So this week was pretty good in the long-run. We had a lot of success but a lot of problems start creeping up as well. We'll see what happens.
First of all, Sherrie. Things have been a roller-coaster for her. I don't remember if I said this, but she is recovering from neck surgery. Well this last week was really bad for her; a lot of pain and fear. We had a really powerful lesson about service and she retained a lot of it. Problem however, due to the economy and not having been at work since March, she is renting out her basement to a friend of a friend. Problem #1, he's a guy which means she can't get baptized as long as he is there. Problem #2, we found out he attends the Assembly of God church here in town that doesn't like us, so we're a little worried about him anti-ing her. But she likes us and has a good view of us so maybe she'll work on him.
We had another fun lesson with Gwen & Zack. Gospel of Jesus Christ and they understood and were able to teach it back. That is always a good thing.
This week we also had a 20-hour Zone Conference. Went from 9-9 on Thursday and 9-5 of Friday. Lots of craziness. Salt Lake has now changed the focus of missionary work from What to teach, What to do to now on "How to be a better teacher". They put out eight main points and we spent about two hours focused on each point. Lots of role-playing and lots of discussions. It was a really neat experience to be a part of. I told Elder Senior I'm a little jealous of him because he gets to work on this for pretty his full two years. We were told they aren't really starting to push this in the MTC until May. All well.
Friday night when we got back to town we had another lesson with Steve. Elder Senior and I wanted to apply the things that we had just been taught. Ending result... probably one of the most powerful lessons I've been a part of on my mission. We focused primarily on listening and I really think we taught him, and not just another lesson. I felt the Spirit and I hope that Steve did and recognizes it. A very neat experience overall.
The scripture for the week is Moroni 6:4-6. This is Moroni explaining how the Nephite church worked and lists the reasons for church. Here in Montana we get a lot of, "My church is in the mountains" or "I don't need to go to church to worship God". I personally like church because it gives a chance to learn and grow from one another. And you can only take the sacrament at church so that is a very good reason to go; be cleansed from sins and start over. Plus, after eight hours of church every week, it becomes a spiritual high.
Hope everyone enjoys the last of summer, autumn is just around the corner. Good luck with everything and have fun.
Elder Wixom
