8.29.11
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family & Friends~
This past week has been a good week for me and Elder Brimhall, from the baptism of Gisele to watching the Prophet of the Restoration movie with a member family and their friend.
To speak a little about Roy and Gisele, it is amazing to me to see how much each of them have changed in the span of a few short weeks. You can see the happiness emanating from their countenances. They are much closer to each other. They are reading the Book of Mormon each day as a couple and praying morning and evening together. they both have expressed desires to serve a mission together when their daughter graduates high school and moves into college life. I am so impressed with their faith and how much it has changed them. They are literally new people. They are who they were truly meant to be all along. I love them and am grateful to be able to take some small part in being able to get to know and teach them. They said something really nice to me yesterday, they said they wanted to talk to Bishop Budge to see if they could get the ward together to set up a dinner for me near my last day and do a barbecue and some other things. I thought that was neat. Whether or not it happens, the thought alone meant a lot to me. They said they were really going to miss me when I leave and I couldn't help but want to give each of them a big hug and tell them I was never going to go...but I knew that wouldnt' be the case...it's hard to leave the people you have come to know and love so much, but sometimes you need to let go and move one and trust that the Lord will take care of the rest and that one day I'll see them all again, but in a much happier place.
Speaking with President Barry was neat. He and I both spoke about seventeen or so minutes. The youth speaker kept his nice and concise with a solid three minute talk. Actually, I though david did really well. he spoke on preparing for a mission, both the physical preparation as well as the spiritual preparation, and his testimony of missionary work. he was very well prepared to give his talk--which lined up nicely with the general theme. I talked about my own baptism, the importance of faith, the blessings of the gospel (temporal and spiritual), how the gospel was restored, the First Vision, the change that the gospel will make in those who live it, that Christ can make our weaknesses our strengths, and that the best way to share the gospel is by living it, and my testimony. Somehow it managed to come out alright! President Barry also spoke about his own baptism, his gratitude for being a full-time missionary, his gratitude for the youth who passed the sacrament, the importance of baptism and the sacrament, the covenants we make, the vastness of the missionary work of this Church, the necessity of the priesthood keys, the perfect government (not necessarily perfect people) of the Lord's kingdom on earth, the fluidity of transition among church leaders, the importance of following those who hold priesthood keys, and lastly the commandment to spread forth the gospel, which gospel will save the earth from its own self-destruction, and his testimony. It was overall a very good meeting, I thought. We even had someone who had a dream about the Church the night before show up during Sacrament meeting! He isn't in our area, but I'm sure the missionaries who teach him will be able to help him learn the gospel.
We will still be going golfing today, which should be a lot of fun. We'll also be going with one of his friends who was formerly a Stake President. We'll see how it goes tonight!
On Hurricane Irene, I'm not even sure that our area was touched by the storm. We had a little rain, bu no worse than any of the rainstorms in the past, in fact, the weather was less powerful than other storms I've seen. I was hoping to see the entire sky begin to shift around in the familiar circular motion of a hurricane; however, it didn't happen. But I guess that is okay, I'd rather not have all the consequences of a severe storm. I even began to inventory everything I owned! I might still do that anyways just because I think it's a good idea, but it takes forever! We were told to make s 72 Hour Kit as well, so I began making preparations for wilderness survival. I had some rope, a good knife, leather work gloves, water, enough food to survive, and ways to purify water. But I think Man vs. Wild is going to have to wait a little while longer for me :) haha!
I hope each of you has a wonderful week and I look forward to hearing from you nxt week. I love you and I wish all of you well. I have a final little thought on progressio and change before I go:
Jacob 5:52-52;64-66;74
52 Wherefore, let us take of the branches of these which I have planted in the nethermost parts of my vineyard, and let us graft them into the tree from whence they came; and let us pluck from the tree those branches whose fruit is most bitter, and graft in the natural branches of the tree in the stead thereof.
53 And this will I do that the tree may not perish, that, perhaps, I may preserve unto myself the roots thereof for mine own purpose.
