1.) We have been meeting consistently with one person, one of our investigators, Ryan Tupper!
I
can't remember if I have emailed you about in him in the past. Elder Bird and I street contacted him in this apartment complex one night and
invited him to meet with us at the local Kneaders. He seemed kinda flaky especially when asked if we could schedule in 2 weeks into the
future. Usually people don't come through, but two weeks in we get a
text from Ryan saying are we still meeting? he ask how long do these usually
last? (Remember this is the week Elder Bird's appendix burst!) I told
him we would meet and we taught him the first 2 discussions in an hours
time. He said he was interested to learn more and expressed how he is
looking for peace in his life. He used to be a very sad kid and had a
lot of depression issues. I told him that I used to feel the same way
at times and told him that the higher power that you believe in is a literal
father who is in heaven. Also take into account this kid has no
religious background at all. He doesn't even know anything about Jesus
Christ. Ever since that lesson he has been praying every night. Fast
forward three weeks he has done some amazing things. He has come
to church 3 weeks straight. I can tell he isn't wrapping his head around
some things just because he is very new to all the church concepts and
words we use so casually and regularly. He is coming to regular
activities the young singles have been having and making a lot of new
friends. Sadly they are all leaving to go back to school which is a huge
bummer. The YSA ward is going to be wiped out. Jared and my friend
Nathan are both leaving to go to BYU! Also this week was a convert fireside in
the stake that we have been planning for a month now. A couple days
before we had a great lesson with Ryan. He doesn't quite understand
Jesus Christ or God but he is processing a lot of things and asking him
questions on what he can do to reach out and get his answer. Before the
fireside all three of us fasted, including Ryan so that he could get his
answer. I played a musical number called His Hands by Kenneth Cope and
the spirit was very strong! President and Sister Savage were both there
and they both gave beautiful words. A lot of which resonated with Ryan a
ton. He said after he didn't know what he felt. He says he doesn't feel
anything different but similar feelings that he has had growing up
which tell his gut whats right and whats wrong. We tell him that that is God's hand which is manifested through the holy spirit, telling you
these things (the gut feeling) are leading you down the right path. He
has been unsure why we put labels to things but I think he likes the
concept that there is an actual person who knows him perfectly and who
has felt his pains and struggles. We haven't been focusing enough I feel
about Jesus Christ and I know that this next lesson will be a turning point. We
are going to teach about knowing Christ. I have the faith that he will
get his answer and that he will come into the waters of baptism I can
feel it. Keep praying and fasting for Ryan.
2.) Today was a
mission P-day which was so fun! We all drove up to this park in Arvada
3rd ward which is in my old greenie area and we all watched the solar
eclipse through our fresh glasses haha! We played a bunch of games which
we all related to missionary work. Being the zone leaders we were in
charge along with the others making sure missionaries didn't do anything
against the white handbook lol! It was fun but the thing I enjoyed the
most was president Savages ending remarks before we left. He says he has
been praying and fasting that and has felt from the Lord that our
missionaries can baptize a month even despite the areas whether they be
easy or difficult. He told us to go home with our companions tonight and
pray about a goal that we can reach for the month of September. He said
to push oueselves but don't be extreme and don't think that you can't
baptize more than 1 a month. He got really emotional and talked about Caleb from the old testament and how he said "give me this mountain"
when he saw the children of Anak(the giants) that made them look like
grasshoppers. All the spies doubted but Caleb had an unwavering faith
that if the lord delivered them out of the hands of Pharaoh, then why
can't he deliver us from these giants and inherit the land! His faith
was so strong and he knew what the lord is capable of doing according to
our faith. The lord through the mission president and the revelation he
received knows what we can accomplish and I believe that we can baptize
people in this upcoming month. I know it! I will work harder with more
determination and more faith then I have ever have before. I can't wait
to see what the the Lord can do this month!
I
love you so much. My testimony has been strengthened. I know that I am
weak in the flesh but with the Lord I am made stronger! Way stronger
than any giant out there that keeps me from accomplishing the Lord's will.
I say give me that mountain because nothing is stopping me from scaling
it! I love this church! The happiness it brings is real and it is
because of Jesus the Chirst! He is the Savior of this world. Only
through him can we receive true joy. I love you have a great week!
-Elder Brown
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