Its been pretty fun this past week trying to keep on top of things.
I think I mentioned that We were teaching a man named Carlos, and yes,
he is Mexican. Which is way sweet!! I love teaching and working with the
Brown brothers! Its really fun too because though he understands most
of what we say, he doesn't speak very well. Likewise with my Spanish I
can get what he's trying to say most of the time, but I know I'm
butchering all of the grammar and congregations of verbs. But its ok. We
both get our points across for the most part and he really loves us
coming over. We will be going over tonight with a member who served a
Spanish speaking mission in California and are going to extend a
baptismal invitation! So its way exciting.
A few weeks ago we got a referral from Pres. Pitt to go visit a man
he talked to in Taco Bell. President Pitt is an awesome example because
he's never hesitant to share the Gospel where ever he goes. We only got
the Address for the man who happened to live in Walker West Virginia
which is in the Rural part of our area. Looking on the map we tried to
decided the best way to get there. Either A: take the long way on the
highway, or B: take a back road and save miles. We of course chose B and
decided to go on an adventure. We ended going up and over several
mountains on a one lane pot-hole-and-gravel road out in the Boonies. It
was way fun to drive don't get me wrong, but I decided there could
probably be a more effective way to work. So I gave in and bought a GPS.
And actually I think it will be worth it. I went through and uploaded
the ward roster on it so we always know where the members are and who we
can work with in a specific area. I don't need it much for getting
around in the city but its proven helpful in finding country homes and
points of interest. Found out there's a Lebanese restaurant downtown I
would like to try out! Cultured food yay!
Also Friday was an exciting time in the mission as we had Elder
Pieper of the 70 come to Address us. It was a long meeting lasting
nearly 8 hours of teaching. Half of the mission met in Charleston and
the Rest met the next day in Roanoke. He spoke to us on many topics
including Finding the Elect, How to use Missionary work to bless the
Members, and how to use peoples desires to help them make Righteous
covenants with God. It was an intense meeting and I have already been
able to start applying the principles that he gave us. I think one of
the coolest things about being instructed in missionary work is I've
never been instructed on tactics to convince people the Gospel is true.
Its always been things more along the lines of "Learn to love them to
open their hearts", "Listen closely to the Spirit for what to say",
"Serve others as much as possible, Regardless of their interest in the
Message". There's a wonderful quote from Elder Packer of the Quorum of
the 12 Apostles which goes something like this:
"A study of true doctrine will do more to help improve behaviour, than a study of Behaviour will improve behaviour."
I've come to know that that's a true statement and I've
seen it work. We are taught to apply principles in our lives, so that we
can become more effective in the lives of others. Everything else I've
had to learn by experience. The knocking on doors, talking to people in
the Street, making more than awkward phone calls. Not much in the manual
on that. But that's also been the fun part of it too.
We also had some rough doors this past week. Every now
and then we get one that is particularly unpleasant and we have to remind
our selves that even Christ himself was persecuted. The very Son of God
was hated for his Testimony and rejected by his own. Are the Servants
better than the Master? Always a humbling thought.
Its Transfers tomorrow, but I will be staying here with
Elder Heiner. I'm stoked. We have some Great "Compunity". Sisters will
be doubling out the Elders in Marietta and Elder Dailey will Replace
Elder Reidhead in Parkersburg south. So some interesting changes in the
District but that should be ok too. I think Thats all.
Love ya!
Elder Sunada
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