Oi familia!
Well, this week has been full of ups and downs. That's
the missionary life though, right? Altogether Elder Sutherland and myself
are having a blast sharing the good news with the Kansasians.
First off, Wes. He's been doing really well. The house where
he was living wasn't the best place to teach him so we started having lessons
with him at members houses. We had a lesson this week with the Maxwells on
Tuesday
about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We talked
about those first priciples and ordinances and everything we said he accepted
so willingly. He has been so prepared and I also learned the power of a
good member present lesson. The Maxwells were able to share testimony of
how the gospel has changed their lives and how their baptism was something they
would never forget. When we testify it's powerful, but there's something about
a normal member sharing their knowledge of the gospel that is completely
different. Member presents are powerful things and we had three great
ones this week. One other member present was again with Wes at the
bishop's home. He fed all of us dinner and afterwards we had a lesson
that was just awesome. We talked about the Plan of Salvation and it was
so powerful. To me, it's wonderful to see how the plan of salvation gives
us direction along this huge eternal spectrum. We lived with God for
eternities before we came down to earth, we're here for a microsecond in the
grand scheme and then we're off to eternities more. It's amazing how
simply knowing that we came from somewhere, that we're children of God and
we're striving to return to His presence, and that death is not the end is an
amazingly comforting fact of life. We know why we're here! We have direction!
What a blessing! Wes loved it and he's moving quickly towards his baptism this
Saturday.
Two Saturdays ago (August 3rd) Elder Sutherland and I were
going around Caldwell just sharing the gospel. We were on one side of
town and it was about time to work our way home. Our car was on the other
side of town so we turned and began walking. One the way we decided to
really apply the principle of talking with everyone we met. As we walked
we ran into a bunch of people who would respond really well to the message.
One man named Hank said, "Exactly! The world needs prophets today!"
and another family of girls we met said "Well, we don't really know which
church is true. It's had to say, but we're looking for it." We gave
both a Book of Mormon and a Restoration pamphlet and asked them to begin
reading before our next visit. This pastSaturday (August 10th) we
went and contacted Hank and the family. Hank, sadly, wasn't home.
We continued around town until we got to Dawn (mother), Cassie
(daughter), and Alyssa (daughter)'s house. They invited us in and we
talked with them a little. The man of the house was at home, but had no
interest in hearing our message. I think that will change with time
though. Anyway, we taught about the Restoration and Elder Sutherland was
on fire. The Spirit was so strong. He knew exactly what points to
stress so they understood, he knew exactly what to say and when to say it, and
in general just had a killer lesson. Real teaching by the Spirit.
At the end we challenged them to baptism and the three of them said
"I can't commit now, but if this is true, we will be baptized".
So, we have three more on date for September 14th! It was so awesome
and such a great experience. The Lord is truly preparing people all over
the world and even right here in Kansas. I'm loving this opportunity to
serve so much. It's not easy, but it's been so awesome. I love
being a missionary!
So, on the way home from Caldwell that night I was pondering
what I could do to increase my faith. During this time the Spirit really
came upon me and gave me three things to do to strengthen my faith in Christ,
the Book of Mormon, and the church in general.
1) Really study the scriptures
2) Pray with real intent
3) Come to Church each week with a question
Simple, right? But over the past day I tried this method, I
learned that by small and simple means are great things brought to pass.
Sure enough, by really digging into the scriptures I see applications for
my own life and how I can improve. By praying remembering that I
communicate with God, I strengthen my connection to him. As I attended
church with a question, things people would say and other thoughts would stick
into my mind to answer that question. How awesome is that!?! Wow.
The gospel is so true. I love it, and I'm so thrilled to be a
missionary.
Ate mais! Amo voce^s!
Elder Trent Evans
No comments:
Post a Comment