The Squad is all ready for baptism. B____, K____ and A___ are just the best. They got their interviews on Saturday
and passed with flying colors. Yesterday we planned out who's speaking
and praying and such so we can get the whole program together. The ward
is really helping out as well, I think we will have a good turnout for
the baptismal service and it will be full of the spirit. They are elect
individuals and blessings for us to have the opportunity of teaching. So
baptisms this Saturday, it will be grand. :)
Bro F____ has successfully finished the stop-smoking program and is still going stronger! So tonight
we are going to celebrate together and have dinner. It is so happy to
see someone make such a change in their life. I know I never had to deal
with that struggle but we each have our own that we can overcome with
the Lord's help.
District meeting was also a
highlight of the week. We discussed "changing our nature, not just
behavior." I learned a lot from it and felt the spirit as I directed our
discussion together and taught. Alma asks us "can you look up, having
the image of God engraven upon your countenances?" (Alma 5:19)
As we change our "nature", putting off the natural man, we begin to
reach the potential God sees for us. By changing our nature, we change
our thoughts, action and influence we have on other. The only way we can
change our nature is through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. If we allow
him, our hearts and lives will be molded after Christ's and other's
will begin to see him in our countenance.
We
started teaching a member's husband this last week, the H____ family. He
is a non-member, but has been coming to church for awhile. We have tried
the last couple of weeks to meet up and finally were successful in
finding a time that would work. We taught them the Restoration and he
essentially told us he will get baptized when he gets the answer.
Whether it's in a week or in 5 years,
he's willing. We are praying it's sooner than later, but it was really
great to meet with him. Elder Crisp and I bounced right off one another
and this brother was listening intently to what we had to say. We hope
we can continue to help him progress in finding that answer. Another
tender mercy from the Lord. :)
Pioneer Day was
another highlight of the week. The whole stake got together at McLeod
Park and had lots of fun. From Hay rides to good music, games, frisbee,
water, horse rides and lots of food! It was a blast, we had a good turn
out for it. We may have gotten a lot of sun and were tired the rest of
the day, it was definitely a good time.
The
last story from this week comes from our tracting. Elder Crisp and I had
some extra time to fill so we spent some time knocking doors trying to
find more people to teach. We started down this road and immediately no
one wanted to talk to us. People would purposely go from their porch to
inside their house so they didn't have to talk us. On top of it, you
could hear the dead bolt lock after they closed the door. It was
actually pretty amusing to us. We then came to this one humble abode and
tried knocking. After a few seconds, a lady come out the side door and
as soon as she saw us started yelling "Get off my property!!" I couldn't
believe what was going on. I tried asking her "what's wrong?" because
she was so mad and being rude but she just continued to yell at us, so
we made our way down the street. It made me sad to think she reacted in
that way to us, but I figure if Jesus Christ received rejection, why not
us? Not everyone will listen, all we can do is invite.
Well
this next week shall be spectacular. I am going to just savor the
moments, because this week will be done and gone before I know it. I
hope y'all keep praying and keep trying. We do our best and God makes
up the rest. The Lord has provided and we are sooo happy! I hope and
pray y'all have a great week, keep on smiling! Love y'all!!
Another day in Paradise.... #baptismandbirthdayweek
Love,
Elder Mason Rankin :)
Ward Pioneer celebration |
"The District" |
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