This was a great start to a new transfer. There seemed to have been a lot of sickness going around, and we weren't able to meet with a few people, but those who we were able to teach this week are taking great strides. This Tuesday we were finally able to get C G and B J to mutual. It was the first time that they have attended in Springville ward. They have gone previously in Rock Creek, but have not been since they moved. They also came to church on Sunday, which actually surprised me a little, because they have been "going to come" for several months, and havn't. It was such a joy to see them.
Wednesday we had a great district meeting, we learned about recieving revelation. Elder C and myself gave a spiritual thought. We read from the Bible Dictionary that it is impossible to be saved without revelation. Without it, we cannot know what God expects of us, why we are here in this life, where we are going, or how to get there. Life would truly be a meaningless glob of chaos if revelation were not there to provide an anchor to us. Whats neat is that no matter how the world changes, the principles of revelation do not. We can always learn from God, and His standards don't ever change. God does speak with us, and provide a way back to Him.
T D is still doing super well, and is still moving towards her baptism on the 3rd. We met with her twice this week, although the second lesson was cut short due to a bit of a family emergency. She got a cold as well, and was unable to come to church this weekend, but she has been reading and praying, and still wants to be baptized.
I have a few great stories from tracting this week. The first one came on Thursday, we were tracting, and we met a guy that goes by the name of "Matter". He said that he goes by that because he cannot be created or destroyed. He also had several religous books including: the Qoran, the Bible, the Jehovahs Witnesses"What does the bible really teach, and their translation of the Bible. as well as a Book of Mormon, and other literature. We had an interesting conversation with him, we had one of our priests with us, Michael Cook, who is preparing for a mission. "Matter", who was obviously cracked out on drugs, rambled on about conspiracy theories, a ring that Solomon had to control demons, and a staff as well, which he used to force the demons to build his temple. He asked us if we were voting, we said no, because we don't know anything about the election. He reply was this, "I don't know anything either, but I'm voting because its my right to vote. I'm voting for Obama, cause I voted for him last time. Its cause some problems, but I'm going to stick to it." That is whats wrong with our country...He also said that he always thought of us as God's "go to guys" He comes to us when he needs More Men, get it? He also called Michael the archangel, and told him not to pull out his sword, and not to cut anybody, because the worlds not over yet.He was crazy...
Then on Saturday, we had a guy try and prove us wrong, because the Bible says that its complete, and all you need, and you can't ever become god. He had heard some misconstrued things, and believes that its church doctrine. HE wouldn't believe that it wasn't. Later that day though is the really cool story. We knocked into a lady, and she wasn't interested, but she saw my backpack, and said, :oh, Columbia, my sister works there, do you want some passes to the employee store?" she then gave us some passes. So I have been needing a few things now that the rain is back, one is shoe covers, as my feet get soaked, the rest of my body is dry, but all the rain goes in the top of my shoe and I end the day with a puddle. ALso I need some waterproof gloves, because my hands are so cold all the time. It shouldn't be very much, but if you could get a little extra money in my account that would be great. THe passes are good until 12/31/12.
We had the opportunity to have the sacrament at the retirement center again yesterday, we have a member from the ward that has been called to oversee that, and the services yesterday went by really well. The spirit was great, and as we left we had the opportunity to do some service for one of the residents. It was a great chance to plant some seeds.
We had another miracle this week. Last night we got a call from a woman named J S. She said that she wants to take the lessons, and join the church. Her mom is an existing member in the ward already, and she has been talking with the bishop for some time. We have an appointment set for this week, and bishop R is coming with us. It will probably be his last visit as a bishop, because we got word yesterday that he is being released, and we will have a new bishop next week. I am sad to see him go.
Elder C and myself are still doing great. We make fun of each other all the time, keep the mood joyful and loving. When its raining outside, and the day is tough, we are always able to find something to laugh about and lighten our moods.
I had really good studies this week. On wednesday I studied out of chapter 10 in PMG on repentance and addiction recovery, and I started to read through, and I found that I read the first sentence, and the rest of my study was devoted to a study on humility, as it was one of the steps listed for repentance. I realized that the reason you fall back into bad habits is because as you repent you rely too much on what you can do. You think that you can overcome the addiction with sheer willpower. I have seen this many times in my own life, and as I studied I realized, that in order for me to truly repent and change my behaviors permanently I had to trust in him, and be humble. As I have worked to apply that into my life I have already seen a difference. The temptations are fewer, and easier to deal with, and I have confidence that WE can really do it. Not I, because I have failed, but WE. With Christ I can do it. I love the scripture of Ether 12:27. I am also reminded of Moroni 7:33 "And Christ hath said if ye shall have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me" How can we have faith unless we live by His teachings. He teaches us to be humble. It is expedient unto Him for me to overcome the world, just as He has. It is a beautiful thing to know that he really is there to help you.
Love Elder Schultz
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