Well this week was pretty amazing. The Lord is blessing us so much out here its crazy. Its really nothing we are doing but its because the members are so diligent in their missionary work. I am very grateful to be in this wonderful ward. I love GOLDSBORO!!! This week has definately been tiring. I haven't been so tired in my whole mission. I just crash when I get home. I have been really slacking on my journal but I have recommitted myself to it and will try better to write in it. Monday was our Preparation Day and it was alot of fun. We wrote alot of letters and played some pool. The other Elders live in a mansion and it has a pool table. So we have alot of fun there. We had a lesson with Collette and Jessica. They truly love what we are saying. The spirit is so strong in the lessons even though there are alot of distractions. We set a baptismal date with Jessica that night for the same day her mother is going to be baptized. They are really excited about it. I am so excited for them both. Their lives and countenances are truly changing. The gospel is amazing. Brother Bo Waters is absolutely wonderful. He has been friendshipping them wonderfully! They had a broken chair and he got it from them and fixed it and got it back to them the next day. Things have just been going great with them.
Tuesday I went on exchanges with Elder Tibbits again. I love him so much. He is such a great missionary. We definately have alot of fun together. We had an appointment with the Armstrong family this week which is always a hard and taxing time. We really can't do anything for them because they need councilling. Their problems are out of our league. We taught them about the Atonement and the importance of scriptures study. I just hope pray that the Lord will help them out. We stopped by this family tha Elder Casper and Elder Tibbitts tracted out when they were on exchanges. They are originally from Utah and are wonderful. Katlyn's family was members but they had a problem with the Church so they stopped going. Katlyn is really open to hearing more about our message. Her husband Chris has alot of great friends that are LDS and is very open minded. Hopefully we will get to meet with them. They are so nice to us. I also go to sit in his VIPER!!! Ya it was sweet!! We did alot of stop by's that night and have some potential part member families that want us to come back.
Wednesday we had District Meeting and it was great as usual. I always learn alot from the lessons. I try to apply as much of it into my missionary work but it takes time I have noticed. We went for lunch with Brother Hull. He comes out with us once a month for a whole afternoon. Its really intense and it seems like all of our appointments always cancel on us. Thanks goodness for back up plans. Well we stopped by Brother Sewells house to just see what we were going to do on Saturday for the service project. We shared a spiritual thought with him and are going to try and meet with him regularly. He is really wonderful. He is a member but his wife is not. He got turned off from the Church because he had a terrible divorce. Hopefully we can re-kindle his testimony. We stopped by a few other people but no one was home. We stopped by a referral we had and they seem really interested in hearing about our message. Hopefully we will be able to get up with them. They wanted us to meet with their whole family. We did alot of tracting that night with no sucess. Thats ok though. We just have to always be doing our part.
Thursday is good old weekly planning day. I am trying to have a better attitude towards it. Its a long planning session but we got alot done. I am so grateful to be entrusted with these wonderful people here in our area. They are truly a blessing in my life. We we biked a long way to go tracting and to our dinner appointment. It was probably about 5 miles. I am grateful for Elder Scott and his eagerness to do whatever. We had a wonderful dinner at the Mauldins. Jimmy is a great cook. We had steak and Potatoes. After dinner Brother Aycock came and sat in on the lesson. Jimmy told us right after the prayer that he didn't want to be baptized into our church. Well that totally took us aback. He said that he has been praying about it and it just doesn't feel right. There is something else that is wrong and we are going to have to find that concern. I hope and pray that the Lord will help us find his concern. We think it has to do with his family all being Pentecostal and them rejecting him if he changes religions. So we will continue to be delicate with that situation but he still wants us to come by and keep teaching him. We saw Darline Gisbon as well tonight. We were only there for a little bit because we were late. They are doing wonderful. We directed the focus on her husband but he told us that he didn't mind us coming by but her doesn't want any part of it and he has his own beliefs. Well that is what we wanted him to tell us. Hopefully he doesn't hinder his family in being in the Church again. We are going to start teaching the lessons again with them. They are so wonderful.
