November 26, 2018

Fam, 

Nothing but good these past few days. We had planned to drive out to Holland today but with near white out conditions and the typical unplowed roads we opted out of it. Hopefully the snow will abate this Monday or next. There aren't too many of them left.... (Mondays in the mission, that is).

We've had two lessons with a new family we were able to pick up. I think I wrote about them last week. Apparently they are recent converts of another church but we've continued to have good lessons with them. During the first lesson this week we watched the restoration video and that was surprisingly spiritually powerful. What stood out to me was how powerful an influence media can have on the individual. The video, though simple, taught in the only way we really can learn, which is through the influence of the spirit and did so powerfully. The other lesson was on trade-offs. Elder Wiseman and Elder Magalei were there and were able to have a good lesson which resulted in the family understanding authority and realizing its necessity in baptism.

Tuesday we had the first Trade-off of the week. I went with Elder Sheffield and was impressed. He knows why he is out here and is ready to work so I anticipate good things from him. 

On Wednesday I went on trade-offs with Elder Tilley. We taught a lesson to Elvis and his family. They are a super awesome family but for some reason don't want to do what is necessary to progress. We taught an object lesson where you interconnect three knives over three cups to be able to suspend a small object in the air. The knives all work together to stay in place but if one is taken out they can't support themselves. In the same way the knives work together, daily prayer, daily scripture study, and church attendance help us grow and maintain a testimony. If one ingredient is missing it's a clear indicator of a problem. If there are problems with one is missing, what happens when all are missing?

Thursday was great. We ate Thanksgiving at President Reed's home. We shared a lesson and were able to start teaching Cassie's husband Edgar (a part member family). 

Friday we spent with the zone leaders and ended the trade-off at our weekly Friday event. This week we played a mixture of sports, had some snacks, and others danced. The Spanish branch really is the best area in the mission in every measurable way.