February 16, 2015

Howdy! This week was pretty good, we had Zone Conference on Wednesday. On Tuesday night we found out we were in charge of 75 minutes (split with the Sisters) so that was fun planning. We only got half the agenda the Friday before and then the computer wouldn't work on Monday so on Tuesday we finally got it printed and thought that must be wrong and then heard back at 8:30 it was right.. Well it went pretty good! We talked about the standards of excellence our mission has (3 people on baptism date and 3 people progressing always) The rest of zone conference was really good, learned about ordinances and then talked a lot about families. This week we didn't have a lesson with Ben and Kenna, sadly Ben has been working a bunch then on Saturday night Kenna's baby was sick and they didn't make it to church. So hopefully we can get back on track with them and help them come around. We did meet with Erick though and he is still doing great. We got talking to one of his neighbors and he is now a new investigator! We finally met with Kyle again, it feels like it’s been forever, he had 2 family deaths in the last month so it’s been rough, but we taught the plan of salvation and it really hit home. We have been met with a man named Hayden at a behavioral hospital 2ce this last week, it has been really neat, he's from Utah and a member and all but he will probably get moved somewhere this week. Had another lesson with the Bohnert/ Neild family. Brother Bohnert is scared to be baptized cause his "family will disown him" he is going to meet with his dad tomorrow night and talk to him so hopefully that goes well. We are getting some French sisters and have spent some time trying to figure out details and coordinate for that for next transfer. We went on a mini exchange with the Eldorado Elders to help them work toward those standards of excellence I mentioned earlier. This morning we got up really early and went to the temple! It was open for Presidents day this morning so that was really neat, I learned so much, a lot of new things stick out to me! Alma 19:13 reads-For as sure as thou livest, behold, I have seen my Redeemer; and he shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall redeem all mankind who believe on his name. Now, when he had said these words, his heart was swollen within him, and he sunk again with joy; and the queen also sunk down, being overpowered by the Spirit. I read this and was thinking about how he "sunk again with joy... being overpowered by the Spirit." In that moment Lamoni really came to an understanding and realization of his Redeemer. I think this was similar to when Christ's apostles "slept with sorrow" while watching the Atonement in the Garden, just some things to ponder about! Have a good week! Love, Elder Stevenson