So, this week was a really hard one. Almost everyone dissappointed. There were days where we only got 1 or 2 lessons. I know for some missions in the world, that's a God send, but here, that's terrible. Our appointments failed, and those we contacted simply 'didn't have time right now.' But, alas, in the end we were able to get our goals, and God blessed us, so it all worked out. We're hoping that was one of those 'trials of our faith' things, and that it means major blessings are in store very soon.
Speaking of blessings, 6 investigators came to Sacrament this week, which is still pretty good. Granted, it's a downward trend, but I think it's giving us an idea of what we need to fix in our teaching skills. Oh! Remember the girl we baptized in January? Paula Abbey? Well, her mother owns a shop, and has been selling on Sundays for years. We've been trying to get her to stop since before I even came to this area (Elder Orok and his previous companion contacted Paula to begin with). Well, this past Sunday we went to her house - after she decided to come to Church for four weeks straight! - and asked her how things were going. She said that ever since we came to her house things have been slowly changing for the better. She can see the blessings of God in her life, and she wants to follow her daughter's path. She's committed to close her shop all of Sunday, starting next week, to throw out her alcohol that she sells "very soon," and has committed to be baptized on the 23rd of April! It's truly a miracle to see the changes she's making. Elder Orok said that nothing but God could ever get her to close her shop; it's her entire life, outside her family.
As for the Folami family, you can tell that Raymond knows these things are true. He's admitted that he fears asking God if it's true, cause he's not ready to take the step that will be required of him once he knows it's true; however, from how he reacts, he knows very well. Now he just needs the help needed to get the courage to do what he knows he needs to do. It will be very hard for him, but I feel that he and his family will be able to do it. We're praying very hard that they will be able to follow God's promptings.
The Aku family is doing great! Mummi Aku is very excited to share the Gospel with everyone, and she even picked an investigator to Church last week, after meeting her only once! It was great; she was even the one who offered it - we didn't ask her! I'm so happy to see that she's loving the Gospel so much. She's even got her children saving money from the money she gives them for lunch and whatnot for school, so they can learn how to pay Tithes and Fast Offerings. It's very wonderful to see her bringing her family so close together; you can tell they are a lot happier! The Gospel has the power to do that for families; all you have to do is try it out!
We have another person being baptized on April 9th, Rahel Okine. She attended Church for about 2 months a while ago (before the wards split), but she was never taught by the missionaries, so she had no idea what was going on and stopped. We were able to find her through the other missionaries (their area boundary is right next to where she lives in ours) and have been teaching her. She knows these things are true, and is very smart; we give her a pamphlet, she reads, and understands. Same thing with the scriptures we leave her. It makes things a lot easier for us; haha. She loves the Church, and is ready for next week; we just have to finish teaching a few things.
I think that's it for this week. I must once again bear my testimony of the power of the Book of Mormon. If you read it, you will be happier in your life. With the exception of your family and the words of the living prophet, there is nothing you have in your life more valuable than the words found in these scriptures. If you but read it, you will see for yourself. There is no reason nor excuse for not reading it, unless one does not care to see if it truly bears witness of Christ. Anyone in this world who cares anything for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, or for our Father in Heaven, should and must read the Book of Mormon; it is the most powerful witness of Jesus Christ we have in this world. With such witnesses - now over 13 million strong - there is no reason why anyone should decide not to even bother to see if what we declare to be true, is true. Read the Book of Mormon; I exhort you with all the energy of my heart. The promise is that you will gain peace, happiness, and joy greater than anything you have ever had in your life before; is there anything not worth doing for that? Yet all that is asked is to read a simple book, a volume of scripture inspired by God, and then apply the principles learned therein. This is no great feat; do not be as Naman, who refused to be cleansed from leprosy because the method to do so was so simple (2 Kings 5:11-12). Follow the counsel of his wise servants, and do this small and simple thing (2 Kings 5:13), for "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise" (Alma 37:6).
Read the Book of Mormon, even just a few verses, and "prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10; see also 3 Nephi 24:10). These promises are sure; try them for yourself. I testify to you that it will be worth the sacrifice.
I know this Gospel is True. I know the Book of Mormon is True, and is the Word of God. I know that Joseph Smith is a True prophet, and I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Only True Church of Jesus Christ, being the same Church that Jesus Christ established on earth during His earthly ministry, being restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith by command and counsel of Jesus Christ. These things are true; if you will but "ask of God,...it shall be given [you]" (James 1:5).
I love this Work, and I love you all! Take care, and God bless!
