Hey all y'all, (plural form of y'all.... apparently :) )
This week has been great! Interesting food of the week had to have been the spicy Buffalo Wings Mac n Cheese at a member's house! I have had some exotic types of mac n cheese in my day, but nothing beats that :) It was actually really good!
We have been able to find a lot of new investigators while out street contacting. I know that Heavenly Father places people in our paths each and everyday. I love being able to share the messages of the gospel and testify of truth to people even when we are just planting that seed. This week has been a little harder getting people to listen, because there have been many that declare as it states in 2nd Nephi 29:3 "And because my words shall hiss forth—many of the Gentiles shall say: A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible." The Bible has a lot of truth in it and can guide us so much, but it isn't enough. The Book of Mormon is such a wonderful resource that we have been given to learn from Christ's teachings. As I testify of its truthfulness I eagerly see many begin to have a change of heart. I love the Book of Mormon with all my heart and know that it is the most true book on the Earth today. I am so grateful for the chance that I have to read from it every single day! The more I read and study each day, the more excited I am to share it!
Unfortunately, our investigator Keterra has been really sick and in the hospital the last couple weeks. She is about 5 months pregnant, I believe, and isn't feeling very well. We have been trying to see her, but have been unable to contact her. She told us that she was going to be released this week though, so we are going to make a great effort to see her. We will probably have to move her baptism date back as well, but we are just hoping she is still committed to taking lessons.
One investigator that we met with this week is named John. We were just riding our bikes along one day and saw him sitting out on his porch. After we locked up and went to talk to him he told us how he loved the Mormons. He proceeded to tell us all about how the Mormon Helping Hands volunteers helped him rebuild his house back in 2005 after Katrina. The Mormon Helping Hands is such a blessing to people's lives. I know that it truly opens up their eyes to our Church and what we stand for. I am sure that the service that has been rendered up in Baton Rouge will be forever remembered by the people affected. We were blessed to be guided to this man who is eager to hear the lessons. We have taught John twice this week and are excited to continue teaching him. He has been reading the Book of Mormon and seems to love it so I am super pumped about that!
I have been meaning to tell y'all about this amazing member down here. His name is Brother John Johnson! He is an absolute beast. He was a former Black Panther member and was headed down a dangerous life until he found the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To make a Long story shorter, he was imprisoned for drug trafficking and was facing a 15 year sentence in prison. He was making deals with the devil and wasn't getting anywhere. Once while in solitary confinement his cell was soaked with a hose and the only book that lasted was a Bible. He read it over and over again and made the greatest deal he will ever make, a deal with God. He promised that he would preach the gospel the rest of his life in or out of prison. He was then suddenly released from prison after confusion regarding his sentencing. Shortly after this he was taught by the missionaries about 30 years ago and has since been the greatest member missionary I have ever seen. He serves people all day everyday and teaches people about the Gospel that has changed his life. He gets a check in the mail from his Military service and uses it for food, shelter and serving other people. The guy is a hero. He knows the Bible backwards and can recite it word for word. He helps us as missionaries so much!! We get many referrals and investigators from him. The atonement is real and can heal us. The Gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives. He was able to completely turn his life around and become the man that Heavenly Father wanted him to become. Please read his story on Deseret News called "Wright Words:Meet a former Black Panther affiliate, inmate, Mormon."The Gospel is the only way we can experience true happiness and I love the opportunity that I have to share it! I love you all and hope you have a great week!
Love,
Elder Wilson
