So, this week was hard. Elder Beaufeaux was sick for it all, so we kept needing to go in early; he would be exhausted, and have stomach problems and whatnot, so we weren't able to proselyte as much as we'd hoped. But, we still met some good people, and things worked out ok, so it was all good in the end. We'll just have to work harder this week.
One guy we met was Thomas. We were looking for someone else (they contacted a big group of guys while on splits... oh yea! We went on splits this week; more later) and he wasn't there, so as we were leaving we bumped into Thomas. He said he read the entire pamphlet he had gotten, and had many questions. So, we sat down and answered them, and taught him about the Restoration. He liked it all; he especially loved the Book of Mormon. Turns out, he had heard about it back in 2004, and had been looking for it ever since. But, he never found it. We gave him a copy, and he was really thankful. He readily agreed to a baptismal date, and committed to come to Church on Sunday. He even asked us if he would be able to serve a mission like us. We asked his age - 23 - and then assured him that, if he lived worthily for it and put forth the effort, he'd be able to serve as a full-time missionary like us 1 year after his baptism. He was really happy for that.
It's very interesting. Most people in this world attack, accuse, defame, and desecrate the Book of Mormon and the Church, throwing forth countless, unfounded slander against it and doing all they can to destroy any part or portion of the Church or the members therein - and subsequently the Work of the Lord that goes forth there. But here are those select few precious souls, who, fighting against the ever-increasing opposition holding them back, seek out the Lord's Words, and hearken to the Lord's Truth. Truly, these are the Lord's elect. For, as the Lord has said, "Mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts" (D&C 29:7).
It's a wonderful thing, to see the fulfillment of the Lord's words in action. I really love this Work; it is the Lord's, and there is nothing like unto it.
So, for splits! I went on splits to Batsonaa which felt kinda odd; the District Leader doesn't normally leave his district. Elder Madamombe wanted to be with Elder Beaufeaux to see how he's doing. I was with Elder Onen, who's been in the field 5 weeks. Elder Madamombe is training him, one transfer after I started training Elder Beaufeaux. It was a fun experience; Elder Onen is a really awesome guy. Only member in his family; 7 siblings; been in the Church for 2 years - the Church has been in his village for 3. So, yea; he's a pretty tough guy. He's doing what he can to be a great missionary, and I read Alma 8:15 with him, and PMG Ch. 1, about how a missionary's success is determined by how well he keeps the commandments and serves the Lord, not so much on his baptisms or his eloquence in teaching. He really liked that, and I think he'll do great on his mission.
That's about it for this week. We helped the Mintah's move (family in the Ward). Odd, because it wasn't a Ward activity/project thing; we just heard about it, and offered to do it for them. We also taught Peniel and her father! That was cool. We taught about family prayer and scripture study. The father liked it, but doesn't seem all that interested in learning with us. He 'has his church,' and is not interested in finding a new one. We're praying with Peniel that he'll soften his heart and want to investigate the Church more, and see what it has to offer him. Peniel really likes the doctrines concerning eternal families; that's my favorite one, too; haha. She's doing her best to pray and bring the Gospel into his life as well. I know that the Lord will help therein; we just have to be patient and diligent.
That's about it. No info on transfers so far. That comes tomorrow. Elder Beaufeaux is finished training though! It's pretty awesome. I pray that all goes well this week.
I love you all! I know that the Book of Mormon is True. Reading it can bring amazing blessings into our lives. I'd like to leave you with Pres. Romney's promises concerning the Book of Mormon:
"And so, I counsel you, my beloved brothers and sisters and friends everywhere, to make reading the Book of Mormon a few minutes each day a lifelong practice. All of us need the uninterrupted association with the Spirit of the Lord. We need to take the Holy Spirit for our constant guide that we be not deceived. I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness" (Pres. Marion G. Romney, General Conference, Apr. 1980).
I know these promises are true. I have felt them in my life, and I know you will feel them in yours. Is there anything so terrible and risky as to make you not give it a try? 5 minutes a day; that's all that's asked. Member or not, just try it. I promise you - all of you - that God will bless you. You will draw closer to God as you read, and you will feel a greater guidance, strength, peace, and love in your life, in your home, in your family, no matter what situation you're in.
