All The Way to Raleigh: Things Fall Apart

Well, everything fell through this past week. Literally every single appointment we had was either cancelled or the person wasn't home (with one exception where we were able to reschedule for the next day). I'm pretty sure Heavenly Father is blessing me with a sense of humor, because I honestly think that is hilarious. What are the odds that the 10 or so lessons we had scheduled wouldall fall through? Apparently 100% in this area. How bizarre is that? Sister Bobbitt and I are both amazed that that actually happened.

Despite everything falling through, it was a pretty good week! We went out with our Relief Society President a couple times to try to see less-actives (surprise, surprise, no one was every home). There were a couple people who we were able to see (but not teach) and it was really good to help the RS president get in touch with these people.

We have also been working really well with the members. Sister Bobbitt had this idea a couple weeks ago that we are putting into reality. She of course, any time she tells people about it, says that 'we' came up with it. For the record, the idea was all hers. I had absolutely no part in the idea, I'm just helping it become a reality. Her idea was that we should start teaching members similar to the way we teach investigators. The lessons we teach investigators are set up in such a way that we teach principles, extend commitments, and follow up to help them progress. In order to help members with their own missionary work, she felt that we should do the same kind of thing. She came up with about 6 things that are vital to being a full-time missionary and we adapted them to fit members who are not full-time missionaries. The first lesson we teach members is about obtaining the Spirit early in the day. (For those of you who are curious, the others are receiving revelation, gaining gospel knowledge, answering questions, starting gospel conversations, and extending invitations.) We just started this week, so we haven't taught anything but this first lesson to members, but it has been awesome!! The Spirit has always been really strong in their home when we are there. We have gotten about 3-4 times the amount of referrals we normally get from members and we are really hoping that some of them are interested. Apparently the boss of one of the young women has a (really fancy) copy of the Book of Mormon on her nightstand, so we are really excited about that one!

OH! Another cool story! Sometimes when everything falls through, you end up being led to exactly where you are supposed to be. We were trying to contact potentials investigators and, of course, no one was home or interested. We realized that we were close to a less-active that we had tried to see earlier in the week with the Relief Society President. She hadn't been home that time (noticing a pattern yet?) but we thought maybe she would be now. So we stopped by and she was home!! She is from the Dominican Republic, and doesn't speak too much English, so it was a very simple lesson, but the Spirit was definitely there. She told us that the night before, her mom (who we are pretty sure is not a member) had a dream about us. She told her daughter about it the morning before we came over. Her mom said that she had a dream that missionaries were coming and that she 'needed to make room to receive them'. How cool is that?! We gave her information to the Hermanas so that they can teach her and her family. I know that we were supposed to be there at that time and that we were led there. It took everything else falling through, but hey, the Lord truly does work in mysterious ways.

I know that this gospel and this church are true. I wouldn't be here in the humidity, surrounded by hardcore Baptists if it wasn't. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that it stands alongside the Bible in bearing witness of Jesus Christ. I know that He lives. The Savior who died for each of us lives. His resurrection is real and eternal. I know that repentance is possible because of the Atonement. I am so grateful for the knowledge that Christ suffered, died, and rose again for me. His Atonement is infinite and individual. It is available to every person who has ever lived and every person who ever will live. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is truly His church established once again in its fullness. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the Lord's chosen prophet and that revelation has not ceased. I know that God has not left us alone or in the dark. He will always reach out in love to His children. All He asks is that we seek Him. Pray. He is there. He hears you. He loves you.

Love y'all

Sister Pyper

Reasons I love my companion