Turkeys in the neighborhood. I wonder if they'll stick around for Thanksgiving.
This week went fairly well as planned – which in and of itself is somewhat unusual. I had the chance to interview about 60 missionaries in Corvallis and Salem areas. While I am interviewing one Mom is visiting with another and I think that combo really helps lift them. Most are doing so good and were really excited following last week’s zone conferences. You may remember that Elder Mask interviewed two of the missionaries in that area that were contemplating going home and gave them both blessings. It strengthened them for a little while. From Saturday to Tuesday and Wednesday respectively one said he still wants to go home, and one had a significant reversal and wants to stay.
The elder more determined to stay had written to his parents on Monday and said he was definitely going home. They called me when they got the letter on Thursday. Having just visited with him on Wednesday I was surprised and when I called him back he said he was doing a lot better when we visited. I asked him if he was at a “1” to “2” level of commitment and happiness when he wrote to his parents where was he when we visited the day before and now? He told me he was an “8” to “9.” So I pray the Lord continues to help him feel His spirit and that he will want to stay. I also hope the other elder catches the vision of this great work.
Last week when Elder Mask was here he taught about the need to have “Fire in the Bones” for the Book of Mormon. It is obvious that many of the missionaries have caught on to that phrase and personally have that vision and want to build on that foundation.
Thursday we had dinner with one of our neighbors – at their home. They have been extremely friendly to us and to the previous mission presidents. They had invited the assistants to come with us and teach a lesson. They are so very gracious but did not seem ready to be taught further. They are so kind to us and we appreciate their friendship.
Thursday and Friday the assistants and I worked on upcoming transfers. On Friday night Mom and I spoke at a ward dinner / fireside about 80 miles south in a town called Myrtle Creek. The ward had invited all those who had completed the Bishop’s challenge to read the Book of Mormon in 100 days to celebrate with a dinner and to read together the final two chapters of Moroni. There were about 75 people who had completed the challenge and were there – which I thought was great for their small ward. I was impressed - since they asked us to be the keynote speakers after that event - that the bishop must have anticipated missionary work to come out of this reading. I challenged them to “noise about” this good word as the people did in 3rd Nephi and let others know what they found. It was great to go and visit with them, and we were further blessed as Elder and Sister Stratton from the office came with us.
With Thanksgiving coming up we are excited to see Tommy and Ashlee and their girls arrive late tonight and then have Ryan and Rachel arrive on Monday. It will be fun to have Thanksgiving week with them.
Last week when Elder Mask was here he taught about the need to have “Fire in the Bones” for the Book of Mormon. It is obvious that many of the missionaries have caught on to that phrase and personally have that vision and want to build on that foundation.
Thursday we had dinner with one of our neighbors – at their home. They have been extremely friendly to us and to the previous mission presidents. They had invited the assistants to come with us and teach a lesson. They are so very gracious but did not seem ready to be taught further. They are so kind to us and we appreciate their friendship.
Thursday and Friday the assistants and I worked on upcoming transfers. On Friday night Mom and I spoke at a ward dinner / fireside about 80 miles south in a town called Myrtle Creek. The ward had invited all those who had completed the Bishop’s challenge to read the Book of Mormon in 100 days to celebrate with a dinner and to read together the final two chapters of Moroni. There were about 75 people who had completed the challenge and were there – which I thought was great for their small ward. I was impressed - since they asked us to be the keynote speakers after that event - that the bishop must have anticipated missionary work to come out of this reading. I challenged them to “noise about” this good word as the people did in 3rd Nephi and let others know what they found. It was great to go and visit with them, and we were further blessed as Elder and Sister Stratton from the office came with us.
With Thanksgiving coming up we are excited to see Tommy and Ashlee and their girls arrive late tonight and then have Ryan and Rachel arrive on Monday. It will be fun to have Thanksgiving week with them.
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