Again, I love you all! Take care, and have a great week! Read the Book of Mormon each day!
--Elder Collings
One guy we met was Thomas. We were looking for someone else (they contacted a big group of guys while on splits... oh yea! We went on splits this week; more later) and he wasn't there, so as we were leaving we bumped into Thomas. He said he read the entire pamphlet he had gotten, and had many questions. So, we sat down and answered them, and taught him about the Restoration. He liked it all; he especially loved the Book of Mormon. Turns out, he had heard about it back in 2004, and had been looking for it ever since. But, he never found it. We gave him a copy, and he was really thankful. He readily agreed to a baptismal date, and committed to come to Church on Sunday. He even asked us if he would be able to serve a mission like us. We asked his age - 23 - and then assured him that, if he lived worthily for it and put forth the effort, he'd be able to serve as a full-time missionary like us 1 year after his baptism. He was really happy for that.
It's very interesting. Most people in this world attack, accuse, defame, and desecrate the Book of Mormon and the Church, throwing forth countless, unfounded slander against it and doing all they can to destroy any part or portion of the Church or the members therein - and subsequently the Work of the Lord that goes forth there. But here are those select few precious souls, who, fighting against the ever-increasing opposition holding them back, seek out the Lord's Words, and hearken to the Lord's Truth. Truly, these are the Lord's elect. For, as the Lord has said, "Mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts" (D&C 29:7).
It's a wonderful thing, to see the fulfillment of the Lord's words in action. I really love this Work; it is the Lord's, and there is nothing like unto it.
So, for splits! I went on splits to Batsonaa which felt kinda odd; the District Leader doesn't normally leave his district. Elder Madamombe wanted to be with Elder Beaufeaux to see how he's doing. I was with Elder Onen, who's been in the field 5 weeks. Elder Madamombe is training him, one transfer after I started training Elder Beaufeaux. It was a fun experience; Elder Onen is a really awesome guy. Only member in his family; 7 siblings; been in the Church for 2 years - the Church has been in his village for 3. So, yea; he's a pretty tough guy. He's doing what he can to be a great missionary, and I read Alma 8:15 with him, and PMG Ch. 1, about how a missionary's success is determined by how well he keeps the commandments and serves the Lord, not so much on his baptisms or his eloquence in teaching. He really liked that, and I think he'll do great on his mission.
That's about it for this week. We helped the Mintah's move (family in the Ward). Odd, because it wasn't a Ward activity/project thing; we just heard about it, and offered to do it for them. We also taught Peniel and her father! That was cool. We taught about family prayer and scripture study. The father liked it, but doesn't seem all that interested in learning with us. He 'has his church,' and is not interested in finding a new one. We're praying with Peniel that he'll soften his heart and want to investigate the Church more, and see what it has to offer him. Peniel really likes the doctrines concerning eternal families; that's my favorite one, too; haha. She's doing her best to pray and bring the Gospel into his life as well. I know that the Lord will help therein; we just have to be patient and diligent.
That's about it. No info on transfers so far. That comes tomorrow. Elder Beaufeaux is finished training though! It's pretty awesome. I pray that all goes well this week.
I love you all! I know that the Book of Mormon is True. Reading it can bring amazing blessings into our lives. I'd like to leave you with Pres. Romney's promises concerning the Book of Mormon:
"And so, I counsel you, my beloved brothers and sisters and friends everywhere, to make reading the Book of Mormon a few minutes each day a lifelong practice. All of us need the uninterrupted association with the Spirit of the Lord. We need to take the Holy Spirit for our constant guide that we be not deceived. I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness" (Pres. Marion G. Romney, General Conference, Apr. 1980).
I know these promises are true. I have felt them in my life, and I know you will feel them in yours. Is there anything so terrible and risky as to make you not give it a try? 5 minutes a day; that's all that's asked. Member or not, just try it. I promise you - all of you - that God will bless you. You will draw closer to God as you read, and you will feel a greater guidance, strength, peace, and love in your life, in your home, in your family, no matter what situation you're in.
Again, I love you all! Take care, and have a great week! Read the Book of Mormon each day!
--Elder Collings
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