On Monday, April 10, 2017 12:58 PM, Dustin Thelander <dustin.thelander@myldsmail.net> wrote:
Monday was a very nice p-day last week. All went according to plan which is rare, and we had a great zone activity. The Taccone's hosted family home evening, and we watched a video that talked about spiritual alligators. In Africa, in every single place there is water, you can count on a gator being there, and if you get too close they will get ya. So, we need to steer clear of those spiritual alligators in life that look really appealing on a hot day and trust in the Lord to keep us safe!
Tuesday, we had our district meeting, and I really loved the topics. We talked a lot about how we can receive revelation through our prayers. We talked on how prayer is a communication- we talk to our Father in Heaven, and He talks back often through thoughts, feelings, and impressions. So amazing how we can feel that each time we pray if we really pray with sincerity. We ended up on Tuesday going to the library like 3 times. First to confirm the numbers, then to check on some referrals, then again to locate a Vietnamese branch for a member looking to help out a friend.
On Wednesday, I was on exchanges with Elder Ethridge. I have been on exchanges with him before, and he is one of my favorite missionaries. We did some service for this guy named Burt. He is like way rich due to a lawsuit he won or something. He has one of the new Lincoln Continentals and each and every seat in that vehicle has massage seats and seat coolers. It was riding in major comfort and style for us! He also has a matching watch for each outfit- just in case you were wondering. We also had the chance to teach this woman named Antoinette. She was coming up on baptism and we were teaching her the final lesson, and what was greatest part of the whole lesson is that for the first time in front of the missionaries, she prayed. It was a wonderful prayer and I feel it made a big difference for her as well. We then contacted at a park and had us some dinner.
On Thursday, we began the day with President interviews. I love President Taylor. I have been told by multiple leaders of the church that you are assigned to a mission in large part for the mission president you will have. I firmly believe that. I know President Hobbs was great for me at the beginning, and President Taylor is meant to be here for me at the end. We talked about the zone and what I can do to finish my mission strong. In the afternoon, we met with Veronica at the church with the intention to be at the Family History center to help her find some names to take to the temple. Well, the people to work that shift didn't show, so in desperation and frustration (third time we have tried the Family History center) we went to the library and did some work for her there. It was sorta successful, all she knows now is her living relatives, so we need to find her some deceased relatives.
Friday, we went up to Pomona to have Elder Lanier interview Antoinette for baptism. She lives in a super small place, so Elder Lanier went inside with a member of the other ward, and I hung out in the car with the other Elders. The interview went great, and she was so happy and excited to be baptized. Later in the day we were able to get in the door with the Byes family. She is a member of the church and comes seldom, and her husband is not a member. He promptly leaves when we share a message. But the #PrinceofPeace video was really powerful to her. Then we saw the H family. Ovianna wasn't there which stunk, but we talked to the rest of the family about the importance of family. We live in a crazy world, and family is one of the few places we can find refuge.
Saturday I was on exchanges again in my area with Elder Ward. He is a Spanish speaking Elder from Tennessee, and we have been in the mission together for a while. It was a great day and we had a couple great lessons. The first was with Billy. We read the Book of Mormon with her. I love going verse by verse aloud and then discussing. I got a ton out of it, and it is a chapter I read all the time. Evidence to me that the spirit will teach you what you need at that time. Then we saw the Rasmussen family and watched with them the #PrinceofPeace video. Please, if you have not watched it, do. Mormon.org. Sunday was church, then church, and then we headed to the Zavala's for lunch. A former missionary from this mission was there with the Zavala daughter who he is dating. It was fun to see Jorvik (Elder Harris) and eat some way authentic Mexican food. Dinner was with the Barry family who is way funny. Their daughter who is in 7th grade is like a concert violin player. Today we plan to play some sports and have fun.
Scripture of the week is from Alma, chapter 41, verses 12-13, 15, "And now behold, is the meaning of the word restoration to take a thing of a natural state and place it in an unnatural state, or to place it in a state of opposite to its nature? O, my son, this is not the case; but the meaning of the word restoration is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or devilish for devilish--good for that which is good; righteous for that which is righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which merciful.... For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored; therefore, the word restoration more fully condemneth the sinner, and justifieth him not at all."
Love,
Elder Thelander