54 And, behold, the roots of the natural branches of the tree which I planted whithersoever I would are yet alive; wherefore, that I may preserve them also for mine own purpose, I will take of the branches of this tree, and I will graft from them in unto them. Yea, I will graft in unto them the branches of their mother tree, that I may preserve the roots also unto mine own self, that when they shall be sufficiently strong perhaps they may bring forth good fruit unto me, and I may yet have glory in the fruit of my vineyard.
65 And as they begin to grow ye shall clear away the branches which bring forth bitter fruit, according to the strength of the good and the size thereorf; and ye shall not clear away the bad thereof all at once, lest the roots thereof should be too strong for the graft, and the graft thereof shall perish, and I lose the trees of my vineyard.
66 For it grieveth me that I should lose the trees of my vineyard; wherefore ye shall clear away the bad according as the good shall grow, that the root and the top may be equal in strength, until the good shall overcome the bad, and the bad be hewn down and cast into the fire, that they cumber not the ground of my vineyard; and thus will I sweep away the bad out of my vineyard.
74 And thus they labored, with all diligence, according to the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard, even until the bad had been cast away out of the vineyard, and the Lord had preserved unto himself that the trees had become again the natural fruit; and they became like unto one body; and the fruits were equal; and the Lord of the vineyard had preserved unto himself the natural fruit, which was most precious unto him from the beginning.
When it comes to change, sometimes it requires that you bear with your weakness as you develop your strengths. you do your best with what you can do and over time you will be able to overcome the "bad fruit" with the "good fruit". If you expect to be perfect all at once, you may risk losing all the good "branches" you've grafted in to your life and be left with nothing. However, if you are patient, and allow the graft to be established in the tree and to grow with the tree and its infirmities, over time the good branches and the good roots will overcome the wild, or evil branches, and produce good fruit forever. Or, if you allow your raw and unconditioned talents, or even attributes, to grow despite the opposition of your weakness, eventually your truest self will spring forth into perfection, bearing all the good talents and attributes and every other good thing forever.
I love you!
Love~
Austin
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Going to church
8.22.11
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family & Friends~
This Sunday was great, we had at least eleven different people that we have been working with come to church. Not all of them were investigators, however, but whether they were a less-active member or a non-member it didn't matter, we were happy they were there! Both of the families were working with came to church and both are continuing to change and progress. Roy, on this Saturday, will be able to baptize his wife, which is such a miracle. I'm so happy how much he's grown and changed over this past month, and since I first arrived here. Our other investigator is continuing to make small changes, but they seem to be bringin him much peace. When I saw him at church it seemed like a huge burden was lifted off his shoulders. Their children loved primary. His wife, also greatly enjoyed being able to go to Relief Society. Roy's wife, Gisele, was also able to go to Relief Society for the first time, and by the end of the day she was out in the halls chatting with all the sisters in the ward having a great time. In each of their countenances you can see peace and hope and happiness radiating. Their eyes seemed to be filled with new light, new joy. It is incredible to se the changes the gospel can bring in an individual's life as they begin to apply it, but it always works--that is the beauty of Heavenly Father's plan, it never fails--so long as we are faithful to it.
Next week sould bring about a little fun for us too. We will be going golfing with one of our members on Monday. He hasn't come to church in a long time, but perhaps this will be an opportunity for us to get to know him in a place he is most comfortable, out on the golf course. I haven't touched a gold club almost basically since the time I left, so it should be interesting to see how I'll do. But I'm not too worried, I'll take it easy and make it fun. Hopefully it will go well. I'll have to let you know in two weeks since we will be golfing probably after we do emails.
This coming Sunday should also be another good day. I will be getting the opportunity to speak in Sacrament Meeting with President Barry. I'm still working on my preparations, but I think it will be neat to have the privilege to speak with my Mission President. I know that it doesn't happen often. It probably wouldn't have happened; however, if I didn't call and ask if he would like to come and speak to our ward, but either way you look at it, I think it will be neat. it was initially going to be Elder Brimhall and I speaking together, but our bishop wanted to split us apart so we could have a missionary "speaker" more often than less often. Breaking it up like that might prove to be more effective anyways. But yes, I'm excited to get to speak with President Barry, it should be good.
I hope each of you have a good week. Good luck with the remaining house changes! I look forward to seeing the in-home renovations!
I love you!
