Howdee my friends!
As for now, we have been counseled to gather all of our valuables and
neccesary items into one place and be ready to evacuate if needed, but in all
likeliness, we will remain here in Slidell at the regional Bishop's Storehouse,
which is built to withstand a Cat. 3. It's crazy to think that this is real, and
that in two days I might be experiencing a hurricane.
As for success this week, yesterday was a great day. There wasn't a single
moment available to tract because we had an entire list of people to go and
contact, most all of whom were potentials we found through tracting. We taught 3
lessons to 3 houses in a row, and found some new investigators through those
opportunities. A lot of people who we had thought simply said come back to be
kind turned out to have real potential. The greatest part of the day was
stopping on the side of the road to see if a guy needed help with his
landscaping, which turned into him and his wife asking us all about prophets,
allowing us to testify, leave a commitment, and secure a return appointment. The
principle of going about doing good is what I believe to be one of the best ways
to find others to teach because it is emulating the Savior's example at its
fullest.
Another great experience that we had was our Zone Conference held in
Gulfport, MS. No one really knew what to expect because it was President
McDonough's first conference with us missionaries, but it was one of the most
amazing experiences that I have had this far into my mission. He pulled out the
scriptures and taught with power principles that any missionary could use and
apply in their lives and companioships. The spirit was very strong and I had
many promptings about how I can improve.
Following our lunch break, President taught a great lesson about the keys
that a mission president holds and how they are meant to be used to lift
missionaries up. He testified that he would do nothing to bring us down that
would not build us up stronger in the end, exhorted us to be honest in all of
our dealings with him and all others, and invited further diligence in obedience
to a few simple rules that would strengthen the mission. It was a powerful
address that was unscripted. We talked about "binding ourselves to act" and
doing something to improve ourselves to be able to better help the people of the
South. (D&C 43:9) I think that is a principle of the gospel that we often
readily overlook - when the spirit testifies to us or prompts us to do certain
things, when commandments are given to us, we must then promise to the Lord
action, upon which many blessings are predicated. (D&C 43:10)
The zinger experience was what happened afterwards. President and I sat
down together to discuss the logistics of some upcoming events, and afterwards,
he began to ask about how I was doing personally. There has been a lot of stress
that I have had because of multiple circumstances which he did not know about,
but he discerned my needs and addressed them perfectly. Anyone who has served in
a Preach My Gospel mission knows of the principle of asking inspired questions,
and this was a shining example. He then asked if he could give me a priesthood
blessing, to which I responded in the affirmative, and while I won't share the
sacred counsel and promises made therein, let me just say, it has been a long
time since I have felt the spirit so strongly. Without a doubt I know that he
has been called of God and that he has power in the Priesthood. To have a man
with keys given by an apostle lay his hands on your head and speak in the place
of our Heavenly Father is a humbling, edifying, and inspiring experience. I am
so grateful for the opportunity to serve under his direction and to serve the
people of the South. May the Savior's peace and blessing be in all of your lives
this upcoming week!
Love,
Elder Thomas
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