MAN. This week. Talk about sweatin' up a storm.
On Monday this past
week, I was asked by the branch president to give a talk in church.
After preparing the night before and the morning of my talk, I managed
to sweat and stagger for 20 minutes as I spoke on missionary work and
the gospel we are to share with the world, as well as how to find out
its truthfulness. I kept the notes from my talk to remember the moment.
I'll just say that it didn't feel like it was me giving the talk. The
Spirit was there, and I think I'd compare the boldness of my speech to
Paul towards the end of Acts.
There was a Stake high councilman who spoke after me,
but he only had about 15 minutes to speak. I didn't realize so much
time had passed. I was just pouring my heart out over that pulpit. I
noticed that was the first time I've ever held on to the sides of a
pulpit. Weird fact, but true. Maybe that's the transition to becoming a
good speaker: grabbin' that pulpit.
Later that evening, we were to have a cottage meeting at a member's
home. Cottage meetings are like firesides, but they're open for
everyone to come, both members and investigators alike. Not too many
investigators showed up, but I would still say the event was a success.
Elder Bigelow and I prepared a spiritual thought on temples, using clips
from the films "Between Heaven and Earth" and "Mountain of the Lord".
If I can just say really quick, "Mountain of the Lord" is my favorite
church history movie ever. Hands down. I can't believe I hadn't seen it
before my mission. Anyway, we used a combination of movie clips and the
Socratic method, i.e., asking questions and having discussions, to give
everyone a chance to share their temple experiences with everyone else.
It was wonderful.
I'm really excited for this upcoming weekend. I'm having a combined
birthday party with a recent convert in the eveining, and earlier that
day is the branch's turnk-or-treat party. We've got candy to help out.
It'll be a great day. The only downside I can see is that I'll be 21.
Bluh... that's so weird... I still feel (and look) 18.
The missionary work itself has been sluggish. There aren't any
excuses I can give for it. I desperately need to
revitalize my hopes, really. But that'll all come with time. For now, I
need to serve and love the people here in West Memphis, and let the
Spirit guide me to those that need the gospel.
I love you guys. Thanks for all you've done for me. My mission has changed me. There's no doubt about it. You'll see.
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