Tuesday, 11
December
Two cancellations today. With I, we again talked
about the "gate of baptism," as well as the Higher Law of Christ.
In our program with J we talked about different theories of men and God
(such as Nehor, Korihor, and King Benjamin). We met with Z one last time
to have a formal dropping program. He showed up with a list he'd made
saying how he'd only met because we're American; how he will never be a
religious man; how God does not help us, but leaves us on our own to help
ourselves; and the eighth and final point, that he just "does not care
about God." Bummer! We did let him know how much his
friendship and lessons meant to us, and left on good terms. In the evening was Angolora. We sang
and translated "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer." My miracle
today is that there are many Kingdoms after the judgement, not just heaven and
hell. I think that it is yet another way God's love is manifest for us in
the Plan of Salvation. He provides the Telestial, Terrestrial, and other
degrees in the Celestial Kingdom so that all those who fall short of exaltation
may still receive a state of peace, of glory, and of paradise – much preferable
over the abyss of Outer Darkness.
Wednesday, 12
December
This morning I planned out District Meeting assignments,
the training, and a very unique set of role plays that I'm looking forward to.
We had one investigator dog us today. We had four hours of finding
but without success in the finding part. We met with Z in the late
afternoon and helped her prepare for the Christmas Concert. In Seminary
we studied Mark. My miracle today is enduring. A mission is a great
time and opportunity to learn how to endure, and to learn how to endure well.
Thursday, 13
December
This morning and afternoon we taught at the school again.
Since today was the last time we'll see these three classes, we talked
about Christmas. We had a very similar lesson as with our two classes
last week. In the groups, once again, from about 90-100 students, Family
Time, Food, and Presents came out as the "most important parts of
Christmas." One group today said "The Spirit of Christmas"
which made me happy. Once again, there was very little thought about Christ.
So, what did I do? I took ten minutes in every class and talked
specifically about the "Spirit of Christ." I also learned from
all three classes that there are no traditional Hungarian Christmas stories.
The majority of them had never heard of “A Christmas Carol," Rudolph
the Red-nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, "The Gift of the Magi,"
and a fair amount didn't know anything about the Nativity Story (Christ's
birth). Nor did they have any new stories or traditional folk lore about
Christmas. In the evening we met with I.
Once again E was unable to come. We had a chance to talk about
Jacob 5, the Family Proclamation, and Elder Nelson's dedicatory prayer, all of
which he'd read; then we commenced discussing Matthew 24. The program got
really interesting when Z walked right in, saying he'd seen the lights on
inside. So, he invited himself into our program. I found out that
he too, has a very good knowledge of the Bible and religious history. Our
two investigators taught each other for over an hour at a pace and level that,
frankly, I struggled to keep up with. I wish it had been in English.
Crazy and strange things happen on missions and this was one of them. My miracle today is the Gospel of Jesus
Christ; "gospel" meaning "good news," or the joyous message
and teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Friday, 14
December
We had our District Meeting this morning. The Zone
Leaders came to it. Elder Loveday gave an insightful thought on being
unified within ourselves. During the training we focused on using many
unique role plays to learn companionship unity. Our District Goals are
going well. Everyone is doing all of
them. In my opinion, this was our best district meeting yet. We all
felt very good afterwards. I also went
on splits with Elder Clavel after the meeting. We went down to Szeged and
had two programs. The first one was with E and V. We talked about Tithing
as well as following the prophet. Our second program was with M. We
talked to her about Humility and Obedience.
Afterwards we went and split back. Overall, Elder Clavel and I had
about five hours in the car to talk. We had to take a ferry across the
Tisza. That was a fun experience. Unfortunately, I didn't have my
camera. When we split back, I learned
both A and Z had dogged the other elders. Ouch. My miracle today is
Faith. Faith is a principle of power, and we receive it through the gifts
of God as results of our thoughts, our actions, and the actions of others.
Faith is the foundation of everything we do. It's something the
majority of the world just does not understand.
Saturday, 15 December
– 18 Months on My Mission!
One cancellation today. We did a lot of work on our
Area Book today, making over 150 calls and organizing it for nearly six hours.
I'm totally re-vamping our book, and when we're done, she'll be a beauty
that radiates and shines. During that time we found six interested
people. My miracle is that I've begun a
study of Christ's parables. Christ really was the master teacher.
Sunday, 16 December
First off, this morning the shower head fell off.
Rust had completely eaten away the inside of it, and when I turned it on
this morning, the top shot off! Anyhow, we had our usual Ward Council
Meeting this morning. During Church, I blessed and confirmed A a member
of the Church. She came in during the
Sacramental Hymn, so after, we confirmed her, then proceeded straight to the
Sacrament. It was the first time I can remember anything being between
the Sacrament Hymn and the Ordinance. Not
many members were there today. Z didn't come. However, the Adams's
were there and they gave departing testimonies. Choir practice today was
a disaster. Only two people stayed.
In the evening we met with A and discussed the apostasy. We also
began to talk about baptism. The first thing he said was, "I've
already been baptized." I know like that sounds like a common thing,
but I was a bit caught off guard. The last time anyone said that was back
in Szekesfehervar, one year ago. However, we were able to partially
address it and he knows it wasn't valid.
My miracle today was A's confirmation. I've never had the opportunity
on my mission to baptize anyone, but now I have had the chance to confirm
someone.
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