We had a good week, most of it was spent preparing for Zone Conference. It took a lot of time but went well so it worked out. It was a fantastic day, we talked about the power/role that the Book of Mormon plays in missionary work. It is central to our teaching because it is part of our unique message. Since the beginning of my mission, my love for the Book of Mormon has only grown. I've learned so many things from it; life lessons, warnings, and uplifting stories. Most importantly, it has granted me the opportunity to know more about our Savior, Jesus Christ. Also to feel the confirming witness the Holy Ghost gives to any honest seeker when they want to know if the book is true. I know that it is, there is simply no other way! One of my favorite conference talks is "The Book of Mormon, God's Compelling Witness" by Tad R. Callister. I love any talk by Tad R. but this one of my favorites!
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/gods-compelling-witness-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng&country=car
I could go on for a while about the Book of Mormon but I'll just leave it at this: if you would have asked me 2 years ago if I enjoyed reading the scriptures or just reading at all, I would have given you a fat NO. But I love reading the scriptures now which is something I never thought I would say. They contain a pretty cool power.
As for the rest of the week, Barbara is still super stubborn and Italian so she admits she's very sassy but she's good natured and funny most of the time. She is in Enos in the BOM and really loves the study guide/timeline that we are making for her. She told us that maybe the book is true, but she is just worried that she isn't going to be able to make such a change in her life at her age. We continue to assure her that it won't be the easiest thing, but our Savior promises to help her. She also loved learning about the Plan of Salvation and where we will go after we die. That it's not just heaven or hell, but it's more personal and loving than that. We told her if she joins the church, she would have to go to church 5 less days a week than she already does. I think she liked that. We also assured her she doesn't have to give up any of the friendships and relationships which are so important to her in her current church.
On Tuesday we got a text from Anissa saying that she just finished the Book of Mormon (!) after having started it 2 weeks earlier! She was excited to talk with us about it. It was pretty wild, because just the week earlier, I had prayed to find/teach someone who would just eat up the Book of Mormon super quickly and well, He answered. Elder Taylor and I were so hyped all day! We went over that day around noon and asked her what she thought. She said at first, she wasn't sure if she would be able to get into it, but by the end she was wanting to read more and go back to it as soon as she could. We told her that was the Spirit speaking to her! She even thinks other churches should implement the teachings from the Book of Mormon! We asked her if she now believed the Book of Mormon to be the word of God and she said yes!! We then had a wonderful lesson on Saturday with them and we challenged them to baptism! Branden said he would like to know more about what baptism is before he commits but Anissa said that after reading the Bible and the Book of Mormon and reading about how important baptism is, she had been thinking about getting baptized! That was so awesome! One concern is that she really loves the church she is currently attending and runs a group there so she is really going to have to pray about where she needs to be. I know Heavenly Father will answer her prayers.
One other cool experience this week: after a prayer, we knocked into an evangelical pastor and his family. We asked if we could share a message about Jesus Christ and he said no because they were evangelical and already knew Jesus and in fact, were reading Matthew 12 as a family at that very moment. I'm not sure why but I'll credit the Spirit, I asked if we could join their family in reading. He said sure and then let us into his house and we sat down in their kitchen and read the Bible with him, his wife, and their 4 kids. After we finished, I shared John 10:16 about the other sheep that Jesus needs to bring into the fold. I introduced the Book of Mormon to them as those other sheep and the spirit was strong. They shared their doubts but I assured them as they read and prayed to know for themselves, that they would get an answer. We left, but it was a cool experience. I think we will try to see them again in a few weeks. I'm really grateful they welcomed us into their home!
Sorry this is long, the church is just true and so I have a lot to say about it. The experiences I'm having are undeniable, that's for sure.
The Song of the Week is "Little Black Submarine" by the Black Keys, a solid song and an OG Ritt Momney cover from years back.
Have a great week everyone!
Love, Elder Thompson
pics:
I cook a mean chicken now and also comp ties.
Elder Taylor's bday at Sister Auva'a's
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k8es2BNloE Little Black Submarine Black Keys
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