Like last week, we have been doing a lot of finding. When I got here we basically started from ground zero, but we are beginning to see some progress. We found several people this week with some good potential and we have appointments with them in the upcoming week, so that's good. Let me tell you about a few of them.
On Friday we had Zone Conference, and for the last couple of zone conferences there has been a big focus on using the Book of Mormon more effectively. We talked about how we should never give away an unopened Book of Mormon. Always share a scripture from it, or use the introduction or the pictures in the front or something inside the Book to introduce it before giving it away. We have been doing that a lot better, and also just bearing testimony of the Book of Mormon to people a lot more, and I think that is one of the causes of us finding some of the new potentials that we have.
On Saturday we met a lady named Daisha whom we were able to share a little bit of the Restoration with, and also give her a copy of the Book of Mormon. She seemed pretty interested and we have a return appointment on Saturday.
That same day we met a guy named Tony. He was really nice at first, and we just talked about our common belief in the Savior and how important He is. We eventually sat down and we began teaching him the Restoration. Very quickly he just started to tell us how we don't have/need prophets today and blah blah blah. After teaching him a little bit of what I know to be true, I asked him a question that I've asked several people before: "If the Book of Mormon was the word of God, would you read it?" Of course, he responded that he would. I then took the opportunity to bear testimony to him that it was and that it would bless his life. He then rejected another invitation to read and to pray about it for himself. It never ceases to amaze me how many people will reject something that 1) they have never read and/or know very little about, and 2) they are told will help them, and bless them. It's sad, but it doesn't stop us from inviting. They all need what we have.
On Sunday we met a lady named Shea (pronounced "Shay"). We knocked her door, and she was super nice to us, but didn't really seem all that interested. She told us a lot about how she really respects others' beliefs, and she would never judge anyone for what they believe. She also told us that she also goes out and "witnesses to people" like we do. We introduced the Book of Mormon to her, and invited her to read and to pray about it. She said that she didn't want a copy right now, but if she ever felt that God was telling her that she should read it, or that it was good, then she would get a copy. I stopped and said something to her like this: "You know, there's something interesting about faith and about how the Holy Ghost works with us. Very rarely can the Spirit tell you that something is good or that it is true (like the Book of Mormon) before you take the time to read it and to pray about it. He is very rarely going to say, 'Hey, read that Book, it's true.' He is almost always going to testify to us after we have begun to read and to pray. And when we take the time to read, ponder, and pray sincerely about the Book of Mormon, he will always answer us that it is true." She eventually accepted a copy and a return appointment for this week. It's an interesting principle that we shared with Shea, and one that Elder Bednar clearly described in his talk "Seek Learning by Faith." He said, "Faith as the evidence of things not seen looks to the past and confirms our trust in God and our confidence in the truthfulness of things not seen. We stepped into the darkness with assurance and hope, and we received evidence and confirmation as the light in fact moved and provided the illumination we needed." We often have to step into the dark before the light moves, assuring us and confirming to us that the step we took was correct. In the words of Elder Rogers from The Best Two Years, "Just remember that one!"
Well, this was a good week. Things are beginning to pick up as we do our best to talk to anyone and everyone about the Restored Gospel. It's something that every soul needs to hear and have the opportunity to accept or reject. I pray that we will find those who will do the former.
Love you guys! Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers! They are the best. Have a great week.
Love,
Elder Beach
#RollTide
Doing a little service with my dog friend. :)
This is the house we are helping to build.
My companion doing a little fishing.
Our brand new car!!
Me and my companion.
My collection of ties.
My new apartment is sweet! I have my very own bathroom!
One of the two Young Men in the branch that is active.
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