Friday was great. We started out the day by revising our Faith to Invite Plan. We are making it about a 20 minute lesson. Its going to be great. I am so excited to kick it off with Bishop. We had a lesson with Shiela today and it was wonderful. The spirit was so strong their. She was smoking when we got there but we asked if she could put it out and she did. We taught her about the Restoration very simply and easy for her understanding. We then watched the Restoration video and it helped her out alot. She loved it and said she knows that it is true. We set a Baptismal date with her for October 16th. We are really excited for her. We then went over to Collette and Jessica and had a very distracting lesson. They didn't really read the Chapter we gave then and their daughter had to feed their snake and invited the whole neighborhood over. It was really awesome. They said that they both are going to be at Church on Sunday so were really excited about that. We had dinner at the Howards and it was wonderful to hear them pray for their son who is on a mission. I thought alot about my home and all the prayers that are sent my way. I am so grateful for all the prayers on my behalf. They truly help me.
Saturday was the Huge service project at Brother Sewells. It was alot of fun. We just pressure washed the house the whole time while the rest were sheet rocking. We had some great lunch provided by Brother Peele. He is an amazing cook. He made whats called Jumbalia and home made bread. SO GOOD!!! I love food though. We then went back to the apartment and studied and then tracted for a couple of hours. We met some really nice people.On the way to the place we were going to tract we saw Shiela and her grandson Greg fishing. It was so random but wonderful. We were met to see her. She was excited to be going to Church tomorrow. I think Shiela will get her family involved which will be great. I am so excited for her. We then had a crazy lesson with a guy we contacted. His name is Ugiene. He has had alot of trouble in his life and wants to turn it around. He is currently on house arrest and has served 2 years in jail. Well we had a lesson outside with him and it was great. We had to repeat things like 3 times because his family kept coming outside wanting to hear what we were talking about. We have another appointment with them on Wednesday which we are excited for.
Sunday was wonderful. I love Church so much. COLLETTE CAME TO CHURCH AND SO DID DARLINE AND SARIAH!!! Elder Scott and I were exstatic. We had smiles on our faces the whole day. We were actually really spazzy and crazy. It was wonderful. Collette really loved Church. When she thought of three hours she wasn't to excited but she loved it so much that it went by really fast. The ward loves her. They all introduced themselves to her and hugged her and the whole 9 yards. Darline was talking to alot of people she new as well which was great. It was just a wonderful day. The Waters were sure great to her. We had another great lesson that evening. We were supposed to have a lesson with Kelly but she has been blowing us off. We will continue to pray and help her realize the importance of our message. We had a dinner with the Lunna's. THEY ARE WONDERFUL. We spent a long time there but it was worth it. Sister Lunna isn't a member and she usually doesn't invite people over to their place but she felt like she needed to. They laboured for us all day preparing the food. IT WAS AMAZING. It was some tacos and some Mexican stuff. It was so good and they made my favorite pineapple cake. So great. We then talked to them about their music and family. It was great. We then shared a message out of the bible with them. They really enjoyed the message. We are going to try visiting with them more often to try and hopefully teach them. We are doing service for them on Friday. I love them so much and want them to be reactivated in the Church and for Sister Lunna to become a member! The Lord truly has been blessing us this past while. I love Elder Scott. We have alot of fun but work really hard. I have never been so tired on my mission. I am spiritually and physically exhausted each night. The Lord is really blessing this area. That was pretty much my week. I hope that yall have a great week. Know that I love yall and appreciate all the prayers that have been coming my way!!!
Love Elder Butler
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Roller Coaster of Emotions
Well this week was one of the hardest weeks of my mission. You will see why as the email goes on. It truly has been an emotional roller coaster! But my faith has grown in my Savior and I know my purpose. I can always count on the Lord to send the Holy Ghost to comfort me when I truly need him.
Monday was wonderful. We had a great Preparation day of playing pool and playing board games. We then had an appointment with Shiela but she wasn't home so we went over to see if we could teach Collette. She invited us in and we had a wonderful lesson about the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was really hard for the spirit to be there because of all the distractions of people coming in and out and her grand baby crying and getting into everything. The spirit was there though. It testified that what we were saying was true and she felt it. She started crying when we recited Joseph Smiths first vision. She knows that this Church is true and we invited her to be baptized on October 16th and she said YES!!!!! It was wonderful. I was so excited and happy for her She is truly elect and needs the gospel. Her daughter Jessica also wanted to sit in on the lessons. She said that she believes in what we say! So she is going to be there next time. I am really excited for them both. We then went out to Cook Out with Brother Waters. Brother Waters (Bo) is amazing. He bore a powerful testimony that brought Collette to tears.
