So
my first lesson here was with a lady named Cherryl. She is a young
mother and we taught her about the Restoration and how it can bless her
family and her own life. It felt kind of weird for her to say yes and
teach her. I was so used to rejection in Stonewall, so it is so great
here where lots of people will listen to you. We would not survive
without them too. People give us cold water bottles all the time, I was
so grateful the other day when it was 100 degrees and super humid. I
felt like I was melting.
Our top investigator
right now is Eric Smith. He is a father of a part member family. His
wife and kids are all members but he has never been baptized. He has
been taught off and on for the past 15 years but never wanted to commit
to baptism until now! He wants to get baptized next Sunday!
His interview is tomorrow to make sure he is ready but I really think
it is going to happen. 1 week here and we already have a progressing
investigator. I have only taught him a few times, but his testimony is
getting strong and I think he really wants to support his family and has
found the truth. We had an amazing lesson with him on Friday.
We talked about fasting, the prophet and obeying the law. The spirit
was there and it felt great to testify and teach about what I knew to be
true. I felt the spirit work through me as I spoke to this father and
related it right him. Wouldn't have been able to do it without the
spirit. He said that he felt great after the lesson and he likes us! So
pray that it happens this next Sunday! I am so excited! :)
So
my birthday was last Friday and we had a ton of fun. It seemed like
everyone wanted to listen to us and it was funny because we taught a
couple of 19 year olds that day. Of course I had to tell them that it
was my birthday. They didn't believe me, they thought I was at least
turning 21. Nope, 19! We had a great day and we ended it with some cake
and ice cream. So good! Thank you for all the birthday wishes! It was a
great day! Elder Nuku even sang to me in his deep Tongan voice. I loved
it :) A ton of members from Stonewall even called me and texted me on
my birthday! They miss me, feels good that I left a good impression
there. They are the best :)
Yesterday I met the
whole ward. It wasn't too hard because there were probably less than 50
of them. We are considered a ward but the size of a branch. They are
all really nice and I liked meeting them. I want to help bring the
numbers up for attendance! Elder Nuku and I want to get it above 70 by
the end of the transfer. So hopefully as we work with less-actives and
members we will bring it up :) The area here has a lot of nice people. I am thankful for my home, my family and where I was raised. I am constantly reminded of it. I love the people though, good southern
hospitality :)
Yesterday we had probably one of
my favorite lessons of the week. We met with this 20 year old girl
named Laquita. She is a sweet girl and we taught her the full
Restoration. She understood everything that we taught. She wants to know
which church is true and wants to know how to find out for herself. So
it was perfect to share with her the Resto. I taught a lot about the
Holy ghost and the Book of Mormon being the keystone of our religion.
She has committed to read and pray about it, so pray that it goes well!
We meet with her again later this week! :)
Well
y'all, thanks so much for all the love and support. I am loving it here
in Greenville, it is a lot different from Stonewall and I miss it a
lot. But I know that we are going to do some good work here and help a
lot of people come unto Christ. He knows us, listens to us and
understands us. His hand reaching out, He is knocking on the door. We
just need to take the leap of faith, grab a hold and open the door. What
a blessing it has been in my life. Keep being awesome, look for those
missionary opportunities and smile :) Have a great week, I miss and love
y'all! :)
Love,
Elder Mason Rankin :)
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