Clearing up or adding to our confusion

Hey guys!

It has been a long week, but it has been fun!

Some of the highlights of the week: I had a trade-off with a young missionary in my district on wednesday. His name is Elder Murphy. He is the man!  He is currently serving in the Mittagong branch (where Elder Anderson and I went on a trade off together over a year ago). He is serving from England, and has been in the mission for almost 4 1/2 months. He is very well prepared, and I was impressed by his confidence and teaching abilities. We also had a good time one with another. En route to various destinations we stopped at one place in his area called Fitzroy Falls. I will send some pics, because it was beautiful! We met a few people while we were up there, and had an enjoyable time both sharing the gospel and appreciating God's wonderful creations!

Fitzroy Falls!

Elder Murphy

Another pic of Fitzroy Falls

God does indeed direct us

As usual, on Friday I gave a training, and this week I genuinely felt that my choice of topic was inspired of God, which was big for me. Other trainings in the past I have felt of course guidance while preparing, but this was different. From the get-go, I had some confusion as to what to train on. I had two battling topics in my head, and felt a bit torn in two. One topic was to train on the Book of Mormon as a tool in missionary work. Logically, that made sense to me that it would be useful for the members of my district. But something kept nagging in the back of my mind. While considering the needs of the members of the district, I had a subtle feeling that I should train about companionships, more specifically about specific ways to teach in a united manner. I knelt down and prayed for guidance. And I had a profound experience that I rarely get, where I clearly recognize an answer from God. Doctrine and Covenants 9:7-9  describes very well how I received inspiration.

7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.
8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.

I did actually have a stupor of thought when I thought about training about my original topic, and I did actually feel a burning in my bosom when I prayed about the second. I guess the reason I wanted to share this with you all was to be able to testify that God does indeed direct us in our various stewardships on how we should act. This applies to parenting, church leadership, the workplace, and any number of other settings. God will answer and lead you if you turn to him. I know this is true.

Clearing up, or adding to, our confusion

We had more contact with J_ and M_. It was kinda weird to be honest. They had loaned us the movie "The Prince of Egypt" and were so happy for us to have a chance to watch it. We tried to explain that we wouldn't be able to watch it, but I don't think they fully understood. So we just took it and put it in the flat, to return at our next appointment. That Sunday, they sent us the text. We were quite unsure what that meant. Did they not want us to come over any more? Were we meant to keep visiting, in their eyes?

To kind of clear up, or add to, our confusion, we got a text from J_ mid-week, saying "Hey, are you guys done with the movie?" Her nieces wanted to borrow them. We set up a time to drop by and give it back. She wanted to make sure M_ was home, which we assumed meant that they wanted us to come inside? Ugghhh. So confusing.

Then the appointed time came, and certain circumstances led us to believe that M_ was actually the one that wants to live the agnostic lifestyle. We are not sure, but there is still hope for them! Thanks for your prayers!!

On Saturday, we did indeed get to attend the Tongan class with M_. Firstly, though, we had a lesson about some commandments, specifically about our Spiritual CPR (Church/Sabbath Day, Daily Prayer, and Daily Reading). It was actually a great lesson! He has a greater resolve to live the gospel. We really need to just be bold and commit him to a baptismal date!! He is so ready for it!! Tongan class was fun, learned lots of great things. We rode with M_ on the way there, and on the way back, I needed to stop at some public toilets, and the nearest ones were on a beach, where Elder Kerr and I did a bit of exploring and took some fun pics! (see below)

Elders Kerr and Larsen

Or is it Elder Loseni (Samoan name plate)

And Elder Kerr (Spanish name plate)

They want us to teach their friend

Lastly, yesterday, we visited a less-active family, and they were so excited to report that they had a referral for us, and they want us to teach their friend (J_) in their home! The dad has such a strong testimony. His current relationship with his wife is what is holding them back most from participating more actively in the gospel, because the wife was offended some years back. But this may be a great opportunity for them to come back!! Who knows? The family name is U_, they are from Niue. I will let you know how it goes next week!!

That's pretty much my week at a glance! This week will be interesting. I wonder if I will figure out transfer details early, like I normally do. And I am curious as to the changes that will happen over the course of this coming transfer. It will be quite interesting. I guess on Tuesday, you will know well enough!

Ezra: I have been through too many transfers to count!! A long time, huh? It has seemed really fast for me!

Love you all heaps!
Elder Larsen