Hey y'all,
What a crazy, fun, exciting and hardworking week! It was good end to my time in Hattiesburg :)
Monday
we had Zone P-day. We got together and play little games against other
districts to see which district was the champions! Our district did
pretty, overall it was a fun time seeing everyone. I even got a little
medal because I won one of the events. That night we went over to the
Brock's home for some delicious Pork Ribs!! Mmm mmm! Afterwards, we went
out with Bro. Brock to see one of his families. This man we met with
hasn't let him in for years, that night... We got in and gave him a
great spiritual thought! :) Miracles and blessings!
Tuesday
we went out again with Bro Brock and saw the rest of his families and
some of our investigators. We really were trying to focus on inviting
everyone to see Elder David A Bednar. We made it to like 7 different
people and either gave them a spiritual thought or a whole lesson! That
night we had correlation and I got my first hint that I might be leaving
Hattiesburg. President Humphrey's, from the mission presidency, came to
our correlation meeting to evaluate how our meetings were going and the
missionaries. He told us after that he was very impressed with our ward
of missionaries. I guess a lot of missionaries are slacking lately and
he was very happy to see us working hard. Then, he expressed to us that
they might close one of the Hattiesburg Elders area and combine them
into one. Still, I wasn't sure that I was leaving but it could happen!
Wednesday
Bro Brock went out with us again. Truly a blessing to us. Bro. Brock
helps us out so much! We invited Gary Gordon, a few more of our
investigators and we actually got in the door of a way less-active
family in our ward! They are named the Arroyo family. It was great to
talk to them because they are a part member family. The husband is a
member but isn't too interested and his wife isn't a member. They
actually seemed way interested and loved the simple message that we left
with them. She could get baptized in the future. They even said that
they wanted us to come over for dinner soon!
Thursday
was full of just service from that morning to night. We helped the
sieverts family a lot. Burningham and Lesuma helped paint the inside of
the house, while Corbin and I went outside and did some yard work. It
was a beautiful day, I got a little sunburnt even :)
Friday
we had Bishop Storehouse early that morning. Little did I know that it
was my last time. One of the ladies there, from the Purvis ward, asked
if we could come set up some tents for her in the Hattiesburg Zoo. Her
Girl scouts and some other troops were spending the night there for a
little even thing. We of course said yes, and even got to walk around
the zoo. It is a small zoo, but it was cool to see all the animals! The
alligator was sooooo cool! I then got the call from President.. "Elder
Rankin.. you are heading to stonewall. LA." It is bittersweet to leave
Hattiiesburg but I am excited to head out :)
Saturday and Sunday were spiritual highs!! Saturday
we got to go to the Priesthood session that was in the afternoon. We
were so close to Elder David A Bednar! During the session, he didn't
give a talk though. He asked that we ask him questions and he would
answer them. It was crazy how I would think of a question, and even
though he didn't specifically answer it. The Holy Ghost helped me know
the answer for myself. Even the Saturday
night session. He is such a great man! The spirit and happiness he
brings is amazing. I know with my whole heart that he an apostle of the
lord. He only opened his scriptures once, but the rest of time he just
quoted them from memory. Truly amazing!
Sunday
we got the new stake presidency.. Bishop Holm is now President Holm!
After only serving as a bishop for a little over a year, he is now the
stake president. What a great man. Elder Bednar gave a great talk and
taught us a lot. Over the whole weekend, he came back to something over
and over again. Are we agents or are we objects? Something that acts for
ourselves or something that needs to be acted upon? We know how each of
us can better ourselves, but it is upon ourselves to act. Through the
strength of our savior, we can do things that no ordinary man could do
by himself. Last night I had my last dinner with the Hinton's. I am
going to be sad not to see them but I am truly grateful for them. They
were my family/ my home away from home. We also got to see Gary Gordon.
We had a great lesson with him! We answered all of his questions and
helped him continue to progress. I pray that he gets baptized soon and
learns the truth about the Book of Mormon.
Yes,
I am leaving Hattiesburg! I am sad to say goodbye to Elder Lesuma, my
new companion will be Elder Myers. He has been out for a while. I am
excited to meet him and I am excited to serve in Stonewall. I have heard
lots of good things. I just hate packing, I don't realize how much
stuff I have and how little room I have ;) hahaha! I head out early tomorrow
morning and probably won't get there until late. At least I get to see a
lot of Elder's and Sister's that I know while passing through T-point.
Hattiesburg will always be home though, I truly loved serving here and
getting to know the people here. I have come a long way in only 6
months, my testimony continues to grow and my light is getting brighter
and brighter. I pray that each of us strive to shine our own "Light" and
continue forward in faith. The church is true, and I love y'all so
much! Have a great week y'all!
Love,
Elder Mason Rankin :)
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