PS - I have a bunch of letters to send out. Some might arrive sooner than others; I don't know how the postal system works here, as they seem to arrive to people randomly. As soon as I can get to the Office Elders, I'll send all these letters out. Mepatyo, have patience! Haha.
--Elder Collings
Speaking of blessings, 6 investigators came to Sacrament this week, which is still pretty good. Granted, it's a downward trend, but I think it's giving us an idea of what we need to fix in our teaching skills. Oh! Remember the girl we baptized in January? Paula Abbey? Well, her mother owns a shop, and has been selling on Sundays for years. We've been trying to get her to stop since before I even came to this area (Elder Orok and his previous companion contacted Paula to begin with). Well, this past Sunday we went to her house - after she decided to come to Church for four weeks straight! - and asked her how things were going. She said that ever since we came to her house things have been slowly changing for the better. She can see the blessings of God in her life, and she wants to follow her daughter's path. She's committed to close her shop all of Sunday, starting next week, to throw out her alcohol that she sells "very soon," and has committed to be baptized on the 23rd of April! It's truly a miracle to see the changes she's making. Elder Orok said that nothing but God could ever get her to close her shop; it's her entire life, outside her family.
As for the Folami family, you can tell that Raymond knows these things are true. He's admitted that he fears asking God if it's true, cause he's not ready to take the step that will be required of him once he knows it's true; however, from how he reacts, he knows very well. Now he just needs the help needed to get the courage to do what he knows he needs to do. It will be very hard for him, but I feel that he and his family will be able to do it. We're praying very hard that they will be able to follow God's promptings.
The Aku family is doing great! Mummi Aku is very excited to share the Gospel with everyone, and she even picked an investigator to Church last week, after meeting her only once! It was great; she was even the one who offered it - we didn't ask her! I'm so happy to see that she's loving the Gospel so much. She's even got her children saving money from the money she gives them for lunch and whatnot for school, so they can learn how to pay Tithes and Fast Offerings. It's very wonderful to see her bringing her family so close together; you can tell they are a lot happier! The Gospel has the power to do that for families; all you have to do is try it out!
We have another person being baptized on April 9th, Rahel Okine. She attended Church for about 2 months a while ago (before the wards split), but she was never taught by the missionaries, so she had no idea what was going on and stopped. We were able to find her through the other missionaries (their area boundary is right next to where she lives in ours) and have been teaching her. She knows these things are true, and is very smart; we give her a pamphlet, she reads, and understands. Same thing with the scriptures we leave her. It makes things a lot easier for us; haha. She loves the Church, and is ready for next week; we just have to finish teaching a few things.
I think that's it for this week. I must once again bear my testimony of the power of the Book of Mormon. If you read it, you will be happier in your life. With the exception of your family and the words of the living prophet, there is nothing you have in your life more valuable than the words found in these scriptures. If you but read it, you will see for yourself. There is no reason nor excuse for not reading it, unless one does not care to see if it truly bears witness of Christ. Anyone in this world who cares anything for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, or for our Father in Heaven, should and must read the Book of Mormon; it is the most powerful witness of Jesus Christ we have in this world. With such witnesses - now over 13 million strong - there is no reason why anyone should decide not to even bother to see if what we declare to be true, is true. Read the Book of Mormon; I exhort you with all the energy of my heart. The promise is that you will gain peace, happiness, and joy greater than anything you have ever had in your life before; is there anything not worth doing for that? Yet all that is asked is to read a simple book, a volume of scripture inspired by God, and then apply the principles learned therein. This is no great feat; do not be as Naman, who refused to be cleansed from leprosy because the method to do so was so simple (2 Kings 5:11-12). Follow the counsel of his wise servants, and do this small and simple thing (2 Kings 5:13), for "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise" (Alma 37:6).
Read the Book of Mormon, even just a few verses, and "prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10; see also 3 Nephi 24:10). These promises are sure; try them for yourself. I testify to you that it will be worth the sacrifice.
I know this Gospel is True. I know the Book of Mormon is True, and is the Word of God. I know that Joseph Smith is a True prophet, and I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Only True Church of Jesus Christ, being the same Church that Jesus Christ established on earth during His earthly ministry, being restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith by command and counsel of Jesus Christ. These things are true; if you will but "ask of God,...it shall be given [you]" (James 1:5).
I love this Work, and I love you all! Take care, and God bless!
PS - I have a bunch of letters to send out. Some might arrive sooner than others; I don't know how the postal system works here, as they seem to arrive to people randomly. As soon as I can get to the Office Elders, I'll send all these letters out. Mepatyo, have patience! Haha.
--Elder Collings
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