Sorry I didn't get an email out yesterday. My
companion and I were helping the office missionaries move some sisters.
We have practically become office elders, and the office couple said
they would be talking to President Walkenhorst to see if we could become
permanent. I'm not sure how I feel about this, I love to help and serve
but it will be taking away from our proselyting time. My comp. is very
excited, he would rather be in at a desk doing inventory, then moving
missionaries than teaching. Maybe I can convince 'em to make us office
elders after I leave, which I don't want to do! I love this area! We'll
see. I'm glad Utah was an exciting memorable experience! Oh so her name
is Melissa? That's more than Sean would tell me! But I probably know
some things y'all don't know ;) Us brothas got to stick together! Have
you heard from them while they are in the Holy Lands? I'm so jealous!
Well transfers are this week, and Elder McGlothlin and I are staying
put. My trainer goes home Wednesday. I'm going to miss that man! He has
definitely become one of my best friends! He will be attending BYU-I.
President Walkenhorst sent us this email to all missionaries- "There
have been several requests to Skype for Mother's Day. We will allow it
as a test. I do have concerns about it being a burden and a problem for
members to accommodate. You may Skype, but make sure that you do not
create problems for members." So, what time will you be wanting me to
Skype? the member we will be going over to, has apple face-time as well.
Let me know your account info or whatever is needed to call you, the
member's name is Aaron Gates. I don't know if that helps. I don't
remember how Skype works. Well, we were supposed to have a baptism next
week, but the Zone Leaders from another zone might have screwed it up.
Our investigator wont respond to us. Her daughters live in the Zone
Leader's area and were preparing for baptism with their mother, our
investigator. Well, I guess they had a lesson all together up in the
Zone Leaders area, and now she wont respond. The ZL's told us that the
lesson was "ripped to shreds... blown up... straight up
ridiculousness... we think she's mad at us..." So I don't know if that's
still going to go through. However, I will be up in Ponca City that day
for a baptism. I will be baptizing a 14 year old girl I taught up
there. We baptized her mother and now she has decided to be baptized! I
did get the package, thank you very much! I was able to give a baptism
interview last night! I really enjoy that opportunity! It's a little
nerve racking being the one to determine the worthiness/preparedness of
an individual for baptism, but it's one of the more sacred experiences I
get to participate in on the mission! His name was Jim Clinton, his
wife and kids are members, and he was Baptist! He has struggled with
Chewing tobacco since he was 9 years old. He's 42. He has had some
marvelous experiences with God. He says he has seen God and Jesus
Christ. He was a truck driver and he had a real nasty accident. His
little girl was in the truck and he said he saw them protect her and
deflect any debris. He received major injuries and has had multiple neck
surgeries, which have all failed. He can't look down or up, and very
little to either side. His daughter came out with a bruise on her
shoulder and that's it. He was baptized shortly after being released
from the hospital, into the Baptist church. He was telling all of this
to me last night. He had a marvelous experience and has all the worldly
reason to stay in attendance at "his" church. But..... there's always a
big but.... He knows that Joseph Smith was a prophet! He knows the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is God's kingdom on the
earth! He is being baptized the 3rd of may. I am excited to attend that
baptism. I love baptisms! Oh speaking of which, the sisters in our ward
had a baptism on Saturday. I was asked to speak on baptism. Her name was
Sue Wilson. Her husband has been a member since his early twenties. He
was baptized in Salt Lake, while stationed there for the Air Force. He
then went inactive because his bishop wouldn't shake his hand but did an
elbow bump, because the bishop had a newborn and didn't want to bring
any germs home. He was offended and vowed never to return. Well until he
met the OKC 2nd missionaries at the library on a P-day. :) He now holds
the Aaronic Priesthood and baptized his wife. He passed the Sacrament
for the first time on Sunday, and next week will bless the
Sacrament! They are like my Okie Grandparents! I love 'em so much! Well I
love y'all! Thanks for everything you do! I'm looking forward to this
next transfer! I have high hopes for it!
Not a Second Wasted,
Elder Ryan Burnham
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