First Time Tracting

Hey Everyone,

This week has been wild but Amazing!

 

 

First off, Kristin, who last week texted us that she didn't want to meet again, agreed to let us share one more message with her. We were anxious for that lesson because we felt like there was so much on the line. We went in planning to teach the Restoration, but as we got talking, it was clear she needed the plan of Salvation. It was a miracle. She said what we were teaching answered questions that she has had for years! It went from, "I'll let you come over and share one message" to "Please, please come back". What a turnaround!

 

 

Also it was Elder Pope's birthday on Saturday, he turned 24 years old. We were able to start teaching 3 new people, so the lord gave him a great birthday present!

 

 

We were able to go tracting this week for the first time. After a dinner appointment this week, I felt prompted we needed to knock some doors. It is a bit intimidating, because you used to learn how to tract with someone who has done it before. Because of Covid almost no one in the mission has ever done it before. I told Elder Pope we should, and he was very timid to the idea. I realized this week that I was just going to have to square my shoulders and do it. I kept telling him this was an opportunity for us to grow and he kept being reluctant, so we prayed about it. Afterwards I finally convinced him. We chose a door and I walked right up to it and knocked. It was a devout Buddhist family that was not happy we were on their porch. We got a prompt "no" and that was the end of that, but I was so happy. By doing that, I proved to myself that I could be a leader, even though I was terrified!

 

 

Lyle, who got baptized last week was confirmed this week and received the Holy Ghost. He also received the Priesthood and a calling. He is getting straight into working. It was great to be able to stand in as he received both of those.

 

 

I was reading in 1 Nephi this week and realized something really cool. It was in 1 Nephi 2:16 which says, 

"16 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers"

 

 

We always see Nephi and regard him as a man with exceeding faith, one that never waivers. We see a lot of prophets as league's ahead of us. I love this verse because it shows that Nephi had to grow and learn the same as us! He had to "cry unto the Lord" so the Lord could soften his heart. As we truly pour out our souls to the Lord, we can have our hearts softened like Nephi. As we humble ourselves, the Lord can shape us into who we need to become. Oftentimes we get in the way with our own pride (like Laman and Lemuel).

 

 

For example, in 1 Nephi 15, Laman and Lemuel are disputing and murmuring because they don't understand the teachings of Lehi. Nephi (Having grown a lot) asked, "Have ye inquired of the Lord?"

They responded saying, "We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us." They had hardened their hearts and did not pray to the lord for understanding.

 

 

I would like to invite everyone reading this to not just give the same prayers and say the same things they always say when praying, but to actually set aside some time and truly "cry" unto the Lord. Tell him about your day, about how you feel. Tell him what you desire most and ask him what you can do better, or ask questions you have. I promise as you focus on doing this, your life will improve and you will feel closer to your Savior and your Heavenly Father

 

 

Elder Wilhelmsen

 

 

1.We got to go on another Tour of the Airforce Base

2.We helped mix and pour concrete for a member for a couple hours and got so dirty

3.The concrete after we poured it