Put Me in Coach!

Two quotes of the week:

"People's agency makes me look like a terrible missionary" --Sister Blacker

"Rejoice, you're awesome" --Elder Perkins (of the Seventy)

We've been struggling with people. It's an adventure going from an area with 9 progressing investigators to one with 0. For example, we had four lessons set up for Friday, with members to join us for each one. The first one worked out, but the investigator refused to read the Book of Mormon. The second lesson fell through. The third lesson, the member couldn't make it, and we found out that the lady (who wants to get baptized) won't be able to until December 'cause that's when she gets off parole. The fourth lesson, both the member and the investigator fell through.

On Saturday, however, our spirits were lifted, 'cause the mission leadership got invited to attend a two hour training from Elder Perkins. He told us a lot of faith inspiring stories about how how we don't always see the affects of our actions, and about the set-up and inspiration of Preach My Gospel. He talked about how Elder Bednar said that he wishes we'd replace the word "meeting" with "revelatory experience." If we come to sacrament revelatory experience, or district revelatory experience, etc. with a question, then we are moving accountability from the speaker to the listener to receive guidance from whichever revelatory experience we are attending.

He also spoke of the types of questions we ask. Joseph Smith didn't ask "Which church is true?" but, "Which church should I join?" The question implied action.When we ask with "real intent" there must be action involved, eh? Heavenly Father is less likely to reveal truth to us if we don't intend to do anything with it.

I sure do miss Bloomington. It was really nice to know everybody in the ward. And to know my way around the area. And to have everything in close proximity. But Franklin seems purdy great too. The members are so open to sharing the gospel with their friends. And they really love feeding missionaries.

There was a "Why I Believe" last night. One of the ladies who spoke had President Cleveland baptize her back in October. She was talking about how she stepped into the font, and then said, "Put me in, Coach!" Soo funny. But there were a lot of great testimonies shared, it's so cool the different ways people are prepared to receive the Gospel. Now we just gotta find some of those folks in Franklin O_o

That's all I've got for today. Much love!

Sister Bowen