Sorry this letter is a day later than you expected. Once again, another surprise MLC (Mission Leadership Council). So you really can never predict when my letter will come. How exciting that must be for you!!
She would spell out words as she said them
'Twas a good week, 'tis so. You asked what's something funny about one of the cultures that I have encountered this week. Weeeell, do I have a story to tell. There is a member that referred us to his mother who lives in our ward boundaries. So we decided to go and contact this woman. When we got there, we met the sister of this member, who introduced us to the mother. She is a very nice woman. She said that she is in her 80's, and that she is a strong Mormon! All we were told is that she hasn't been to church in years. So we were happy to hear that! She showed us to her little house behind the main one. And then she set out on a mission to prove that she was a "Strong Mormon". Cool! She showed us all of her Church DVDs and her copy of the Standard Works. She proved to us by explaining her relationship with God.
I think that the coolest yet most funny part was just the way that she communicated. She used her hands 100% of the time. She would spell out words as she said them. She would sit down on the couch, then as she described an action she would stand up reaaaally fast and imitate that action. E.g.) while talking about taking a walk, she stood up quickly and started exaggeratedly strolling around the room. Hahahahaha! It almost seemed like we weren't there. She pretty much just talked to herself, while acknowledging our presence with brief nods and looks in our general direction. Her praying was awesome too! Very hard to describe, but quite humorous. Yet, at the same time, we could tell that she has incredible faith in God, and desires to serve him. The whole time, she talked about missionary work she was trying to do. Another funny thing, yet sweet, was that she wanted to go with us and talk to people on the streets about the Gospel, and when we told her that we had to go to our next appointment, she said "No, wait, I'm not ready to go yet." It was difficult explaining to her that we weren't able to take her with us. What an awesome older woman! She wasn't 100% coherent, but still awesome!
Our zone is doing really great!
Our zone is doing really great! We have a really good crew of missionaries. I think that the difference is that we have some incredibly proactive District Leaders, who do much of the hard work in keeping missionaries in line. And that makes Elder Tai and my calling so much easier! We get to focus on building and uplifting our missionaries. Some of the things that we do to do that: we have been visiting every companionship individually at night just before planning, and we have given them thoughtful notes of encouragement, along with a pack of Australian Tim Tams (which are cookies, probably the most delicious things on the planet). For one companionship going through a particularly difficult time, we framed a picture of the zone for each individual, and gave it to them. We really focus on working with our District Leaders more than anything. And we try to be examples in all phases of the work. We train, trade-off with, teach, and do all we can to help our missionaries to be successful in the work.
I finished Nefee, or however you pronounce it
One lesson that stuck out was with Brett. Man, he is awesome! He honestly is so prepared! Last time that we visited him, we gave him a Book of Mormon and a pamphlet to read on the doorstep. When we went to follow up with him this past Thursday, he allowed us in the home. We sat down at the dining room table, and pretty much just got straight into it. We followed up on his reading, and he said "Yeah, I flipped through it a bit..." Upon examination, the Book of Mormon look worn and well used, as if someone had been diligently opening and closing it every day over the course of a year.... Hmmmmm... We asked him how far he read. He showed us the page. "I finished Nefee, or however you pronounce it, and a little bit more." He showed us that he was reading in Omni. Wow! Over the course of four days, he read 140+ pages. FAR OUT! He is reading faster than me!
The lesson that we prepared was focused on Revelation through the Book of Mormon. So we continued to dig... We asked him about how he felt as he read it. Basically, he described peace, comfort, warmth, and every other feeling that we promised him that he would feel if he read. We asked him if he believed that it could be true. He said something along the lines of "I don't think that it is a matter of truth. There is no denying that this book is true. I think it more is a matter of what can this book do for me in my life. I really am enjoying what I am reading."
Comprehension is there. He loves and feels the Spirit confirming truth. He asked how much he should be studying at a time, worried that he may be reading too fast/slow. We counseled him to "Feast upon the Words of Christ" and showed him the scripture reference 2 Nephi 32:3, and he said that makes sense. We committed him to pray to find out for sure if the Book of Mormon is true, which he agreed to, no worries. Far out, he is awesome! (We set an appointment for this morning, and when we got there, he was apologetic, because he had to go to his uncles house, it was urgent. We invited him to come to church, which he agreed to do "Yes, I'm very interested in coming". So we will hopefully see him Sunday and then Next Tuesday our next appt.)
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| Proof that I'm in Bankstown! |
We also had stake conference over the weekend. It was really focused on hastening the work of salvation, both missionary work, and temple and family history work. It was inspirational! One brother shared his conversion experience that really touched me. Basically, he was married to his wife for 30 years, wife was active member the whole time, while he was not. Finally, a really bold missionary came round and told him with power that he needs to pick up and read the Book of Mormon that was on the coffee table. He decided after much hesitation to do so. And he found himself absorbed in the Book of Mormon!
He could relate so well to the people, he felt power in reading. Actually, very similar to what Brett described. Within two months, he was baptized. Another highlight, President Barton, our stake pres (who is only 30!!!) spoke about the rescue, and quoted Pres Monson. There was a pic that Pres Monson described and decided to term the rescue. Pres Barton showed us that pic. And he talked about the need that we all have to go out and rescue our brothers and sisters. It is a beautiful painting, so much emotion in it!
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| Elder Tai selfie! |
We had MLC yesterday, where Elder and Sister Taylor came over from Auckland, where they are stationed as the Pacific Area Mental Health Advisers or something. And they trained us on how to help our missionaries through difficult psychological issues. That was great! We have zone conference this week, also another MLC w/ Elder O'Riordan on Saturday. So hopefully next week I have lots to share with y'all from those experiences.
That is the highlights of my week! We have great appointments set up for our progressing investigators. OH! We set a baptismal date for Sept. 20th with Te Auiti! That's right. Kinda important! It was a good lesson, and he recieved it well. And he is really excited for his baptism! Coolio!
Sounds like all is well at home. Keep on keeping on! And give your missionaries referrals!!!
Love ya heaps!
Elder Larsen
PS - here's a few answers to questions:
JJ.... I have taught hundreds of people on my mission! Many of them progress slower than others, and so I tell you guys mostly about the ones that are progressing well. But heaaaaps of people! Kaysie, I have not touched a live Kangaroo but I have been plenty close many times. I told you's about roo-bag chasing in Canberra? Yeah, sometimes they just stop in their tracks, and wait and see what you do. So I get like 3 feet away, and then stop as well, and back away slowly so I don't get attacked! I have stepped on roo poo. Does that count, Dad?
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