I love you. We haven't gotten too many storms, but we have received
lots of wind. We had a couple of days where it drizzled, and showered
occasionally. We also have blossoms a plenty. My allergies have not
acted up yet so I am happy. This week Elder Anderson and I saw miracles!
First, early on in the week we had been tracting and having 0 success.
So we decided to take a breather and go to braums, a big ice-cream/diner
chain, and get a snack. It was quite chilly that day so I got some
chili. Well as we entered braums, a gentleman and his daughter walked
in behind us. to our surprise he wanted to converse with us, I was sooo
excited! Well until he started asking questions like "I heard Brigham
Young, the founder of your church, hired assassins to take out
opposition, is that true?" hahaha it took all I had to not laugh. We
explained that yes saints were persecuted and driven out of their lands,
and yes there was a militia for DEFENSE, but that we would have to
research whether or not Brigham hired assassins. Anyway his name is Eric
and he is from Bakersfield. He is truly interested in bettering himself,
and having a religious based household. We were able to teach him and his
wife the Restoration, and he liked it and wanted us to come back, well
he just had surgery on his brim, shoulder, and has asked us to
comeback this Friday. We know this man and his family need what we have
to share, he admitted to us he had a sketchy past and that he wants the
guilt to be taken away, I nearly blurted out "well then accept our
message and be baptized!!!" We also ran into a Chinese foreign
international student, who we prayed with. He is in a band that plays at
one of the churches here so he has been exposed to religion a little
bit. He wanted to talk to us and find out our beliefs so I am excited to
see where this goes. I also impressed him by saying "xie xie" or thank
you, when we left. I got us in for sure ;) We, Elder Anderson and I,
have very strong testimonies of exact obedience! After having some really
tough weeks with no success, we turned to our White Handbook, and
picked out things we could improve on, even as little as dropping the
sarcasm, or being more positive. We have seen such an increase in
opportunities to share the gospel. So this week at church I found out
some challenges the bishop gave to the ward. the first was in a specific
time period, 5 months, he had asked the ward to read the Book of Mormon
and when you finish write your testimony in the front cover then give
it to him, and then he will in turn give it to the missionaries. We are
really excited to use these Books of Mormon when teaching, it is more
personal, and a way of fellow shipping without being there with us at
the lesson. Second was the bishop had asked all persons 16 and older
when called upon to give a talk to prepare sufficiently to give their
talk without notes or any resources on the stand. This has brought such a
powerful spirit into the meetings, because of the strength of these
members testimonies! It is amazing! I know how much members want to
share the gospel, but don't know how, have the courage, or don't know who
to share it with. I would suggest having a ward activity with the
missionaries, where they teach how to teach with the pamphlets they
have. They are simple, and can be shared with anybody in 10 minutes.
Have the missionaries real-play, role play, how a lesson is taught, and
how it can be applied to that specific persons needs. Have the
Missionaries bring copies of each pamphlet they have and explain how
they use them. I am so very thankful for the wards "anxious engagement"
in missionary work, I pray that everyone will pray as a family for a
name that they can give to the missionaries. Referrals are one of the
key tools to teaching prepared souls by the lord. I know it can be nerve
racking and scary, but how great are the worth of souls who are
waiting for their neighbors, co-workers, friends to share the message of
the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I love this work. I love being a
missionary. I love you all. I love my Savior. I love teaching my
brothers and sister. I pray you have the same desire to share the truth.
Not a second wasted.
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