Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Talk to Everyone... Tender moments and mercies

This morning as I was pondering, I thought back to 2 years ago... Walking down streets in Hattiesburg with Elder Franklin. The leaves were falling, football was in the air and I never thought this journey would end. Now as I reflect back, I wish I could go back. I am definitely going to miss this so much.

The first highlight of the week was finding Z_____. We had a referral that he wanted a Book of Mormon, so we went to drop it off. When we got to the house, they said he wasn't there. We walked away wishing he was there, then we looked to our right and saw a man 10 yards away, sitting next to some mailboxes with a 6 pack at his feet. I have been working on talking to everyone lately, with the short time I have left. So we walked over and talked to him. We found out it was Z______! He had just gotten off work and was resting a little bit. He shared with us that he wanted to get rid of Alcohol and to stop smoking. We told him about the programs the church has and he was so happy! We also gave him a Book of Mormon and taught him about it. As we read together, his face seemed to light up. There is power in the Book of Mormon. We are praying to help him change his life, just as the Gospel has changed ours. We will be meeting with him more this next week.

Wednesday was Zone Meeting so we all met here in Monroe. It was a blast to teach there and practice together. I got to pretend being an investigator while members of the zone taught me. I did the whole thing in a southern accent and my name was "Chuck... Chuck Finley." We taught about dependability and teaching simply. At times we get so caught up in teaching, that we forget how simple the gospel is. A little child can understand it. As we do so, we can simplify and then intensify our message with the spirit.

After zone meeting, I got to go to El Dorado with Elder Ross on exchanges!! It was such a blast to be with him and catch up. He has grown a lot and I am proud of him. He is awesome. Within the first 5 minutes being in El Dorado, we had a little miracle. We were dropping off the sisters when I spotted a lady jogging on by. The spirit hit me fast and I immediately acted. I waved her down and talked to her. Her name is M_____ and at first she thought it was super weird but then after some discussion, she was interested in what we had to say and wanted a copy of the Book of Mormon. Blessings of listening to the spirit!

M_____ is doing so good y'all! Thanks for all the prayers that were sent out for her. By a miracle from God, she called us back Friday and we have met with her everyday since. The first time meeting up we just had to pray together and the spirit was instantly there. We are praying that she will come to church here soon. She needs to come in order to help her gain a testimony and receive revelation about what we share with her. We are excited for her and so happy, we know the Lord has a will for her. We just pray she will have the faith to act upon that.

One other cool experience from the week was with a lady named B_____. When we came in, she was flustered and the kids were running everywhere. We came in, invited the spirit there and by the end, all the kids were gathered around listening to us. We shared with them the story of Jesus coming to the Americas with pictures. It was so awesome, B_____'s heart softened as she saw us teach her children. They even all gathered around, holding hands and I taught them all how to pray. It was so cute and such a tender experience. We take for granted the little things sometimes, I am happy I have a mother who taught me and prayed with me.

Last thing for this week.. yes I had a lot I wanted to tell y'all about. I spoke in sacrament this weekend. I spoke on the Plan of Salvation and how the knowledge of the Plan brings us joy in our lives. So, I was told to only prepare to speak for 15 minutes... guess how long I had to speak for? Almost 30 minutes.... The 2 speakers right before me took like 5 minutes.. I know the Lord filled my mouth as I opened it. Somehow I spoke for almost 30 minutes and no one fell asleep, so that was a good sign. I felt the spirit as I spoke, I know that my testimony started with the knowledge of the plan. I am so happy to know that there is more than this life and that I will see my family again. I know that God lives and loves us.

Well y'all, I better get to it. We have lots to do today. Have a blessed one and keep on smiling!
"see ya later little fellar!"

With love and hugs,
Elder Mason Rankin :)
 
Elder Eggiman took this while the kids were all gathered around me. Such a cool moment! :)


Duck Dynasty commander chair



My zone


having fun making ties!  even President got to wear one.

 

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