Hey y'all,
This week was another great one for the books!
We volunteered at a bowling alley this week to help special needs kids bowl, and cheer them on. That was super fun, and so great to see them smile. Some smart kids that is for sure! One guy threw a gutter ball and then hacked into the system, erased the score, and bowled again hahahaha. Have no idea how he did that, but was pretty impressive! Also, learned some pretty eye opening bowling form. I never thought you could be that creative in bowling and still hit strikes. My favorite form was one kid throwing it up about 3 feet and smacking down on the floor halfway down the alley. Hit a couple strikes too. If it ain't broke don't fix it I guess. haha was awesome!
Yesterday was Stake Conference here in New Orleans, and the stake president reserved the first row in the chapel for investigators :) It was so awesome!! We were able to sit up front with Patrick and Michael. Also, Patrick brought his friend Gala with him as well which was way cool. Just the man. He is so excited and has been telling everyone about his baptism this Saturday the 30th.
Patrick sent us a message on Saturday morning after we had taught the word of wisdom on Friday saying, "Sirs, I got a water at Denny's and am going cold turkey with the coffee and tea. Hope you are proud of me sirs." Haha just so proper and wants to do everything right. It has been amazing to see his progress. Just picture the most respectful man wearing a suit and tie coming to church every week for the last month and a half. And then picture the stud that he his in medical school with his white overcoat helping his friends pass the exams with the study sessions he holds. Literally every lesson he tells us all about about how his friends still call him asking him for study ideas, etc. And he absolutely loves talking about medical school haha. Usually takes us a good 20 minutes before starting the lesson, because he has to tell us the news with the medical schools in the Caribbean and what not. Bless his heart! He fits right in with the people down in the south. I have learned so much from being here in Louisiana, but one thing is definitely being able to just sit down and listen to someone talk for a good minute hahaha. (the hard part is just staying alert. hehe)
Miracle: This week was filled with teaching miracles, but last Sunday Brother Bell introduced us to his friend Juan at church. He had attended church with Brother Bell for many months prior to being sick the last few months that I have been here. Also, another member Brother Larsen has been helping with the lessons and he is apparently a "Seventy" in the church because back in the day many people were just called to the priesthood office of seventy for missionary work. We have to keep him dialed in, but it keeps things interesting with his deep doctrine views haha. Just keeping us on our toes that is for sure. No worries though, the church is still true down here.
Anyways, they came to church this last week and told us that Juan is ready to be taught! We were stoked. Heavenly Father is seriously just blessing this area and people are coming out of the wood works just ready to be taught. It has been unreal. We had 2 lessons with Juan already this week and so cool how he already has friends helping him. Juan's wife unfortunately just recently passed away in the last few months, and so has been really seeking God for help. Brother Bell experienced the same thing about a year ago, and so a blessing that they have been helping each other. We had a very spiritual plan of salvation lesson with them, and Juan shared how he wants to do anything he can to live with his faithful wife again. He has already prayed about The B.O.M and Joseph Smith as well. So prepared. We invited him to pray right then and there about continuing with the lessons and preparing to be baptized. He finished the prayer with tears in his eyes and a desire to take the steps with dedication. I am so grateful for the knowledge of the savior Jesus Christ in being that pillar in the plan of salvation. It is only through Him that we may be saved and return to live with our Father in Heaven again and our families.
Update on Michael: He is doing sooo good!! He has been able to make it to church faithfully, and everyone in the ward just loves him. He is being recruited to play wide receiver at Ole Miss too so that is pretty cool! We have had several lessons in members homes and different families just keep inviting him over. I want to share one of the lessons with Michael. We taught the Plan of Salvation and related it all to a game of football. ---> pre earth life is the locker room, putting the jersey on and getting on the field is receiving a body and coming to earth, Jesus Christ was the MVP, kingdoms of glory is the hall of fame, etc. It was awesome! Michael loved the analogy and was like, "How do I sign the contract to be on the Lord's team?" HAHa let's goo!! We invited him to be baptized and are planning for July 7th!! He is way excited :) He has been working out with several members of the ward during the weeks too and they have been doing crazy workouts haha. Like pulling Jeeps with a rope, and high jumping the jeep haha, He is a stud! We had a lesson with Michael at the Bishop's house right after church as well, and talked about the commandments/law of chastity. Just so cool finding Michael and seeing his life change. It is hard to express the joy that comes from seeing someone turn closer to God and be that example for the rest of his family. He has such high goals for life, and is getting himself out of some societal pits down here. So great! Next thing will be getting the man a missionary name tag :) Maybe a few months!
I could go on and on. I love this work, and am so grateful to be here. Hope you have a great week!! love y'all ya hearrrrd me!
Love,
Elder Wilson
