Tuesday: We went and gave service at a
food bank here in town. We would bag people's groceries and smile and
just be nice. The man, Paul, who runs the place is a strong Christian
man. They offer to pray for people when they come in and because of that
he has run into problems with the government. Anyways a man came in who
is losing his sight and was recently diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
Paul came over and asked us if we would like to pray for him. It was
such a neat experience. I really like giving service here, but than up
in Indy.
We got a headquarter referral!!! So Sis Fullmer calls the
number and leaves a message on Monday. Then we get a call from WA. I
was way confused. I pick it up and this woman identifies herself and
Sister Hollinger from Poulsbo. She goes on to explain that she met
Roland on an online dating service (they are in their 70's) and she has
started to share about the church. He was interested in learning more so
he requested the missionaries. I spoke with him on the phone Monday
night for quite a long time. He made it very clear that he is pretty set
on his beliefs, but is willing to learn more. So Tuesday we went and
met with him. He is Apostolic Pentecostal; we have some very different
beliefs. It's quite difficult to explain the Restoration to someone who
doesn't believe that God and Jesus Christ are two separate beings with
bodies. Anyways, he knows a ton about the Bible because he went to Bible
college for four years. He is very sweet and gentle and definitely
patient with us. Even though right now he doesn't believe what we are
teaching him, he understands that we could have truth that he doesn't
know about yet. He wanted a lot of scriptures references from the Bible
so we explained to him that we would study A LOT in preparation for our
next meeting with him.
Wednesday: I spent the day up in the Indy 1st ward,
just south of my last area. They were having a leadership training for
all the ZL, DL, and trainers. So I was put in a trio with Sis Farr and
Sis Bunnell (MTC companion). We also gave service while we were there.
We went to a nursing home and sang for two members who are there. One of
them was actually sitting outside and we sang a couple of his favorite
hymns. Never before have I enjoyed singing "A Poor Wayfaring Man of
Grief" as much as I did. We then went inside and sang to another woman
who can't speak. All the can say is "I know", "boom", and "cha-ching".
But she was able to mouth the words of the hymns and we sang to her.
Thursday: We went with Bro Rollie again that night. We had a
lot of versus to read with him and he was impressed that we had taken
the time to study. We read him the Stephan's vision in Acts about Christ
standing on the right hand of God. He told us he didn't know how to
explain that. He understand how we could interpret that God and Christ
are one in purpose when referring to scriptures that say the Father and I
are one. He just doesn't believe it. Even though he isn't starting to
believe yet, I love teaching him. His eyesight is going bad so we
committed him to listen to the Book of Mormon. He said that he would. We
are meeting with him again tomorrow night and we are going to talk
about the Plan of Salvation. I think it will clear up with him why we
think that both God and Christ have resurrected bodies and why they are
needed. He doesn't understand why God would need a body now.
Friday: We had our zone meeting which was about an hour away.
It was weird being in a different zone because I didn't know anyone! We
also went tracting that night and it was my most positive experience so
far. No one really wanted us to teach them, but we were able to have
longer than 30 second conversations before getting the door closed on
us! It was actually pretty fun.
Saturday: We had another exchange. I don't know if you have
heard but they have changed the way they do sister exchanges. Before it
was like we would just switch with anyone that was close. Now we have
four sister leadership trainers (or something like that) and we will go
on an exchange with them once each transfer. Eventually they will have
two of them together in an companionship (like a ZL) but right now there
aren't enough experienced sisters. So Sis Cordner is our trainer so she
went with Sis Fullmer. Then I got to go with Sis Farr again. We had a
lot of fun together. We went a say some potential investigators and set
up some return appointments. At one point we were out in the country
traveling on this gravel road. Southern Indiana is gorgeous! There is
rolling hills and trees everywhere. It was also raining that day so it
reminded me of home.
Sunday: I ate some chips and salsa for dinner in celebration
of Cinco de Mayo.....Sis Fullmer thought I was kidding when I said that I
would. We had a regional broadcast yesterday and we got to hear from
Elder Hales and President Uchtdorf. There was a lot of emphasis on the
importance of families. President Uchtdorf talked about the growth of
the church and how important it is for members to be involved with the
strengthening of the church. It was great! Basically he was telling them
to get involved with missionary work:)
Today we have some more work getting our apartment together.
We finally got some lamps and bookcases. The only problem is we have to
assemble the bookcases.....I've never read directions for that before.
So we'll see how long that takes us. So far we have quite a few
appointments this week so I'm really excited! I've realized that I
really like teaching people. I wish there was someone who could arrange
all the appointments for us and stuff and then we could just show up a
teach. I'm realizing how important it is for members to share the gospel
because that is the most successful was to do missionary work. I
definitely feel rebuked for always being hesitant to open my mouth
before. That will change when I get home! Oh yeah next summer still
feels like an eternity away, like it will NEVER get here. But at the
same time time is starting to pass by more quickly. The days just seem
so looooooooong. But I'm doing great!!! Much more optimistic than I was
last week.
Sister Mayberry
