First off, I'd like to tell a little story about Lulu that happened just after last week's e-mail. Preparation Day had just ended, and Elder Stephens and I were going out to talk to people on the street. Elder Stephens started talking to an old Austrian man named Klaus, who was excited to find out I could speak German. He ended up not being interested at all, but we ended up talking with him just outside of the apartment building where Lulu lives. We talked with Klaus for a while, when suddenly, Lulu just walks out of the apartment building on her way to work. She saw us and got a huge smile on her face. After we finished talking with Klaus, we talked with her, and she told us that she had gotten a few texts, but she wasn't sure which one was our number. After figuring all of that out, she had to go, but it's been great to establish contact with her again. Definitely an unexpected miracle that came from talking to everyone.
Another thing that I should say is that the "survey" approach to finding works. It just works. We tried it for the first time last Wednesday when the Assistants were here on trade-offs. That day was very successful, and it was so much easier to help people really think about what they believe. It also gives us as missionaries a place to start teaching about the gospel in a way that is important to the person learning. As we've continued to use it throughout the week, it's been a great way to introduce the gospel in a far less "threatening" way. I think that with a bit more practice and experimentation, the survey could become one of the most effective approaches to finding new investigators in the mission.
This week, we invited an investigator named Lola to be baptized. We had taught part of the Plan of Salvation and were talking about the role of the Atonement in overcoming both death and sin. After explaining that the next step in overcoming sin was to be baptized, we invited her to do so. The member who was present was able to bear her testimony of the power of baptism, and it really brought the Spirit into the discussion. She agreed that if she learned that what we teach is true, then she will be baptized.
Last week in the Book of Mormon, we read in 2 Nephi 11-15. The Isaiah chapters quoted may have been a bit tough to understand, but the main message I got from them is that regardless of what happens to us, no matter what wickedness we fall into, God will always love us and will forgive us when we repent. He will always give us a chance to come closer to him.
Another thing that I should say is that the "survey" approach to finding works. It just works. We tried it for the first time last Wednesday when the Assistants were here on trade-offs. That day was very successful, and it was so much easier to help people really think about what they believe. It also gives us as missionaries a place to start teaching about the gospel in a way that is important to the person learning. As we've continued to use it throughout the week, it's been a great way to introduce the gospel in a far less "threatening" way. I think that with a bit more practice and experimentation, the survey could become one of the most effective approaches to finding new investigators in the mission.
This week, we invited an investigator named Lola to be baptized. We had taught part of the Plan of Salvation and were talking about the role of the Atonement in overcoming both death and sin. After explaining that the next step in overcoming sin was to be baptized, we invited her to do so. The member who was present was able to bear her testimony of the power of baptism, and it really brought the Spirit into the discussion. She agreed that if she learned that what we teach is true, then she will be baptized.
Last week in the Book of Mormon, we read in 2 Nephi 11-15. The Isaiah chapters quoted may have been a bit tough to understand, but the main message I got from them is that regardless of what happens to us, no matter what wickedness we fall into, God will always love us and will forgive us when we repent. He will always give us a chance to come closer to him.
This week, we'll read 2 Nephi 16-20. As Nephi continues to quote Isaiah, continue to search for the deeper meanings in his words. Also, this week's section contains a few verses that you may recognize from a piece of music that is very popular around christmas time (for unto us a son is given, etc.)
Have an awesome week,
Love,
Elder Clark
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