Dear family,
I say that because these dinners have been fabulous, some of great building of member trust occurred this week as we encouraged members to start sharing their testimonies and be a example of their religion. We encouraged them to share on Facebook, by a pass along card and many other ways to a stranger or non member friend they have. And we are getting some pretty cool results. It's not really getting U.S. investigators but people are certainly learning more about us around the world. Recently one of the ladies who did it had a boy comment how much he liked the meet the Mormons video and how her message reminded him of that. They got a talkin and befell you know it he was throwing questions left and right at her, eventually she told him the way he can truly receive those answers he divides and grow is by talking with missionaries. So he agreed and is now meeting with some Sacramento missionaries!! Another one was this older man had read online about Joseph smith and his 'ridiculous' claim of a vision. He got curious and checked it out some more to find some weird stuff, about temples, and about Angels and priesthood and all these things. Well he asked a friend to explain it, who invited him to a barbecue. Their he had him and a friend( return missionary) with him who helped to explain questions around the camp fire. To the point that the guy wanted to know how he could bless his family with all that the gospel had to offer! It's incredible how our small words can change lives.
Anyhow we did meet with a few cool people this week, as we are clearing out potential investigator list, we are finding that makes have moved about 5 years ago. But we are picking up some encouraging referrals and potentials to become Better. We met a man who is older, he let his wife and is kinda living out his last years trying to fill his time the best. He was a big Lutheran but just has not had the desire to go back. He doesn't favor religion to well yet he keeps inviting us over because he likes he spirit we bring. We read the bible won him and talked about baptism and what example Jesus Christ set for us. ....no we did not ask him to baptism, but he does now realize he need for a baptism by proper authority and immersion. He is more curious now to find the correct one.
Also the Japanese lady I told you about earlier, fusae! We had a lesson about Jesus Christ and his birth, we talked about him growing up and the experiences he faced with teaching at the temple, and almost being killed as an infant by the king. After all this she took her time to bear testimony (without meaning too or realizing it) of Jesus Christ, how she feels closer to him and understanding him. What a phenomenal change has overcome her as she has found not only God but now Jesus Christ. She is progressing at a great pace and I can see her being a fabulous member in the future. Teaching her has really taught me patience.
Anyhow I'll get on with the rest, so I am currently reading in Mosiah about Abinadi who was prophesying to king Noah and his people of their wickedness and sin. He preach of truth and repentance to these people pleading with them to understand and see their abominations and humble themselves. Even to the point of death. I truly admired him as a prophet because I'm sure he knew his chance to survive where not great, yet he gave everything up to do what he was told. And he was bold in it, something I never really have been on my mission until now. I realize sometimes it takes a push to get someone to finally cross over and learn and it's been amazing experience. I have to get going but my last thing I wanted to share is a sweet quote I learned while I was out here.
“Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.” -unknown
Scripture to memorize this week!! 1 nephi 1:20
-Elder Heckel
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