Tuesday we had a lesson with a referral. Her name is Kelly Miller. She is a Senior in High School going to Wayne Community College. She is a miracle. She has just started working at Outback. She is a host there. Well she was cleaning up after a couple that had just been eating at the table and they were walking out with some garbage that they had and she offered to take it. He said he would be fine and asked where the dumpster was. She told him that she could do it for him and that it wasn't a problem. Well he took the offer and his wife said "God Bless you" and handed her a pass along card. Well she took the card and phoned the number that night and we set up and appointment with her. She is wanting to increase her faith in Jesus Christ. So it was a wonderful lesson with Brother Romo. She is truly wonderful. I will have to admit, it is difficult to teach someone your age. I try to make sure extra hard that my personality isn't coming across flirty and when I do that I just sound awkward and everybody laughs at me so something I have to work on! Well after that we went on exchanges with the District Leaders. I went with Elder Tibbitts. I love Elder Tibbitts. He is a wonderful missionary. He works really hard and is a very good teacher. Well we didn't do to much since we had to have lunch and then email. We tracted for about a half and hour and then the Hartzel's came and picked us up. It was wonderful. They are a great family. They have only been members for about a year. Brother Hartzel just received the Melchizedek Priesthood. So wonderful. I laughed the whole meal. They are such a funny family. We then went and saw Darline Gibson. She is an Excommunicated member. She is really wonderful though. Her daughter hasn't been baptized yet and neither has her husband. He husband is really against the Church and isn't really interested. I was grateful to have Elder Tibbitts with me who had met with her before. So we figured out that the problem was her husband. She wants to come back to Church but he isn't supportive. So we will continue to see her and meet with her and invite her to repent. Its going to be a hard one but I know the Lord will help us. We then went to ward council. Our ward is absolutely wonderful. They truly love the people her and they love us. They told us some things that will help us with Darline.
Wednesday was District Meeting. I love District Meeting. I can't believe that it is already a new transfer!! We have Mount Olive in our District now and that means I am in Elder Moreno's district again! He's such a funny missionary. Well Elder Jones was having trouble concentrating. I knew that something has been up for a while and it has been progressively getting worse. It seems like he just doesn't really care to be out here. So after District Meeting we went for lunch with the District and then went home to see some former investigators and do some tracting. Elder Jones was out of it. He didn't say much at all and was having a hard time. He was biking extra slowly and it was frustrating me but the spirit was comforting me. I truly love Elder Jones so much but it has been taxing on me. But while I was riding I knew that I could do anything that the Lord wanted me to to do and that I would keep helping and loving Elder Jones. Well when we got back President called him and they talked for about an hour. I then was passed the phone. President told me that Elder Jones was going home. I was devastated! It hurt really bad. President told me that he was going home for person reasons and that is what I needed to tell people. He told me that the AP's were going to be picking him up tomorrow night. He also told me that I would be getting a new companion as well. He has been out for six months and was a really good missionary. So our dinner appointment came to pick us up while I was on the phone. I went back in the apartment and gave Elder Jones a big hug and he started crying. It was hard for him I know but he needed comfort. Well the rest of that night was really hard on him. He didn't say much and was physically sick to his stomach. He even threw up at a members home. It was hard but he kept on going with our appointments. Thursday was actually a really good day. I didn't sleep much the night before because I was worried about Elder Jones and what I could have done better to help him. I also thought if there was anything that I could have done to help him stay. It was a hard day. He told me why he is going home and I am proud of him for the situation he is in. It would have taken a lot of guts but he did it and know that it was the right choice. I now know why I was his companion. I know exactly what he is going through and was able to comfort him. Well the day went well. He actually talked to me a lot more than he usually did which was wonderful. We worked hard until he got picked up. Well the AP's came and picked him up and I got my new companion.
