Dear family and everyone else,
Halloween was pretty good. We were able to have dinner with Sister Weeden, and then we went home. There really weren't a whole lot of trick or treator's around here, or at least in that neighborhood. Everyone started really early while the sun was still glowing in the setting distance, then by about 8 or 8:30, everyone was done and back home. I guess people really don't like the dark or like to stay up late around here. Then we studied whatever for the rest of the evening and planned our next days activities.
Tuesday, we had our last Trainer-New Missionary Meeting. We had another good discussion how we, as trainer's, are doing, and the new missionary's councilled and asked general questions for President Palmer to address. We also talked about different scriptures, and about teaching effectively. I brought up Acts 17:19-34 about "The Unknown God." From the context of the story, Paul traveled to Athens--a very logical and deep thinking people. He studied their culture, their famous poets, and historical people. By knowing the people's background, he was able to relate to them more in his teaching style; however, they did reject him because they could not believe in a resurrection of the dead, so although we can do our absolute best, people will still have the gift of agency to choose to accept or reject the gospel.
We picked up a couple of new investigators. James Cunningham was the first. He was a former investigator about 2 years ago. Due to a stroke that he had, the missionaries dropped him until he recovered. We taught him the restoration from the pamphlet, and he remembered a lot of different things. He may or may not accept a baptismal invite, but I feel he might. He seems ready to receive the gospel. Brother Cortez warned about him about wasting our time. I think he's changed to the point where he will be baptized. We will see. The other new investigators we picked up were Monica and her husband Jason. We were really happy when we could finally teach them. We did a lot of good service and much more to help them out around their house as they get it ready to sell. Monica was a Baptist, and Jason isn't too religious. We addressed a lot the importance of the family in the gospel, and how the gospel of Jesus Christ helps with family relationships. We then asked them to read the Books of Mormon that we gave them, and pray to know if it's true, and that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, and that he restored the priesthood on the earth. The baptism invite was a little shaky, but Brother Stokes went with us and made the situation much smoother. We helped her understand that to be baptized, it must be done by the authority given, so she will definetly study up on that. She's been so grateful for all that we have done thus far for her.
Daylight savings was glorious. I was able to finally sleep in for an extra hour. I have been so tired lately. I guess serving after 21 months without a break or sleep in day can really do a number on you. When I get home, it's going to suck because spring forward will happen shortly after I get home, along with the time change between the time zones of California and Utah. That's about it for this week. Love you all.
Sincerely,
Elder White
Halloween was pretty good. We were able to have dinner with Sister Weeden, and then we went home. There really weren't a whole lot of trick or treator's around here, or at least in that neighborhood. Everyone started really early while the sun was still glowing in the setting distance, then by about 8 or 8:30, everyone was done and back home. I guess people really don't like the dark or like to stay up late around here. Then we studied whatever for the rest of the evening and planned our next days activities.
Tuesday, we had our last Trainer-New Missionary Meeting. We had another good discussion how we, as trainer's, are doing, and the new missionary's councilled and asked general questions for President Palmer to address. We also talked about different scriptures, and about teaching effectively. I brought up Acts 17:19-34 about "The Unknown God." From the context of the story, Paul traveled to Athens--a very logical and deep thinking people. He studied their culture, their famous poets, and historical people. By knowing the people's background, he was able to relate to them more in his teaching style; however, they did reject him because they could not believe in a resurrection of the dead, so although we can do our absolute best, people will still have the gift of agency to choose to accept or reject the gospel.
We picked up a couple of new investigators. James Cunningham was the first. He was a former investigator about 2 years ago. Due to a stroke that he had, the missionaries dropped him until he recovered. We taught him the restoration from the pamphlet, and he remembered a lot of different things. He may or may not accept a baptismal invite, but I feel he might. He seems ready to receive the gospel. Brother Cortez warned about him about wasting our time. I think he's changed to the point where he will be baptized. We will see. The other new investigators we picked up were Monica and her husband Jason. We were really happy when we could finally teach them. We did a lot of good service and much more to help them out around their house as they get it ready to sell. Monica was a Baptist, and Jason isn't too religious. We addressed a lot the importance of the family in the gospel, and how the gospel of Jesus Christ helps with family relationships. We then asked them to read the Books of Mormon that we gave them, and pray to know if it's true, and that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, and that he restored the priesthood on the earth. The baptism invite was a little shaky, but Brother Stokes went with us and made the situation much smoother. We helped her understand that to be baptized, it must be done by the authority given, so she will definetly study up on that. She's been so grateful for all that we have done thus far for her.
Daylight savings was glorious. I was able to finally sleep in for an extra hour. I have been so tired lately. I guess serving after 21 months without a break or sleep in day can really do a number on you. When I get home, it's going to suck because spring forward will happen shortly after I get home, along with the time change between the time zones of California and Utah. That's about it for this week. Love you all.
Sincerely,
Elder White