Hey home,
Tragedy or the remedy? These past few days have been up and down. I don't even know where to begin. But all I do know and all that we go through happens for a purpose. Since the accident last week I feel like there has been a lot of pondering and self reflecting for all of us in this green town over the death of our beloved friend, Sister Barnard. Without a doubt though she is still being an amazing missionary in places on the other side where people still need her help.
I had just met Sister Barnard and Sister Beckstrom last week at the meeting with Elder Zwick, they were seated right in front of us. They were really nice and sweet. But to find out last Friday night that one of them was now dead made me feel very different yet very aware of how things that happen in life happen for a reason. The knowledge of the restored truths of Gods divine plan of happiness, the work of the restoration and the gospel of Jesus Christ have helped me and others able to see what others may call a tragedy really a triumph. Again I know God lives and he loves us.
The companion now is Elder Sorensen, he is from Laie, Hawaii. He has been out for about 5 months, and hobbies back before the miss we're playing football for Weber State, surfing, cliff jumping, sports, music and hanging out with Lilo and Stitch. I love this guy to death, he's the first brown companion, so exciting! He says there's a room waiting for me anytime I want to go to Hawaii. He's got great spirits, and I feel like I'm already learning so much from him, it's a blessing for sure.
Yesterday we attended a baptism in Lilburn for one of his investigators in his last area. It was a good spirit for all the other things that had happened this week, and after we attended another baptism in our ward. It was mighty miracles with this last minute baptism. Corey Walters, a guy the sisters were working with and who had been investigating the church for three years was baptized by Bro Garfield. Bro Garfield introduced the church, basically taught him all the lessons and Corey just last Friday decided he was ready. Goes to show though that no matter how long we share the gospel with friends with patience, love, and persistence in prayer they'll come around.
What's great is that that happened for another gentlemen in our ward last week too. Bro Simmons (age 70) from a part member family will be baptized this coming weekend. The Lord has prepared places for us to harvest and plant. And he's preparing the hearts of his children through us.
We may feel at times like Nephi when the angel asked him, "knowest thou the condescension of God?" And our reply may be the same as Nephi's: "I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things." (1 Nephi 11: 16-17) - President Bennion
Well that's all and I've got to go, but thank you everyone who prayed and fasted for our missionary.
Thank you for your support and help. Drive safe, and god bless!
Love always,
Elder black
p.s. Congrats to Megan and James Clawson on their vows!
Tragedy or the remedy? These past few days have been up and down. I don't even know where to begin. But all I do know and all that we go through happens for a purpose. Since the accident last week I feel like there has been a lot of pondering and self reflecting for all of us in this green town over the death of our beloved friend, Sister Barnard. Without a doubt though she is still being an amazing missionary in places on the other side where people still need her help.
I had just met Sister Barnard and Sister Beckstrom last week at the meeting with Elder Zwick, they were seated right in front of us. They were really nice and sweet. But to find out last Friday night that one of them was now dead made me feel very different yet very aware of how things that happen in life happen for a reason. The knowledge of the restored truths of Gods divine plan of happiness, the work of the restoration and the gospel of Jesus Christ have helped me and others able to see what others may call a tragedy really a triumph. Again I know God lives and he loves us.
The companion now is Elder Sorensen, he is from Laie, Hawaii. He has been out for about 5 months, and hobbies back before the miss we're playing football for Weber State, surfing, cliff jumping, sports, music and hanging out with Lilo and Stitch. I love this guy to death, he's the first brown companion, so exciting! He says there's a room waiting for me anytime I want to go to Hawaii. He's got great spirits, and I feel like I'm already learning so much from him, it's a blessing for sure.
Yesterday we attended a baptism in Lilburn for one of his investigators in his last area. It was a good spirit for all the other things that had happened this week, and after we attended another baptism in our ward. It was mighty miracles with this last minute baptism. Corey Walters, a guy the sisters were working with and who had been investigating the church for three years was baptized by Bro Garfield. Bro Garfield introduced the church, basically taught him all the lessons and Corey just last Friday decided he was ready. Goes to show though that no matter how long we share the gospel with friends with patience, love, and persistence in prayer they'll come around.
What's great is that that happened for another gentlemen in our ward last week too. Bro Simmons (age 70) from a part member family will be baptized this coming weekend. The Lord has prepared places for us to harvest and plant. And he's preparing the hearts of his children through us.
We may feel at times like Nephi when the angel asked him, "knowest thou the condescension of God?" And our reply may be the same as Nephi's: "I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things." (1 Nephi 11: 16-17) - President Bennion
Well that's all and I've got to go, but thank you everyone who prayed and fasted for our missionary.
Thank you for your support and help. Drive safe, and god bless!
Love always,
Elder black
p.s. Congrats to Megan and James Clawson on their vows!