ELDER MATTHEW SCOTT!!! He is from Rochester Minnesota. We unpacked his stuff that night and got to know each other. I know we will work hard and have a lot of fun. It was a really hard day for me though. But my father in heaven comforted me. I am grateful for prayer and the gift of the Holy Ghost. I knew that I tried my best and did everything I could to help Elder Jones. Well I am running short on time. I get kinda distracted while I email. The rest of the week was wonderful. Elder Scott and I are having a blast together. He is a great missionary and we have been working hard. Thank you for all the prayers that you have been sending my way and for Elder Jones. We both need them a lot. I know that the Lord answers our prayers and is here for us in the times we really need him. I hope that y'all have a wonderful week.
Love Elder Butler
Monday was wonderful. We had a great Preparation day of playing pool and playing board games. We then had an appointment with Shiela but she wasn't home so we went over to see if we could teach Collette. She invited us in and we had a wonderful lesson about the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was really hard for the spirit to be there because of all the distractions of people coming in and out and her grand baby crying and getting into everything. The spirit was there though. It testified that what we were saying was true and she felt it. She started crying when we recited Joseph Smiths first vision. She knows that this Church is true and we invited her to be baptized on October 16th and she said YES!!!!! It was wonderful. I was so excited and happy for her She is truly elect and needs the gospel. Her daughter Jessica also wanted to sit in on the lessons. She said that she believes in what we say! So she is going to be there next time. I am really excited for them both. We then went out to Cook Out with Brother Waters. Brother Waters (Bo) is amazing. He bore a powerful testimony that brought Collette to tears.
Tuesday we had a lesson with a referral. Her name is Kelly Miller. She is a Senior in High School going to Wayne Community College. She is a miracle. She has just started working at Outback. She is a host there. Well she was cleaning up after a couple that had just been eating at the table and they were walking out with some garbage that they had and she offered to take it. He said he would be fine and asked where the dumpster was. She told him that she could do it for him and that it wasn't a problem. Well he took the offer and his wife said "God Bless you" and handed her a pass along card. Well she took the card and phoned the number that night and we set up and appointment with her. She is wanting to increase her faith in Jesus Christ. So it was a wonderful lesson with Brother Romo. She is truly wonderful. I will have to admit, it is difficult to teach someone your age. I try to make sure extra hard that my personality isn't coming across flirty and when I do that I just sound awkward and everybody laughs at me so something I have to work on! Well after that we went on exchanges with the District Leaders. I went with Elder Tibbitts. I love Elder Tibbitts. He is a wonderful missionary. He works really hard and is a very good teacher. Well we didn't do to much since we had to have lunch and then email. We tracted for about a half and hour and then the Hartzel's came and picked us up. It was wonderful. They are a great family. They have only been members for about a year. Brother Hartzel just received the Melchizedek Priesthood. So wonderful. I laughed the whole meal. They are such a funny family. We then went and saw Darline Gibson. She is an Excommunicated member. She is really wonderful though. Her daughter hasn't been baptized yet and neither has her husband. He husband is really against the Church and isn't really interested. I was grateful to have Elder Tibbitts with me who had met with her before. So we figured out that the problem was her husband. She wants to come back to Church but he isn't supportive. So we will continue to see her and meet with her and invite her to repent. Its going to be a hard one but I know the Lord will help us. We then went to ward council. Our ward is absolutely wonderful. They truly love the people her and they love us. They told us some things that will help us with Darline.
