This week has been both full of crazy good things and crazy things just in general. For starters, one of the less active families in the branch was moving, but not only them, but their grandma. Into the same house, so we had the opportunity to go help them move! I thought it was going to be nothing, just a simple move. They said they didnt have that much so i was like expecting a couple hour activity like we have for YM in our ward. NOPE!!! I swear... The grandma wanted to bring the world with her! but it was super funny cause everything we brought out of the house was"ancient" even though it was a flat screan TV. HAHA so she would always snap at us and tell us that if we broke anything she would pull her gun out and go "a ratta tat tat!" HAHA all four of the elders (missionaries) just laughed it off and continued. She was prettymuch like a classic Crazy old lady. HAHA I probably cursed myself cause i just may be the same type of old man! HAHA So long story short, the move took over a period of three days with 6-5 a day of just loading and unloading the truck. It felt like such a waste of time... but they came to church the next sunday!!!! So i guess thats a plus.
The move was Wed, Thu, and Fri. so I was feeling a little spiritually crazy and ready to go out and talk to PEOPLE! Like investigators and other people. Which we did. Saturday was the best day of the week! we met probably about 30 people/families just on that day. and with everyone of them either left them with a Family History Card or taught a mini lesson on the Plan of Salvation and left them with the pamphlet. Most people were excited to hear the message but not sure where they will take it or if they will even call us back. But we did share the Plan of Salvation with a couple families who were really excited! They said they would read the pamphlet as a family and then give us a call. Most of the time parents down here want their children to grow up in a church and know about Jesus. So they invite their whole family out on the porch to listen to us and its great!
The highlight of my day however was Dora. I mentioned her before, but saturday we met with her for a second time. Not really knowing what she would have done or if she would read the BOM at all. But when we started, we found out a lot more about her. She is super interested in "Gospel" in general. She is recently devorced and has two kids. So she wants them to live good lives and know about gospel stuff. She doesnt do very well at reading, but she goes on line and researches a TON! She did however read the introduction of the BOM and the First chapter of Nephi.She was again a little confused, but she said she felt something different. Which we all know what that is... Spiritual bricks!!! She felt the spirit and loved It! The lesson went on and we finally got to the point where we asked her if she would be baptised. she said she had been baptized twice before in two different churches but said she didnt really know what she was doing and didnt want to "play with god" (which is why she has been studying a lot) but she said that if she could learn a lot more and knew it was for herself then she would. It may not have been a direct YES, but it is just like in the district videos i watched while out here. Where we need to just let them know that they will receive an answer by then. Sadly we didnt get a date for her baptism but we are working on it. she wanted to meet as soon as we could cause she has a ton of questions! and we set up a return appointment.
This just comes to show how we need to always be ready for these situations that pop up. If we hadnt met her like I explained last week, this wouldnt be happening. she Is a wonderful wonderful lady who has such a great heart! Hoping we can baptize her!!
Last thing i wanted to mention was this quote by Henry B Eyring that I have officially made my missionary quote. HAHA
"I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The dye has been cast, I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap living and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, positions, promotions, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, recognized, praised, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with patience, am uplifted by prayer, and labor with power. My pace is set, my gate is fast and my goal is Heaven. My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my Mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, or let up until i have stayed up, stored up, and paid up for the cause of Christ. I must go until He comes, give until I drop, preach all I know and work until He stops me. And when He returns for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My Banner is clear."
Henry B Eyring.
I love that and hope that that quote finds and sparks some interest in all of you. May you all enjoy your week and enjoy the gifts that we receive daily from our savior.
Much love,
Elder Stonely
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| Celebrating Elder Stonely's "Greenie" package |