Love~
Austin
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family & Friends~
This Sunday was great, we had at least eleven different people that we have been working with come to church. Not all of them were investigators, however, but whether they were a less-active member or a non-member it didn't matter, we were happy they were there! Both of the families were working with came to church and both are continuing to change and progress. Roy, on this Saturday, will be able to baptize his wife, which is such a miracle. I'm so happy how much he's grown and changed over this past month, and since I first arrived here. Our other investigator is continuing to make small changes, but they seem to be bringin him much peace. When I saw him at church it seemed like a huge burden was lifted off his shoulders. Their children loved primary. His wife, also greatly enjoyed being able to go to Relief Society. Roy's wife, Gisele, was also able to go to Relief Society for the first time, and by the end of the day she was out in the halls chatting with all the sisters in the ward having a great time. In each of their countenances you can see peace and hope and happiness radiating. Their eyes seemed to be filled with new light, new joy. It is incredible to se the changes the gospel can bring in an individual's life as they begin to apply it, but it always works--that is the beauty of Heavenly Father's plan, it never fails--so long as we are faithful to it.
Next week sould bring about a little fun for us too. We will be going golfing with one of our members on Monday. He hasn't come to church in a long time, but perhaps this will be an opportunity for us to get to know him in a place he is most comfortable, out on the golf course. I haven't touched a gold club almost basically since the time I left, so it should be interesting to see how I'll do. But I'm not too worried, I'll take it easy and make it fun. Hopefully it will go well. I'll have to let you know in two weeks since we will be golfing probably after we do emails.
This coming Sunday should also be another good day. I will be getting the opportunity to speak in Sacrament Meeting with President Barry. I'm still working on my preparations, but I think it will be neat to have the privilege to speak with my Mission President. I know that it doesn't happen often. It probably wouldn't have happened; however, if I didn't call and ask if he would like to come and speak to our ward, but either way you look at it, I think it will be neat. it was initially going to be Elder Brimhall and I speaking together, but our bishop wanted to split us apart so we could have a missionary "speaker" more often than less often. Breaking it up like that might prove to be more effective anyways. But yes, I'm excited to get to speak with President Barry, it should be good.
I hope each of you have a good week. Good luck with the remaining house changes! I look forward to seeing the in-home renovations!
I love you!
Love~
Austin
Fleming Island to the "bitter end"
8.15.11
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family~
This has been another busy week, but a good one at that. Our family is still progressing, and very well! They are reading the scriptures together morning and night and praying together morning and night also. They say the members of the ward feel like family to them. They are making miraculous changes and it is exciting to see. Another family that we had worked with since I've been in Fleming Island will be attending church this next Sunday too...they are a wonderful family and we will be happy to have them with us next week. I've already told both these families that when you come out to get me that we will be going over there to meet them!
Well...transfers are this week...but before I talk about transfers, I have a couple other things to say. Oddly enough, in Elder's Quorum this Sunday, we had the very same lesson (on Chastity)! I'll have to share the object lesson Brother Barrett shared with us--which was a perfect object lesson--but it also made me kind of laugh. But I did learn as he was teaching that the Law of Chastity in large part was given to protect families and also true love. The gospel was designed to strengthen relationships, and if the relationship is centered on anything other than love and service, and the Lord, it will fail; and it will fail miserably if it is centered against this commandment.
Our lesson in Relief Society last week went well. Elder Brimhall and I each spoke for about fifteen minutes. He spoke about the importance of understanding our identity in the family of God and I spoke on the joy of living the gospel pattern of life (i.e. prayer, scripture study, church attendance, service, etc...). We both centered our lesson on expanding our personal spheres of influence and getting to know more people and to share the gospel more frequently. The Relief Society sisters were very participative, so the lesson seemed to be good. I had fun with it. :)
Okay, back to the transfer board...Elder Austin B. Robbs and Elder Cole Brimhall will continue in Fleming Island. I will out to the "bitter end" here in Fleming Island, as Bishop Budge said in our P.E.C. meeting yesterday. I'm glad to stay here! It is going to be my longest area, my toughest area, but the area that I've learned and grown the most. I'm happy to serve here to the "bitter end".
