Hey everyone, I hope that you are enjoying Arizona and it's super crazy to hear that Dad is flying in on Sunday night. Time flies by so fast. It's unbelievable. So, this week has been a little difficult because Elder Aston and I had a lot of lesson falling through. I know that this is a trial and if that we persevere, the Lord will bless us immensely for doing so. When I was reading in my journal last night, I came across my time in Smithfield and read about Sawyer.
The whole experience reminded me that six consecutive lessons fell through but we were able to teach Sawyer and he ended up following Jesus Christ by being baptized. Having all of those lessons fall through consecutively was so difficult but finding Sawyer made it all worth it. Just from reading that story, it gave me that push to keep going. I know that we all go through difficult times in all phases of life but when we endure, that is when the Lord blesses us the most. I have seen that so many times on my mission. That is one of the biggest things I am taking away from my mission.
We had some good things happen this week despite a lot of things falling through.
First things first, Elder Aston and I had an awesome lesson with Junior and Alazae McDermott last night. We were able to review the Restoration with Jenga and it went super well. We were able to use Jenga to demonstrate Jesus Christ establishing His Church, Great Apostasy and the Restoration. They understood everything very well. They are still progressing, even after baptism. They are a great family!!
A few days ago, we found out about a little more stuff about Maddie and it was incredible. Before last school year, she was against the LDS church and did not want to do anything with it. A boy in her grade started working with her and helping her understand the doctrine of the church. It's easy to make judgments without really understanding the basics. As you do know, she then took a full year of seminary and is reading the Book of Mormon and we found out that it is all because this guy. After hearing about this, we asked who this guy is. Guess what he said? He told us that it is Cody McDermott. Junior and Alazae's uncle!! The same uncle who baptized Junior. How awesome is that? We talked to Cody and he already called Maddie. He was able to set up a lesson and this seems like the most solid lesson (meaning that it doesn't look like it was fall through). I am super stoked about that.
We found a person to start teaching. His name is Lee. He is about 70 or 80 years old and he isn't very active in the church due to a stroke he had a few months ago. He is like the most awesome guy in Morgan.The stories that he shares are incredible! He used to be in the Navy. He was employed right after WW2. Part of his job was to scan the ocean for Russian submarines and surveillance stuff. He has some pretty cool stories. So, I am very excited to start teaching him.
Our other investigators are progressing. We are currently teaching Lisa Baugh, who is not a member. She is very complacent with the way life is going and doesn't really want to change. We are trying our very best to help her realize how the Gospel can change her life!
The Fairbourns are doing well. It is still tough with the father but I know that he can do it. He keeps relapsing but we are going to start going by everyday to help him stay focused on his goal. He needs to become worthy. He is so close. I know that he can do it!
Now, I saved the best for last. Last Sunday at about 2pm, Courtt and Chad were ordained to the office of Deacon! How incredible is that? Courtt and Chad were able to get their temple recommend so they will be doing baptisms for the dead. I am so excited for them. So excited!! :)
I love you all so much! Have a great week and stay strong! Keep enjoying Arizona and I will see you all soon. :) Love, Elder McGrath
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