Winging it :)

9.21.15

This week we were able to have some good visits and teaching opportunities. Our first one was with Lindsey, the one who has a baptismal date. So two weeks ago Lindsey text the member who was going to give her a ride to church and told them that she was going back to her old church, because she didn't agree with some of the doctrine we teach. We were pretty bummed, but we deiced to to and see her after church and have an open conversation and see if we could answer any questions she had. Well we went and talked to her, and we were able to set up a time to come and see her. This Monday we went over with this awesome returned missionary in our ward. The visit ended up going really good! We first just listened to her concerns and then used the doctrine of the Restoration to help her overcome her concerns. The spirit was there, and helped ease and doubts she has about all of the new things we are teaching her. During our visit she talked about how weak she feels all the time, and she wanted to know why we are given weakness. We read Ether 12:27 and talked about how weakness is what allows us to be humble enough to reach out to Christ and let Him lift us up. It was such a cool discussion. I love the power of the Book of Mormon and being able to fell the love of our Savior. Lindsey is now re-committed to read the Book of Mormon and come to church. She truly does have a desire to do what is right, and I know that she can feel the peace that comes from having a knowledge of the principles we are teaching her.

     This week we were also able to meet with this super funny less-active guy named brother Christensen. He is in his late 70's and is full of stories from his service in both the navy and the church. As he was telling us of his service in the church I could feel that he really does have a testimony of this gospel. As we continued to talk he told us some of the reasons why he does not come to church anymore. A lot of it had to do with being mistreated and offended by members of the church, especially some of the leaders in his wards. Now I don't know both sides of the story, but It was sad to see that members of this church would say things and do things like he described in his stories. It really taught me the importance of watching what we say and do. It's crazy how big of an affect one word or one action can have on a family. He was the nicest man, and he said he really likes missionaries. He told us towards the end of our conversation that if God told him to start going back to church that he would do it. I am positive that God has already told him that, but we are going to start reading the Book of Mormon with him and help him see that God needs his testimony and service in His kingdom.

  We also had another pretty cool experience with service this week. We were rushing to an appointment, because a lesson had gone a little long and we were going to be late. Well on the way to our next appointment there was a lady in one of the trailer parks we pass through that had her car parked to the side of the road. As we got closer to her she waved us down. She told us that on the way home from work she had gotten a flat tire. She said that she had called road side assistance, but they said they would be a while. She told us that she sees us sometimes when she goes to work. She asked us if we would be able to help her fix her flat tire. We said of course! It was interesting, because I had never really changed a tire and elder Jensen and only done it once. We were pretty much winging it the whole time, but luckily it wasn't too hard to figure out:) I absolutely love when God places people in our path that need help, there is nothing better then being a tool in His hands. I challenge you all to always look for opportunities to serve God's children.

  This next week is going to be a great week, we have lots of appointments scheduled and we have zone conference tomorrow, which is always amazing! I hope everyone is doing well and looking forward to the cooler Fall weather!:)

Love,

Elder Griffin