I've got to get going, but I love each of you and wish you a wonderful and happy week! And I'll talk to you next week! I like Dad's quote on his email to me:
"There is a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses; only results." -Ken Blanchard
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family~
This has been another busy week, but a good one at that. Our family is still progressing, and very well! They are reading the scriptures together morning and night and praying together morning and night also. They say the members of the ward feel like family to them. They are making miraculous changes and it is exciting to see. Another family that we had worked with since I've been in Fleming Island will be attending church this next Sunday too...they are a wonderful family and we will be happy to have them with us next week. I've already told both these families that when you come out to get me that we will be going over there to meet them!
Well...transfers are this week...but before I talk about transfers, I have a couple other things to say. Oddly enough, in Elder's Quorum this Sunday, we had the very same lesson (on Chastity)! I'll have to share the object lesson Brother Barrett shared with us--which was a perfect object lesson--but it also made me kind of laugh. But I did learn as he was teaching that the Law of Chastity in large part was given to protect families and also true love. The gospel was designed to strengthen relationships, and if the relationship is centered on anything other than love and service, and the Lord, it will fail; and it will fail miserably if it is centered against this commandment.
Our lesson in Relief Society last week went well. Elder Brimhall and I each spoke for about fifteen minutes. He spoke about the importance of understanding our identity in the family of God and I spoke on the joy of living the gospel pattern of life (i.e. prayer, scripture study, church attendance, service, etc...). We both centered our lesson on expanding our personal spheres of influence and getting to know more people and to share the gospel more frequently. The Relief Society sisters were very participative, so the lesson seemed to be good. I had fun with it. :)
Okay, back to the transfer board...Elder Austin B. Robbs and Elder Cole Brimhall will continue in Fleming Island. I will out to the "bitter end" here in Fleming Island, as Bishop Budge said in our P.E.C. meeting yesterday. I'm glad to stay here! It is going to be my longest area, my toughest area, but the area that I've learned and grown the most. I'm happy to serve here to the "bitter end".
I've got to get going, but I love each of you and wish you a wonderful and happy week! And I'll talk to you next week! I like Dad's quote on his email to me:
"There is a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses; only results." -Ken Blanchard
How much can one accomplish in six weeks?
8.8.11
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family & Friends~
This week has been an eventful one indeed! We've found a couple of families and hopefully we'll be teaching them over the course of the next few weeks. One of our previous investigators, who belongs to a part member family, and who, at the request of her husband, dropped us--we are now teaching them again and she has a baptismal date for the end of this month! I'm so excited for them. Especially to see the change of heart in her husband! It is amazing to me to see what happens when people actually pray with real intent for a knowledge of this church being true--Heavenly Father answers every time, without fail. They are reading the scriptures daily and nightly and want us over at their home as frequently as possible. We've got some things going forward here in Fleming Island and it has been wonderful. Things seem to be picking up!
There was a change in bishopric in our ward this last Sunday. We now have a new bishop and the previous bishop and his family will be moving out to Utah. I'm excited because they should be close enough that we can go see them when I get home. I'm sure I'll go and visit them often.
I have to say Mom, you are way ahead of me in the scripture reading! I guess you have always been a faster reader than me! I've had to change my goal, however, I would have been able to complete the entire standard works, but I decided that I was going to refocus my studies and master the principles of Preach My Gospel before I made it home. I went and bought some paper and some page dividers, and I organized a new study journal, which includes a section for the different commitments in each lesson, a place to study the doctrines of each lesson, a place to practice teaching and to evaluate that teaching, and a section on frequently asked questions and lastly a section devoted to defining key words. It might have a few other sections but I can't remember. I will say, however, that it has really directed my thoughts and helped me to understand more fully the correct way to do missionary work. Aside from my new study method, I must say, if there is one thing I've learned above all other things on my mission, is that I love the scriptures. They contain everything I, or anyone else, will ever need to be happy in this life. And what President Eyring said about President Hinckley and Elder McConkie may happen faster than you think...as you frequent the scriptures and share and teach what you learn, the words within them become tend to become part of you. Every experience you have will draw you your thoughts to some scripture or another, but especially as you teach. I've noticed that for myself, if I spend time studying material other than the scriptures, it becomes more difficult for the power of the scriptures to remain a part of me--however, if I make sure to study the scriptures and to read them and ponder them, then it is always on my mind and I can share them with anyone. I've never learned so much in my life as I have in these past two years and I would attribute most of what I've learned to the study of scriptures and the daily application of them. In 2 Nephi 31:3 it says, "For as my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for He speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding." When I study the scriptures they stick with me because the Lord opens my mind up to the truth, because He speaks truth to me in my own language! My problems are transformed into solutions; my worries transformed into peace and joy. So many good things come from reading the scriptures, and I never would have know unless I had read them.
