You'll Have That On These Bigger Jobs

Hey everyone, how are we all doin? This week had so many downs and so many ups which sucked but was awesome.

 

Last Monday was halloween and halloween as a missionary sucks but halloween kind of already sucks so that was fine. We all got milkshakes one last time before people got transferred:(. Our Zone Leaders came down and nobody had any more miles so 8 people slept at our apartment. Easily the funnest night I've probably ever had. 

 

On Wednesday our district council turned into a testimony meeting and it was so powerful. Everyone was in tears hahaha it was so good. That evening we went and knocked on some doors in Merriam Woods which is the hood of Branson and basically tons of german shepherds just roamed around. It was so sketchy. I pet one though, thought it was going to eat me but still did it. Beastmode. 

 

Friday was transfer day so we said bye to the people leaving which was kind of sad but oh well. We had our branch Dia De Los Muertos party and it was the funniest thing ever. We bought a bouncy house for the gym. It was amazing. Being around the branch has changed my life. The love I have for them is unlike anything I have felt before. It is so cool. 

 

Sunday was by far my favorite day of the mission. We had 5 friends at church!! It was so sweet. One of them is an inactive member and he got up and bore his testimony for a while. It was so strong. I sat by Brian (the 19 year old college soccer player) throughout it and he had so many questions about the sacrament and about missionary work, all of it. Here's to the good part... Me, Elder Burns, and one of our members taught Brian right after church. Ever since I met Brian I have felt like I am here to meet him and that I am meant to be around him. 

 

Regardless, we started teaching him and he said "I just want what you guys have. I want it so bad." As the lesson kept going on I just knew. I bore my testimony (with tears streaming down my face) to this guy and told him how much I loved him and how grateful for a friend like him who I have so much in common with. I told him how much I wanted this for him and how baptism will change his life. He was sobbing. He sat there with the BOM in his hand, and just said "I'm about this. I'm so ready for this. When you said you loved me, I knew I needed friends like you guys. I want this so bad." WHAT! So much more, but ya. He's on date for November 29th:) Such a needed miracle cause this week was TOUGH.

 

After a really really hard week that was exactly what I needed. The final scripture I shared with Brian was Ether 12:8. It talks about faith. 

 

Which is my spiritual thought...

 

Ether 12: 4 and 6 says:

4 Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.

6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.

 

Faith is the key to everything. Go and read Ether 12! With faith, everything is possible. 

I love and miss you guys so much,

 

Go Michigan;)

Elder Smythe

















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