So we're changing plans. Starting this next week we will
plan to visit members for almost every hour of the day. Paradigm shift.
This is a long term investment since, looking short term, there are few
results to show for member work.
So we'll be focusing on teaching the members the
lessons, active or not. We will help raise their vision and their faith
so that they can catch the wave. Hopefully it goes well.
For six weeks I've had the nagging feeling to work through the
PM/OAY (part-member, out of area ?) lists. Every time I've asked for one I haven't been able to get
them. So this last week we took matters into our own hands and sat down
with the clerk and showed him how to do it. On first glimpse it
was disappointing to see that the majority of people are out of our
area. Oh well. I also, using LDS Tools, made a custom list of everyone
in our area. It can then display the list geographically superimposed on
a map. As we visit them we'll tap a button and take them off the map.
We have committed ourselves to continuing the
private Facebook trainings as well. We have now done our entire district
and the Sister Training Leaders. The results were mind blowing All of
those areas taught 2x as many member present lessons this past week. One
area tripled theirs. As a result the zone increased by almost 40
lessons taught with member presents. There is an energy and excitement
going throughout the zone as everyone is catching the vision.
It's so important that other people catch the wave.
Facebook is best taught on the individual level between companions. If
we can train these 16 missionaries how to use it it will quickly spread
throughout the mission.
This past week was MLC. It was all about goals and
plans. Unfortunately I didn't leave too inspired, maybe I didn't prepare
enough for it. In the middle of one of the presentations President
Toone walked over to me and handed me an iPad and asked me to check it.
The way he walked over was super intense haha. Then again, watching
anyone who is 7 feet tall walking towards you is intimidating.
President and Sister Toone used some of the MLC time
to reemphasize the importance of prayer language. They've asked all of
us to teach the zones why and how to pray correctly. Afterwards I was
reflecting on how the scope of their calling is far greater than the
people the missionaries are teaching: mission presidents/wives prepare
the future members of the church. President Toone has taught me much
about the how and why of counseling, prayer, and priesthood keys.
Relatively thinking you'd think those are small but I can see how they
make all the difference for the stability of the church.
And it just enhances what I learned yesterday. Every
month we meet with the stake presidency to discuss the work of
salvation in the stake. Yesterday the first counselor told us something
that Elder Bednar had shared in their coordinating council meeting.
Summarizing, he said, 'If a mission has zero baptisms in two decades but
there is lifelong growth in the missionaries, they have had a
successful mission. We aren't just baptizing people, we're growing and
shaping the future leaders of the church.' He also mentioned that every
missionary is given two missions: to serve in the area and to be a
companion.
Interesting thought!
Our
ward is amazing. It is full of amazing members who love people. And they
serve them. A week ago, a member invited our district to go caroling
with him and his wife to some of the members for the following week
(last night.) The hour came and we piled into his car and drove around
singing, "I'm Trying to be like Jesus" to a list of members that he had
selected. It was a surprise for every one of them. As we showed up it
was exciting to watch their faces brighten. We're not the greatest of
singers but the spirit was definitely present. Many smiles were left as
we left their homes. Our visits were no more than 3 minutes: the hello,
song, prayer, adios. Good times and good memories.
I've had some amazing experiences working with
President Toone. I've also had some unique ones haha. This morning I
had one of those. At 7:15 am
he called and had some questions about Facebook. It is an interesting
situation to be in to counsel with a mission president. He is such a
humble person and has taught me so much about humility. He doesn't
pretend to know everything even though he secretly does. I'll often text
him random questions about scripture or church history and he always
knows the answer. Apparently he used to give nationwide tours of church
history sites. He knows everything.
Anyway, life goes on. And it goes on very well. Tomorrow is zone meeting and Wednesday will be interviews. Exciting week!
Thanks for the letters, family!
Love,
EJ
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