...this next month is going to be fiery! We've got a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to do it!!! It is good to serve others and bring other people to the gospel :) It is a joyous work!
Whether or not I'll stay in Fleming Island, I haven't got a clue. Nevertheless, I will be sad if I am reassigned for my last transfer. I would like to finish out in this area. But if I do move, then let the games begin. I wonder just how much someone can accomplish in six weeks? Who knows--either way, I intend to find out.
I love you very much!
Love~
Austin
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family & Friends~
This week has been an eventful one indeed! We've found a couple of families and hopefully we'll be teaching them over the course of the next few weeks. One of our previous investigators, who belongs to a part member family, and who, at the request of her husband, dropped us--we are now teaching them again and she has a baptismal date for the end of this month! I'm so excited for them. Especially to see the change of heart in her husband! It is amazing to me to see what happens when people actually pray with real intent for a knowledge of this church being true--Heavenly Father answers every time, without fail. They are reading the scriptures daily and nightly and want us over at their home as frequently as possible. We've got some things going forward here in Fleming Island and it has been wonderful. Things seem to be picking up!
There was a change in bishopric in our ward this last Sunday. We now have a new bishop and the previous bishop and his family will be moving out to Utah. I'm excited because they should be close enough that we can go see them when I get home. I'm sure I'll go and visit them often.
I have to say Mom, you are way ahead of me in the scripture reading! I guess you have always been a faster reader than me! I've had to change my goal, however, I would have been able to complete the entire standard works, but I decided that I was going to refocus my studies and master the principles of Preach My Gospel before I made it home. I went and bought some paper and some page dividers, and I organized a new study journal, which includes a section for the different commitments in each lesson, a place to study the doctrines of each lesson, a place to practice teaching and to evaluate that teaching, and a section on frequently asked questions and lastly a section devoted to defining key words. It might have a few other sections but I can't remember. I will say, however, that it has really directed my thoughts and helped me to understand more fully the correct way to do missionary work. Aside from my new study method, I must say, if there is one thing I've learned above all other things on my mission, is that I love the scriptures. They contain everything I, or anyone else, will ever need to be happy in this life. And what President Eyring said about President Hinckley and Elder McConkie may happen faster than you think...as you frequent the scriptures and share and teach what you learn, the words within them become tend to become part of you. Every experience you have will draw you your thoughts to some scripture or another, but especially as you teach. I've noticed that for myself, if I spend time studying material other than the scriptures, it becomes more difficult for the power of the scriptures to remain a part of me--however, if I make sure to study the scriptures and to read them and ponder them, then it is always on my mind and I can share them with anyone. I've never learned so much in my life as I have in these past two years and I would attribute most of what I've learned to the study of scriptures and the daily application of them. In 2 Nephi 31:3 it says, "For as my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for He speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding." When I study the scriptures they stick with me because the Lord opens my mind up to the truth, because He speaks truth to me in my own language! My problems are transformed into solutions; my worries transformed into peace and joy. So many good things come from reading the scriptures, and I never would have know unless I had read them.
...this next month is going to be fiery! We've got a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to do it!!! It is good to serve others and bring other people to the gospel :) It is a joyous work!
Whether or not I'll stay in Fleming Island, I haven't got a clue. Nevertheless, I will be sad if I am reassigned for my last transfer. I would like to finish out in this area. But if I do move, then let the games begin. I wonder just how much someone can accomplish in six weeks? Who knows--either way, I intend to find out.
I love you very much!
Love~
Austin
Things are going well...