Wednesday was District Meeting. I love District Meeting. I can't believe that it is already a new transfer!! We have Mount Olive in our District now and that means I am in Elder Moreno's district again! He's such a funny missionary. Well Elder Jones was having trouble concentrating. I knew that something has been up for a while and it has been progressively getting worse. It seems like he just doesn't really care to be out here. So after District Meeting we went for lunch with the District and then went home to see some former investigators and do some tracting. Elder Jones was out of it. He didn't say much at all and was having a hard time. He was biking extra slowly and it was frustrating me but the spirit was comforting me. I truly love Elder Jones so much but it has been taxing on me. But while I was riding I knew that I could do anything that the Lord wanted me to to do and that I would keep helping and loving Elder Jones. Well when we got back President called him and they talked for about an hour. I then was passed the phone. President told me that Elder Jones was going home. I was devastated! It hurt really bad. President told me that he was going home for person reasons and that is what I needed to tell people. He told me that the AP's were going to be picking him up tomorrow night. He also told me that I would be getting a new companion as well. He has been out for six months and was a really good missionary. So our dinner appointment came to pick us up while I was on the phone. I went back in the apartment and gave Elder Jones a big hug and he started crying. It was hard for him I know but he needed comfort. Well the rest of that night was really hard on him. He didn't say much and was physically sick to his stomach. He even threw up at a members home. It was hard but he kept on going with our appointments. Thursday was actually a really good day. I didn't sleep much the night before because I was worried about Elder Jones and what I could have done better to help him. I also thought if there was anything that I could have done to help him stay. It was a hard day. He told me why he is going home and I am proud of him for the situation he is in. It would have taken a lot of guts but he did it and know that it was the right choice. I now know why I was his companion. I know exactly what he is going through and was able to comfort him. Well the day went well. He actually talked to me a lot more than he usually did which was wonderful. We worked hard until he got picked up. Well the AP's came and picked him up and I got my new companion.
ELDER MATTHEW SCOTT!!! He is from Rochester Minnesota. We unpacked his stuff that night and got to know each other. I know we will work hard and have a lot of fun. It was a really hard day for me though. But my father in heaven comforted me. I am grateful for prayer and the gift of the Holy Ghost. I knew that I tried my best and did everything I could to help Elder Jones. Well I am running short on time. I get kinda distracted while I email. The rest of the week was wonderful. Elder Scott and I are having a blast together. He is a great missionary and we have been working hard. Thank you for all the prayers that you have been sending my way and for Elder Jones. We both need them a lot. I know that the Lord answers our prayers and is here for us in the times we really need him. I hope that y'all have a wonderful week.
Love Elder Butler
Well this week has definitely been great. I have definitely grown a ton since I have been companions with Elder Jones. So on Monday we had P-Day with Elder Casper and Elder Tibbits. They live in a mansion that has a movie theatre in it. We watched the Testaments on it. It was so awesome. I really like the testaments. It is truly a great movie and a felt the spirit testify to me of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon but most importantly the importance of Christ in my life.
So that night we went out to tract since we didn't have any appointments but Elder Jones biffed it really hard. A bug flew in his eye and he used the hand that goes with his back brake to wipe his eye. Well he realized that the bug wasn't coming out of his eye so he went to slow down and he used his front brake. Well he went over the handle bars and landed on his face. He canned himself pretty good but was ok. We went back to the apartment after that. He could barely walk. I felt bad for him but it was really funny.
On Tuesday I went on exchanges with Elder Tibbits. He is really awesome. I love going on exchanges and just teaching by the Spirit. We had some really great lessons with a couple of their investigators. Edwin is the first one we went and saw. He is really wonderful. He has had some bad experiences at his Church and is wanting to get out. He has been coming to Church and whatever we have invited him to. He is wonderful. He is a bit slower in his learning but has a true desire to learn about the gospel. We tried to set a baptismal date but he said he will let us know when he is ready. He is so funny. He said it in a black southern accent. All you can do is laugh.
We then went to a part member family's home for dinner, the Andersons. Brother Anderson is less active but is wanting to get back to Church. We found out what his wife's concerns were and met her needs. I love the new training we have had. It truly has changed the way we teach and how effective we are as missionaries. They said they were going to come to Church on Sunday but didn't come. They couldn't find a shirt that fit Brother Anderson but they said they would be there next week.
Wednesday we had our last District Meeting of the Transfer. I can't believe how fast this transfer has gone. It seems like we just got here a few days ago. We had our exchange wrap up and it seems like our exchange went well. We got two new investigators, Shiela and Collete. They are both neighbors. We tracted into them both and they said that they would want to know more. Well we set up and appointment with Shiela and Collette just came right over. Apparently it was a wonderful lesson. I am excited for them both. They said that they would be coming to Church.
