Week 27: Transfer 5

It's a new transfer but the same goal remains.  Our Zone has stayed relatively the same.

Like always, it was a normal week.  An older couple moved in to the ward to be closer to their daughter.  They are are couple missionaries and have houses in Utah, Hawaii, and now Florida.  The first thing they said to us was "We love missionary work!"  That was music to our ears.  We have bee trying to get the ward hyped about missionary work and the Swenson's could be and answer to our prayers.  They invited us over to their house for lunch.  They told us they had a "special gift" for us.  We went over and had a great lunch.  After, they showed us an amazing program they made.  It was a mixture of powerpoint and other websites.  It teaches members how to do missionary work.  They said that most members know the "what" and the "why" of missionary work, but not the "how".  They wanted to give us flash drives with the program on it so that we can show members and encourage them to share their testimonies with their friends.  We left feeling as though we had watched General Conference.  The Spirit was strong and we could feel their love.

On Thursday we went over to a man's house to help him chip the tile in the back near the pool.  The guy's name is Joe.  He's not a member and lives across the street from the Relief Society President.  About three years ago, she sent missionaries over and they got the door slammed in their faces, but now Joe is accepting service.  That's a huge improvement.  He was really kind, offering drinks and talking about his life.  He fought in Vietnam and has Agent Orange.  He's had three heart attacks, has trouble breathing, but he is still kickin'.  It was a good time.

Every week, we text a handful of people who used to meet with missionaries.  We rarely hear back from them, however this week we heard from more than we ever have.  We met with a few of them this week, got to know them, and taught a principle or two.  It was really refreshing to have people who were excited to have us in their home.

Anyway, the work moves forward.  Time flies by when you are having fun and enjoying what you do, even if times are rough.

John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Have a great week.  Love y'all.

Elder Poulsen

A piece of tile flew up and hit me in the head.  

Blood, sweat, and tears.

Idk

Week 27: Alma 32:1-2

Meeting with the Swenson's, it really showed me the importance of using the members in the work.  I always knew that it was important, but I haven't seen the fruits of it as much as I'd like.

President Hinckley said "So many of us look upon missionary work as simply tracting. Everyone who is familiar with this work knows there is a better way. That way is through the members of the Church. Whenever there is a member who introduces [someone], there is an immediate support system. The member bears testimony of the truth of the work. He is anxious for the happiness of his … friend. He becomes excited as that friend makes progress in learning the gospel.  The full-time missionaries may do the actual teaching, but the member, wherever possible, will back up that teaching with the offering of his home to carry on this missionary service. He will bear sincere testimony of the divinity of the work. He will be there to answer questions when the missionaries are not around. He will be a friend to the convert who is making a big and often difficult change. … The process of bringing new people into the Church is not the responsibility alone of the missionaries. They succeed best when members become the source from which new [people] are found"

Member missionary work is so important.  I encourage you all to be the best missionary you can be, whether that be having the missionaries over to eat dinner, sharing a scripture with someone in need, or saying hi to a stranger.  Do what Christ would do, say what Christ would say, be where Christ would be.  He is the light and the life.  He is our God and King.  He is our brother and our Savior.

Elder Poulsen