8.1.11
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family & Friends~
Things are going well out here in Florida. We just had Elder Giddens of the 6th Quorum of the Sevently come and speak to us on Saturday. He is our Area Authority. He didn't come to our mission with an agenda or anything, he simply studied and prayed, and then did his best to follow the Spirit and speak to us for a grand total of three hours. He taught us a lot about the importance of letting go of ourselves and learning to think of others. He said that as we repent daily and feel of the love of God, we would be cleanses from our inner weaknesses and have a greater desire to share the gospel. I enjoyed being able to listen to him.
I don't have a lot of time to talk about [our investigator] today, but suffice it to say, he did pray and he was a little unsure about what he felt. Innocently, he prayed for two very large miracles, that God would heal him and God would help him find someone to love. I wish he could see how wonderful of a prayer that must have been to his Heavenly Father. He may not recognize how the Spirit is influencing him and softening his heart and opening him up, but Elder Brimhall and I can see the light slowly beginning to build within him. he still fights it, but he is willing to keep trying. He is going to read a page from the Book of Mormon each day this week and pray to know the truthfulness of it each day until our next visit with him.
My wrists are okay, thankfully. My tooth looks pretty good, as well. I think President/Dr. Patch did a wonderful job (he's the Stake President of the Jacksonville South Stake).
I love each of you and I wish you a good week!
Love~
Austin
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family & Friends~
Things are going well out here in Florida. We just had Elder Giddens of the 6th Quorum of the Sevently come and speak to us on Saturday. He is our Area Authority. He didn't come to our mission with an agenda or anything, he simply studied and prayed, and then did his best to follow the Spirit and speak to us for a grand total of three hours. He taught us a lot about the importance of letting go of ourselves and learning to think of others. He said that as we repent daily and feel of the love of God, we would be cleanses from our inner weaknesses and have a greater desire to share the gospel. I enjoyed being able to listen to him.
I don't have a lot of time to talk about [our investigator] today, but suffice it to say, he did pray and he was a little unsure about what he felt. Innocently, he prayed for two very large miracles, that God would heal him and God would help him find someone to love. I wish he could see how wonderful of a prayer that must have been to his Heavenly Father. He may not recognize how the Spirit is influencing him and softening his heart and opening him up, but Elder Brimhall and I can see the light slowly beginning to build within him. he still fights it, but he is willing to keep trying. He is going to read a page from the Book of Mormon each day this week and pray to know the truthfulness of it each day until our next visit with him.
My wrists are okay, thankfully. My tooth looks pretty good, as well. I think President/Dr. Patch did a wonderful job (he's the Stake President of the Jacksonville South Stake).
I love each of you and I wish you a good week!
Love~
Austin
God exists
7.25.11
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family & Friends~
One of our atheist friends finally decided he would exercise his faith and offer a prayer to God. He is a scientist and wants and/or needs proof in order to believe that God exists. But I don't believe that is how he really feels. he has had a rough life and many sore experiences that could easily turn a soul who doesn't know God against Him. My thoughts are that he really believes there is a God, but it is so hard for him to grasp that God has any care for him or the world around him. Mike sees the negative around himself and it turns to feed his negative thoughts and spins him in a downward spiral that is extremely hard to escape. We've been visiting with him for some time now and it seems that his heart is beginning to be softened. We came to the conclusion together that only one thing needs to happen for him to believe in Fod and that is he needs to pray. We taught him that everything we have ever taught him about God, or of God's plan, or of His love, can be confirmed by gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon. Death is a part of life and though from our perspective it is difficult to see that there is anything more than this life, deep in our hearts we know there has to be more than this. We taught him that life continued after his death and the gospel of Jesus Christ was the way to ulitmate happiness. He didn't want to accept what we had to say, however. He told us it takes faith to believe in something like that and he was void of faith. We responded and told him that wasn't so, for, what reason would we be in his home if there was no measure or degree of belief or faith within his soul? We affirmed to him that we knew that he wanted more in life and that if he would just consider what we have told him and allow it to work in his mind, that he would be able to feel that what we were teaching him was good. We told him he needed to look past all the things that were preventing him from having this joy, i.e. his "lack of faith" and need for "proof" and simply think about what we've said. Then we explained that all of these good things which we taught were based off of a singular thing, which thing is the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. We taught him that because our message was true, that if he would do what we had asked him to do, that God would tell him by the power of the Holy Ghost that everything we have taught is correct. All he needed to do was pray. He finally consented and last night after we left, he offered perhaps one of his first prayers. We're going back to see him either tomorrow or Wednesday, but I really hope that he kept his commitment! This could be the beginning of a great miracle. :) We are really hopeful that he will do as we asked him to do and know that if he kept his commitment that he surely felt the Spirit! I'm somewhat jumping inside because I can see how much this will change his life, if he will just let it! He is a wonderful person and he just needs to know that Heavenly Father loves him and then he will be able to rest his wearied soul.
