Here is an excerpt from William's letter, and a few of the experiences he had that week:
I brought my journal today and so the next few things I'll just quote from that.
7/11/12
"Today was wonderful! Woke up on time andhad our studies, we even role-played for the first time together. Alex (a recently returned missionary) came to the lesson with Joshua with us and it was really great. We were going to put him on date but when his roomate came in and started benging around the kitchen we both felt it wasn't time.
We taught John and his wife Ruth today. Last time Ruth just sat in the living room and acted like she wasn't listening, today she sat at the table with us and was engaged. They are in their 70's and both grew up Lutheran and have been unhappy about changes in the church regarding its stance on, and acceptance of, abortion and homosexuality. They found answers with us that they liked and are going to come to church with us on the 22nd. We read 3 Nephi 11 with them and it was powerful. I don't know if they will get baptized while I am here but I believe they will be baptized.
We had another great lesson with Christina, a new investigator, she's in her early 20's and came to church with Blake Crowther (another recently returned missionary). She is so open and thirsty for spiritual truth. I felt prompted to extend a soft baptismal invite and she said that's what she wanted! She also grew up Lutheran and didn't feel right about it, or that it was complete. We had the lesson in Blakes home. Next time we will invite her to a specific date. I am so amazed at the Lords mercy toward Elder Brown and I. He has blessed us richly. I have certain frustrations with Brown but the better I get to know him the more he becomes a friend."
Hope you know we're trying and doing our best. It's hard being tied to someones hip 24/7 month after month. I love you all and am excited to continue serving. Our mornings were a lot better last week. As a district we've started getting up and working out together...so far it's working. We do Ultimate Frisbee, basketball, p90x, dodge ball, etc. Hopefully that will continue to work, in the past when we tried this for a couple days it stopped working and fell apart as soon as one person or a companionship decided they didn't want to anymore.
I hope everyone can rededicate themselves where needed and attack their weaknesses with renewed energy! Everyone knows what their personal goals and challenges are. That's what I'm trying to do! "gird up your loins, fresh courage take, our God will never us forsake!"
Love you all!
Elder William Marks
I brought my journal today and so the next few things I'll just quote from that.
7/11/12
"Today was wonderful! Woke up on time andhad our studies, we even role-played for the first time together. Alex (a recently returned missionary) came to the lesson with Joshua with us and it was really great. We were going to put him on date but when his roomate came in and started benging around the kitchen we both felt it wasn't time.
We taught John and his wife Ruth today. Last time Ruth just sat in the living room and acted like she wasn't listening, today she sat at the table with us and was engaged. They are in their 70's and both grew up Lutheran and have been unhappy about changes in the church regarding its stance on, and acceptance of, abortion and homosexuality. They found answers with us that they liked and are going to come to church with us on the 22nd. We read 3 Nephi 11 with them and it was powerful. I don't know if they will get baptized while I am here but I believe they will be baptized.
We had another great lesson with Christina, a new investigator, she's in her early 20's and came to church with Blake Crowther (another recently returned missionary). She is so open and thirsty for spiritual truth. I felt prompted to extend a soft baptismal invite and she said that's what she wanted! She also grew up Lutheran and didn't feel right about it, or that it was complete. We had the lesson in Blakes home. Next time we will invite her to a specific date. I am so amazed at the Lords mercy toward Elder Brown and I. He has blessed us richly. I have certain frustrations with Brown but the better I get to know him the more he becomes a friend."
Hope you know we're trying and doing our best. It's hard being tied to someones hip 24/7 month after month. I love you all and am excited to continue serving. Our mornings were a lot better last week. As a district we've started getting up and working out together...so far it's working. We do Ultimate Frisbee, basketball, p90x, dodge ball, etc. Hopefully that will continue to work, in the past when we tried this for a couple days it stopped working and fell apart as soon as one person or a companionship decided they didn't want to anymore.
I hope everyone can rededicate themselves where needed and attack their weaknesses with renewed energy! Everyone knows what their personal goals and challenges are. That's what I'm trying to do! "gird up your loins, fresh courage take, our God will never us forsake!"
Love you all!
Elder William Marks