Dear Family,
Most everything here is still progressing. I'm happy with how the week worked out.
Elder Gebhard and I had a neat experience. Earlier in the week we got a call from a student at Flagler College and she is doing a report for a class. She wanted to ask some questions and attend a worship service. We worked out the details and she came to sacrament yesterday. She didn't stay for the classes, but came back later and we sat down to go over some of her questions. It was wonderful. The questions she asked were relatively simple to answer. Afterwards Elder Gebhard and I were talking about it and he compared it to when President Hinckley talked to Mike Wallace. We then got a good laugh. We were hoping she would become a new investigator, but it became apparent that right now she's not searching. However, I feel it was a very positive experience for her and us.
Unfortunately PJ wasn't baptized on Sunday. Everything was going really well and then on Saturday we got a call. It was a member who is fellowshipping PJ, and we were informed that PJ's parents had decided that they want him to wait to be baptized. The member suggested that we go and talk to his parents. After I got off the phone with the member I felt totally at peace. It caught me off guard a little. In the past I would have panicked, or felt very stressed, but the Spirit brought me peace and I know that it will all work out.
We weren't able to talk to his parents, but PJ told us that his parents don't feel he has learned enough. PJ is still optimistic and wants to join the Church, and I feel confident that he will. After we talked to him on Saturday he asked us to pray that he can still join the Church. We did and still are. His desire to do the right thing is very admirable, especially at his age. The plan from here is to meet with his parents and talk about their concerns.
Andy, another investigator that is scheduled to be baptized, is excited for his big day! Yesterday I was talking to him at church and he was telling me that he already has most of the program figured out for his baptism. He makes me laugh. He knows so much about the Church and how it is run. He participates in classes at church like he has been a lifelong member. He is going to do great things in the Church.
Joey continues to surprise Elder Gebhard and I. On Thursday we taught him the Word of Wisdom. Joey smokes and we were concerned that overcoming his addiction would be hard because it is for most people. Well, as we were teaching we originally set a goal for him to be done smoking by March 18th. I thought that was optimistic and he liked it. Then a few minutes later he looked at us and said,"There is no reason to wait, I'm going to quit tomorrow." He did and has been staying strong since. Out of all the people I've taught I have seen a greater difference in him. It has been about two weeks since we met him. At that time he looked miserable and was not in a good state of mind. It was clear that he had a lot of pain and sorrow in his life. Now he is at peace. He looks happy and is happy. There is a light in his eyes that wasn't there before. Yesterday was his first time at church and he was there in white shirt and tie. He looked like any other member.
Transfer calls came and I am staying in St. Augustine for my final six weeks. I'm really grateful I get to stay! I love it here and I enjoy being companions with Elder Gebhard. He is very thoughtful. He really looks to minister to all. He is a great example of humility and love. I look forward to learning even more from him.
Love Always, Zach
--
http://mormon.org/me/2k0m/
No comments:
Post a Comment