...at least none of you broke your tooth while flossing, right? Or crashed your bicycle because your pedal caught the sidewalk and knocked you over? Yeah, it has been an eventful week, along with the teaching. I was getting ready to make a turn on my bicycle when my left pedal made contact with the ground below and almost immediately smashed me into the ground near an intersection. Normally I wouldn't do this, but I put both my hands down to stop my fall and may have, to some small degree, sprained both my wrists. Oh well. At least this morning I got to drive a John Deere lawn mower...it is not every day I get to do that. I also got to use an edger to help prepare a member's yard to have sod put in place. It's been fun this last little while, haha :). I'm sure there's more to come!
I wish each of you well and hope you have a great week! I'll talk to you soon!
Love~
Austin
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family & Friends~
One of our atheist friends finally decided he would exercise his faith and offer a prayer to God. He is a scientist and wants and/or needs proof in order to believe that God exists. But I don't believe that is how he really feels. he has had a rough life and many sore experiences that could easily turn a soul who doesn't know God against Him. My thoughts are that he really believes there is a God, but it is so hard for him to grasp that God has any care for him or the world around him. Mike sees the negative around himself and it turns to feed his negative thoughts and spins him in a downward spiral that is extremely hard to escape. We've been visiting with him for some time now and it seems that his heart is beginning to be softened. We came to the conclusion together that only one thing needs to happen for him to believe in Fod and that is he needs to pray. We taught him that everything we have ever taught him about God, or of God's plan, or of His love, can be confirmed by gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon. Death is a part of life and though from our perspective it is difficult to see that there is anything more than this life, deep in our hearts we know there has to be more than this. We taught him that life continued after his death and the gospel of Jesus Christ was the way to ulitmate happiness. He didn't want to accept what we had to say, however. He told us it takes faith to believe in something like that and he was void of faith. We responded and told him that wasn't so, for, what reason would we be in his home if there was no measure or degree of belief or faith within his soul? We affirmed to him that we knew that he wanted more in life and that if he would just consider what we have told him and allow it to work in his mind, that he would be able to feel that what we were teaching him was good. We told him he needed to look past all the things that were preventing him from having this joy, i.e. his "lack of faith" and need for "proof" and simply think about what we've said. Then we explained that all of these good things which we taught were based off of a singular thing, which thing is the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. We taught him that because our message was true, that if he would do what we had asked him to do, that God would tell him by the power of the Holy Ghost that everything we have taught is correct. All he needed to do was pray. He finally consented and last night after we left, he offered perhaps one of his first prayers. We're going back to see him either tomorrow or Wednesday, but I really hope that he kept his commitment! This could be the beginning of a great miracle. :) We are really hopeful that he will do as we asked him to do and know that if he kept his commitment that he surely felt the Spirit! I'm somewhat jumping inside because I can see how much this will change his life, if he will just let it! He is a wonderful person and he just needs to know that Heavenly Father loves him and then he will be able to rest his wearied soul.
...at least none of you broke your tooth while flossing, right? Or crashed your bicycle because your pedal caught the sidewalk and knocked you over? Yeah, it has been an eventful week, along with the teaching. I was getting ready to make a turn on my bicycle when my left pedal made contact with the ground below and almost immediately smashed me into the ground near an intersection. Normally I wouldn't do this, but I put both my hands down to stop my fall and may have, to some small degree, sprained both my wrists. Oh well. At least this morning I got to drive a John Deere lawn mower...it is not every day I get to do that. I also got to use an edger to help prepare a member's yard to have sod put in place. It's been fun this last little while, haha :). I'm sure there's more to come!
I wish each of you well and hope you have a great week! I'll talk to you soon!
Love~
Austin
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