We went and saw a less active today with Brother Batten. His name is Jerry Cogdell. He is a really great guy. He served a mission and talks about it very highly but has been going through a tough time lately. He just got done going through his third divorce. I couldn't imagine what he is going through right now. its pretty crazy. Well he is open to having us in his home. He realizes that he needs to come back to Church. He just needs to find that desire.
We also saw the Crowders as well. They are doing wonderful. Remo Todd is supposed to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood on Sunday!
Thursday started out terrible. I was sick! I was throwing up everywhere which wasn't the best feeling. We went and saw Kevin that night even though I wasn't feeling well. What an intense lesson. We explained the Atonement and things seemed to be going really well. We were asking him really inspired questions and finding the needs to his concern. Well we were just ending up the lesson and Elder Jones gave him the soft Baptismal invitation. I thought it wasn't the right time but he did it anyways. Well we got to talking about his baptism and he asked if it was valid. Well we explained the doctrine behind it and then told him that it wasn't. It blew him away. I am so grateful that the spirit was the one teaching. I couldn't have said it how he needed it, I am just not that smart. He was angry when we told him but then he reasoned through it and became aware that of course there would need to be authority. Because we were late getting out of there we had to reschedule our appointment with Jimmy which frustrated me.
Well we went and got an appointment with Darline Gibson. Apparently she is in a very similar situation as I was growing up. She was adopted when she was nine into and LDS family. So hopefully the appointment will go well, we will see. She is excommunicated right now but has a daughter who is nine and hasn't been baptized.
Friday I was still sick which wasn't great but we weekly planned which was great. We had a really through planning session for our next transfer. We had alot of member visits tonight starting our faith to invite plan. I love the members in our ward. they are always really keen on finding people for us to teach.
Saturday we had a great time at the Waters Family Reunion. We had a Pig Pickin. I love PORK!!!! Southern food is so amazing. Brother Waters is amazing. I love him so much!!!! He is probably the most hardcore member missionary I have ever met. I pray for him so hard to find someone to teach and baptize. He really deserves it.
Sunday was wonderful. I love Sunday's on the mission. I love Church and I love fasting. We had the great opportunity to see 3 people get ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood. It was absolutely amazing!!! I remembered when I got ordained. It was a special moment. We also went to a baptism. We invited our investigators but hey didn't show to Church or to the Baptism. It made me really sad. They have their agency though. Elder Jones was throwing up as well and wasn't feeling well. He has been phoning President alot lately. He talked to him today for about 2 hours and then another hour in the afternoon.
Well that evening he rushed our member visit which really frustrated so he could get back for a phone call from who I thought was President. Well he detracted from the spirit in the members home which made me quite frustrated. I told him when we got home that a phone call can wait. You can call President whenever. Well I found out that he was waiting for his phone call from his Stake President back home. I was praying for him so hard. I just knelt on the floor and prayed for him the entire phone call. I know that the spirit gave him strength. It definitely was an incredible experience truly praying for someone else as hard as I did.
Well I hope that this next week will be great. I will tell you about Monday next week. It was great. We set a baptismal Date with Collette but to have you on the edge of your seat I am going to save it for next week. Well I love you all so much and I am grateful for all the Prayers coming my way. I hope that y'all have a wonderful week
Love Elder Butler
So that night we went out to tract since we didn't have any appointments but Elder Jones biffed it really hard. A bug flew in his eye and he used the hand that goes with his back brake to wipe his eye. Well he realized that the bug wasn't coming out of his eye so he went to slow down and he used his front brake. Well he went over the handle bars and landed on his face. He canned himself pretty good but was ok. We went back to the apartment after that. He could barely walk. I felt bad for him but it was really funny.
On Tuesday I went on exchanges with Elder Tibbits. He is really awesome. I love going on exchanges and just teaching by the Spirit. We had some really great lessons with a couple of their investigators. Edwin is the first one we went and saw. He is really wonderful. He has had some bad experiences at his Church and is wanting to get out. He has been coming to Church and whatever we have invited him to. He is wonderful. He is a bit slower in his learning but has a true desire to learn about the gospel. We tried to set a baptismal date but he said he will let us know when he is ready. He is so funny. He said it in a black southern accent. All you can do is laugh.
