Transfer news came last night, and Elder Kapcsos and I will both be leaving Greenville this transfer. And we are being replaced with Sisters haha. First time Sisters have been in the Montgomery district for about 2 years! President Sainsbury came to our branch on Sunday and made no mention of anything about transfers except "make sure your apartment is clean." Other than that we didn't really know anything for sure until last night and today.
We met a lady named Bobbie this week while tracting. She invited us right in and we just sat down and started teaching her. It was great. As we decided how to begin teaching, we mentioned that we were there to teach her and then invite her to act. One of those invitations that we would extend would be to come to church with us. She quickly responded, "In Highland Home? Y'all are crazy, plus I don't even have a car." (Keep in mind, she lives in Greenville 25 miles away). I almost just said to myself, "Dang it, another one of these people who have almost no chance of progressing just because of logistics." Anyway, we kept teaching her about the Restoration. She had better comprehension skills than most people we run into, and was really into the lesson. After we finished sharing the first vision with her she just said, "Wow, I just feel something, like I just feel that that's right. Y'all don't even know I feel so good, mhmm, yeah, that's nice, I like it, I feel good." (Typical Southern, elderly, black woman talk haha). Well, we took the chance to explain to her that what she was feeling was the spirit, and the spirit's role is to testify of truth. When she feels that way, she can know that whatever she is hearing or reading or learning about is true. It was a great lesson, and we (or I guess the Sisters) have a return appointment on Friday. Bobbie was really excited to read the Book of Mormon and meet with us again.
I've said it before but I'll say it again - sharing the first vision account in Joseph' s own words and then bearing testimony of it invites the spirit in a way that not a lot if things can do. It's one of my favorite things. Not sure what will come of Bobbie in the future, but I know that she felt the spirit that day.
New subject - President Sainsbury came to the branch on Sunday to speak. I guess he was here like 18 months ago, and I guess the branch had a tiny little linger longer afterward and he was so impressed by the food that apparently he has talked up Highland Home for the last year and a half. Well, word got back here about that, and so on Sunday the branch went all out for a pot luck after church, just to impress President once again. There was so much food, and all of it was awesome. President and Sister Sainsbury both spoke about member missionary work, and invited each member to do something to be a missionary. I would have followed up with people in the next weeks about accepting and acting on that invitation, but I'm leaving, so oh well. We'll leave a note for the Sisters. I do want to share with y'all some advice about member missionary work however. It is similar to what Sister Sainsbury said on Sunday, but it's a little different. This comes from Elder Oaks in the October 2016 conference titled "Sharing the Restored Gospel." Elder Oaks gives three tips that everyone can, and everyone should, do to be member missionaries. Here are his words:
"There are three things all members can do to help share the gospel, regardless of the circumstances in which they live and work. All of us should do all of these.
First, we can all pray for desire to help with this vital part of the work of salvation. All efforts begin with desire.
Second, we can keep the commandments ourselves. Faithful, obedient members are the most persuasive witnesses of the truth and value of the restored gospel. Even more important, faithful members will always have the Savior’s Spirit to be with them to guide them as they seek to participate in the great work of sharing the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Third, we can pray for inspiration on what we can do in our individual circumstances to share the gospel with others. This is different than praying for the missionaries or praying for what others can do. We should pray for what we can do personally. When we pray, we should remember that prayers for this kind of inspiration will be answered if accompanied by a commitment—something the scriptures call “real intent” or “full purpose of heart.” Pray with a commitment to act upon the inspiration you receive, promising the Lord that if He will inspire you to speak to someone about the gospel, you will do it."
I thought that was such great advice, and such simple advice, too. We all can do all of these things. I ask that y'all go find this talk, read it, and follow the advice given by an Apostle of the Lord.
Alright, well this was a good week. I have had lots of fun in the Highland Home Branch, and I look forward to where the Lord has assigned me to go next. I look forward to it. Love y'all. Have a great week!
Love,
Elder Beach
#RollTide
Helping to build a home in Greenville! Learning lots of new skills and getting to do lots of service!
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