Weel 27 - Teach by the Way

It's been a pretty interesting week for sure. Neither Elder Stephens, myself, nor the member who was at her lesson have been able to contact Lulu. We're not really sure what's happened, but we're praying that we'll be able to find her and help her. It's been very humbling to have this experience, and I think I realize now just how fragile baptismal dates can be.

On a more positive note, we've just been able to attend the temple again. Of course, it was a great experience, and it was good to visit and serve there again. I feel very blessed to be able to attend the temple and seek revelation for the work in our area. I was able to gain a much better sense of the direction that we should take in the area, and in the next month, I'm sure it'll make a difference in the way Elder Stephens and I work. 

As far as teaching goes, this week has been very different for Elder Stephens and I. We've really put some work into teaching while we find, and as a result, we were able to teach several lessons on the street, at bus stops, etc... I was actually pretty surprised at how well people were able to open up once we started talking about different principles of the gospel. Whether they ended up being interested in learning more or not, we were able to share the gospel with many more people, and my ability to talk to people has grown as a result.

Since I've come to the mission field, I've really wanted to be a consecrated missionary. As a result, I've tried to turn the focus of my thoughts to the work that I've been called to do, as well as making a conscious effort to be freely obedient to the mission rules. Sometimes, it's hard to tell how consecrated you are, but the experiences I've been able to see in the last few weeks have shown me that the Lord will bless his servants in His own due time. As I've made a more concentrated effort to improve my level of consecration, the Lord has made me more readily able to do so.

Last week in the Book of Mormon, we read 2 Nephi chapters 6-10. I was amazed by the things I read in these chapters, particularly chapter 9. I also learned a lot from the chapters of Isaiah that are quoted. It's been amazing to read the insights on Isaiah's prophecies that are found in the Book of Mormon. Something I read is that the more you read the Book of Mormon, the better you will understand Isaiah, and the more you understand Isaiah, the better you will understand the mission of Jesus Christ. As we head into the Christmas season, I invite each of you to gain a better understanding of the life and purpose of Jesus Christ. I promise you that your lives will gain a greater sense of purpose as a result.

This week, we'll read from 2 Nephi 11-15. These chapters contain many of Isaiah's writings, so be sure to look for the deeper meaning therein. Good luck!

Love always,

Elder Clark

Fish & Chips place owned by a long time investigator of the ward elders

My companion, Elder Stephens, and I.

A Christmas poster in the mission office. It's supposed to be President and Sister Howes.

Grilled Ham for Thanksgiving.

Elder Maxfield, the other American missionary in the ward.

Thanksgiving dinner. We had Turkey, Ham, Stuffing, Mashed potatoes, a few different pies, and other Thanksgiving food.