Monday, July 2, 2018

JUNE 18, 2018

Y'all it just keeps getting better!! This week was another one for the books.

We started off the transfer with setting some high goals to reach toward. Not only just as the 3 of us, but also with the other 2 elders in the apartment with us. (Yes, we are like sardines down here, but all good times) We talked about setting some goals for church attendance that may be a little ambitious, but we all felt the spirit excite us! Our motto is 4th quarter! Let's goo. Just laying it all out there since the game is on the line. It was amazing to see the Lord already blessing us even in just a few days as we sought his guidance and expected his help. After all this is His work. 

We began with our first lesson with our man himself, Patrick Orange. We had such a bomb lesson with him, and as we read Matthew 7---> 2nd Nephi 31 we were able to invite him to be baptized on June 30th! He is so ready and has been being prepared by the Lord for many years now. He just didn't know it until now. Amazing to see how everything just falls into place at the right time for the individual. He doesn't cease to impress me by his sincere desire to follow Christ the rest of his life. We had another 2 lessons with him at other member's homes during the week and they were just so good. Patrick is from Thailand and so English is his second language, and so it is still funny sometimes when he can't seem to find the right words to use. He also brought dessert one of the nights and kept trying to get us to eat the chocolate rum cake. That was pretty funny, bless his heart. 

Brie Engle was confirmed  a member and given the holy ghost in sacrament meeting yesterday, and Elder Woody was able to perform that. It was a special experience for all of us, and so amazing to see the gospel enter back into a family's life. Such a sweet girl.

Michael Dailey is doing way good as well, and we had some great lessons with him. He has been working out with some of the members in the ward. One is also african american and a recent convert so that has been awesome. (I'll share more next week on Michael)

Trio Tracting: Well, first and foremost one of the funniest things is biking in a trio. When people see us they just seem so confused hahaha. And you know you're in trouble when you are the one that gets stuck biking in the middle after a ruthless rock, paper, scissors battle. Who would've thought that following one elder, and one elder following you all on bikes could be so nerve wracking :) especially with the New Orleans drivers/traffic. But hey usually someone's got an extra bike tube, so that makes popping a tire a little better. Bless Elder Woody's tire. 2 popped tires in a week. He's a good man IRregardless. Also, one day it was pouring rain sooo bad, and we were biking through lakes of water it felt like. Just soaked/buttered up to the bone, but it was classic. Also great preparation for taking a soak!

Anyways, so tracting in a trio is pretty hysterical. First off, when someone opens the door and they see 3 white guys in white shirts and ties (for whatever reason)  they immediately get nervous and sick and grab the nearest weapon of defense they can find. (Not sure who would rob someone in a white shirt and tie, but I guess it is NOLA haha) We only had one lady grab a cane though so no worries there. (Almost thought I was going to look like the guy on RM after getting hit with the walker) Once we introduced ourselves as missionaries the tension died down. 
It also makes it interesting when you go to an apartment complex and can hit 3 doors at the same time with multiple people answer ;) "We are just going around inviting people to a neighborhood bible study. And actually we were thinking of doing it right here...... in one of your homes. " LOL 

It was awesome though, because we were talking about the NBA and how being in a trio is like drafting another super star to the team. Then this lady answers her door, and I just hit her with "Do you like the NBA?" Elder Woody and Bailey were looking at me like I was crazy at first, but next thing we knew we were teaching her the Plan of Salvation on her porch relating it completely to the NBA and everything. It was actually way awesome. We talked about how John the Baptist was the forerunner to Jesus Christ joining the team. SUPERSTAR! She told us how she hadn't been to church in many months and really wanted us to come back. We'll see what happens! Just making it fun and working hard. 

I want to finish with my testimony. I have been studying a lot about obedience and sacrifice,and the miracles that come from them. As the scriptures share, "I the Lord am bound when you do what I say, but if ye do not what I say you have no promise." D&C 82:10  This and many other scriptures share this thought. Ultimately following God inherently brings blessings from Heaven. 

In addition, through reading the miracles the Savior Jesus Christ performed I came to see that in each case there was either obedience/sacrifice/or both demonstrated by those involved. I know that as we are obedient in any aspect of our life that we will see the miracles from Heaven. I have no doubt in my mind that this is true, however, obedience requires sacrifice. I know that God lives and he loves us. He wants so badly to bless us in our lives, but must first see if we will do our part and show our faith. Ether 12:6, "Ye receive no witness (miracle) until after the trial (showing of obedience/sacrifice) of your faith." 
I love y'all and hope you have a blessed week!
Love, 
Elder Wilson
(sorry for long one, but I will read it in 20 years :D)