This week has been really slow in terms of work.. But we're still pushing hard. One GREAT thing that happened this week that I'd like to concentrate on however was Saturday. Saturday Elder Botcha and I traveled back to Gilllingham 2! Clinton, the investigator I found when I first got there wanted me to baptize him and so with Presidents permission and after Clinton asking quite a few times, I was privileged to help him make that covenant with God. It was great to see how far he's come. He is completely a changed man. He will tell anyone how he was before and how many bad things he did and how it didn't help him one bit. But when he recognized the spirit calling him back he heeded the call and embraced God's love. He took all the necessary steps to change his life and let it sink deep within and now he is a strong, clean soul. He's become one of my best friends and I'm glad God blessed me to be a part of his growth. I love being able to see how everyone is always growing. We had a newly returned sister missionary speak on Sunday. She just returned from Chile and the thing that stuck most with her that she shared was about how everyone is on a path of progression. And it's through the gospels help that we can go faster in our progression. It's inspired me to work harder to help more people see the progress they can make! I know I can still make a lot of progress and I'm happy to do so, especially on my mission. Next week p-day will be on Tuesday! Work hard on progress this week.
I've gotten to a point where I've no idea what to say! Haha but it's been good. I love being here. It's really become my way of life. I can't really imagine what I did back home (besides the memories with some friends and family) because I feel like this is all I've ever done! It's my whole being - missionary work. And I love it. It brings a lot of blessings and I love being able to see how the Lord works in others lives. This week we've gotten 4 people to the point where they'll accept a baptismal date. I know that it's not possible without God. I'm happy my companion and I are the ones God is working through to help these people. The work is being hastened and God is preparing more people for the gospel! It's fantastic. Everyone is a part of this work. Have a great week! Find those opportunities! Elder Jespersen
No email message from Ben this week. We Skyped with him on Mother's Day and he is doing great. He did send new pictures, 44 of them, and they have been added to the slide show.
This week has been good! On Tuesday we got to have a dinner appointment and took dessert. Unfortunately the English don't eat heavy desserts too much and we brought way too much haha and they couldn't eat it! But it was great, they're a fantastic family and we got to talk about a lot of good things. Wednesday we met a great guy from Croatia. He's been looking into the church for a really long time and he knows a ton. He was just visiting and we went out to lunch for a bit to talk. We got to share about our experiences in how we've gained our testimonies. He is such a good sincere guy and wants to feel it's right before he gets baptized. That's what is asked of everyone! A sincere heart.
Thursday Elder Botcha had a meeting all day. So I went with Elder Wentzel (my mission cousin) and we had a blast in Whitechapel! We didn't have any set appointments so we just started traveling anywhere and talking the whole time. It was fantastic and it got me excited to meet new people! Friday Elder Botcha and I continued on the travel talking and met a few more great people. I love having the opportunity to talk to so many diverse people here in London! It's like I can meet someone from Ireland and then see someone from Africa! It's great. I've been able to make a lot of friends all over the world. Sunday was crazy! We tried to help some investigators to come to church... We ended up being late by 40 minutes to church. So we missed the sacrament. But the investigators came! It felt really weird and sad to not be able to take the sacrament. Thinking that I missed my chance. Luckily we got to take it in the Portuguese ward later but at the time it felt like I was messing up my week. I think sacrament is an important preparation for everyone's week going into the world. It is a much needed protection. It helped me to think a lot about what the sacrament signifies and the sacrifice made. I would hate to waste that opportunity for a fresh start because of a mistake. This was a good learning week. I'm happy to be here and sharing the gospel to the world. Pictures next week, I hope! |