We then went to a part member family's home for dinner, the Andersons. Brother Anderson is less active but is wanting to get back to Church. We found out what his wife's concerns were and met her needs. I love the new training we have had. It truly has changed the way we teach and how effective we are as missionaries. They said they were going to come to Church on Sunday but didn't come. They couldn't find a shirt that fit Brother Anderson but they said they would be there next week.
Wednesday we had our last District Meeting of the Transfer. I can't believe how fast this transfer has gone. It seems like we just got here a few days ago. We had our exchange wrap up and it seems like our exchange went well. We got two new investigators, Shiela and Collete. They are both neighbors. We tracted into them both and they said that they would want to know more. Well we set up and appointment with Shiela and Collette just came right over. Apparently it was a wonderful lesson. I am excited for them both. They said that they would be coming to Church.
We went and saw a less active today with Brother Batten. His name is Jerry Cogdell. He is a really great guy. He served a mission and talks about it very highly but has been going through a tough time lately. He just got done going through his third divorce. I couldn't imagine what he is going through right now. its pretty crazy. Well he is open to having us in his home. He realizes that he needs to come back to Church. He just needs to find that desire.
We also saw the Crowders as well. They are doing wonderful. Remo Todd is supposed to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood on Sunday!
Thursday started out terrible. I was sick! I was throwing up everywhere which wasn't the best feeling. We went and saw Kevin that night even though I wasn't feeling well. What an intense lesson. We explained the Atonement and things seemed to be going really well. We were asking him really inspired questions and finding the needs to his concern. Well we were just ending up the lesson and Elder Jones gave him the soft Baptismal invitation. I thought it wasn't the right time but he did it anyways. Well we got to talking about his baptism and he asked if it was valid. Well we explained the doctrine behind it and then told him that it wasn't. It blew him away. I am so grateful that the spirit was the one teaching. I couldn't have said it how he needed it, I am just not that smart. He was angry when we told him but then he reasoned through it and became aware that of course there would need to be authority. Because we were late getting out of there we had to reschedule our appointment with Jimmy which frustrated me.
Well we went and got an appointment with Darline Gibson. Apparently she is in a very similar situation as I was growing up. She was adopted when she was nine into and LDS family. So hopefully the appointment will go well, we will see. She is excommunicated right now but has a daughter who is nine and hasn't been baptized.
Friday I was still sick which wasn't great but we weekly planned which was great. We had a really through planning session for our next transfer. We had alot of member visits tonight starting our faith to invite plan. I love the members in our ward. they are always really keen on finding people for us to teach.
Saturday we had a great time at the Waters Family Reunion. We had a Pig Pickin. I love PORK!!!! Southern food is so amazing. Brother Waters is amazing. I love him so much!!!! He is probably the most hardcore member missionary I have ever met. I pray for him so hard to find someone to teach and baptize. He really deserves it.
Sunday was wonderful. I love Sunday's on the mission. I love Church and I love fasting. We had the great opportunity to see 3 people get ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood. It was absolutely amazing!!! I remembered when I got ordained. It was a special moment. We also went to a baptism. We invited our investigators but hey didn't show to Church or to the Baptism. It made me really sad. They have their agency though. Elder Jones was throwing up as well and wasn't feeling well. He has been phoning President alot lately. He talked to him today for about 2 hours and then another hour in the afternoon.
Well that evening he rushed our member visit which really frustrated so he could get back for a phone call from who I thought was President. Well he detracted from the spirit in the members home which made me quite frustrated. I told him when we got home that a phone call can wait. You can call President whenever. Well I found out that he was waiting for his phone call from his Stake President back home. I was praying for him so hard. I just knelt on the floor and prayed for him the entire phone call. I know that the spirit gave him strength. It definitely was an incredible experience truly praying for someone else as hard as I did.
Well I hope that this next week will be great. I will tell you about Monday next week. It was great. We set a baptismal Date with Collette but to have you on the edge of your seat I am going to save it for next week. Well I love you all so much and I am grateful for all the Prayers coming my way. I hope that y'all have a wonderful week
Love Elder Butler
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