5/27/14

This week has been pretty good.  I've noticed that in this area you have to be very bold with the people you teach, otherwise everything will just go over their heads or they're probably just drunk like one of our investigators usually is.  We're referred to the Jesus Boys here, ha ha!  Anyways, we found a new investigator named Marshall this week.  He's a 7th Day Adventist.  Brief background, they don't believe in a Pre-Mortal life or that Jesus Christ is the literal son of God.  So, when we were teaching the Restoration, it was kind of hectic between him and Elder Langford.  It wasn't like bashing, but it was close.  Finally, I opened up my mouth and said to Marshall, "Marshall we're not tearing down what you believe in.  We're simply trying to help you increase your faith in Jesus Christ.  That book (The Book of Mormon) contains the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Everything we have to teach you is in that book.  I know it is the word of God.  I've read and prayed about it sincerely desiring to know and act on my answer.  All we do is invite you to do the same."  (It's not exactly word for word but close.)  As I testified to Marshall of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, the Spirit came back into the room and I was just the mouthpiece of the Holy Ghost.  I had the Holy Ghost testify to me again that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and does contain the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I even almost started crying as I testified to Marshall.  Elder Langford said, "Man, that was powerful.  I could tell you were getting emotional because of how powerful the spirit was."

The amazing thing though was it wasn't until I really just wanted Marshall to know what I know that I said those things.  Everything comes back to love.  We have to love people.  If they do, then every other commandment will be fulfilled that has been given to us, or we will keep every other commandment.

Yesterday, I also had an experience teaching our investigator, Ira.  He's 59 and was baptized into a Baptist church.  He's usually drunk when we see him, but he was sober a little bit that day.  We reviewed the Plan of Salvation with him because he didn't remember anything we taught him last time we went over it.  When I invited him to be baptized he said he already had been baptized.  I couldn't leave it at that though, so I just told him the truth and brought up how only one church has the Priesthood authority to baptize and that is found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I testified about the Book of Mormon and how he has to read it to find out if what we taught him really is true.  We also told him that he needs to come to church.  He told us that he'll come to church one day.  He also told us that, that got him thinking (the baptism and priesthood authority) and that he would definitely read and pray.  We told him to just start in the beginning, 1 Nephi 1.

So, I've been reading the war chapters this week in the Book of Mormon.  I could have finished Alma this morning, but I think I will tonight!  I'm a fan of the war chapters.  It's amazing to see the faithfulness the Nephite leaders had as well as the soldiers themselves.  None of them fought for gain, glory, wealth or praise.  They fought for their families, religion, country and liberty.  They always trusted in God in all things.  They were constantly seeking his direction in their lives.  I honestly see how we can apply that to our lives.  I mean, we're not fighting a war with swords these days, it's more like words and persecutions and vain things of the world.  Prayer plays a huge role in helping us stay close to Heavenly Father during the trials we're given to endure in this life.

Also, for tips in getting everyone to understand the scriptures when reading them.  Honestly, you both have done this, just ask inspired questions about the reading every few verses.  So, those aren't yes or no questions.  Just make them ponder on what's being read.

I'm doing great food wise!  Loving my chicken and rice!  Oh and don't forget oatmeal for breakfast!  It's cheap and easy and delicious!  I got my peas too!  I think I'll be saving next month with the system I've got going now!  Also, my new favorite snack food, I may have mentioned this, carrots and peanut-butter!  Yum!  Also, thanks for the pictures!  I'm loving them!  I'll be sending you a few after I send this email!

Love y'all!
-Elder Austin Mounts