and more about living according to heaven's laws and not those of hell. We are given the glory and joy of that which we may be able to accept and enjoy, and nothing more, nor less.

35 That which breaketh a law, and abideth not by law, but seeketh to become a law unto itself, and willeth to abide in sin, and altogether abideth in sin, cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice, nor judgment. Therefore, they must remain filthy still.

When we seek to follow our own law, we forsake that of God's and cannot be redeemed by His merciful plan. May we be humble enough to follow His plan and enjoy those eternal blessing.

Elder Dougall