Mission Journal

March 8, 2012 – Thursday

When I checked my e-mail this morning I found several people who have wished me a happy birthday.  Thanks to all of you.

Larry, my brother called todayJ.

We were finally able to teach this week.  We taught the SC family the commandment lesson.  His children are great and his wife gives the best talks in this area.  SC finally talked with us after the lesson.  He said we would never “convert” him.  I told him that no human being would convert him, that if he ever was converted it would be the spirit of the Lord that would do so.  I believe we were able to answer some of his concerns though.  If he ever does join the church, he’ll be the first Bishop in this area.    

It was another beautiful rainy day in Hartford, Ky.

March 7, 2012 – Wednesday

Ruth called Sister Oakley todayJ.

We drove to Leitchfield for district meeting.  It’s amazing, Elder Robinson assigned Sister Oakley to give a spiritual thought, Tuesday evening Sister Oakley and I were reading from Alma chapter 7 and Sister Oakley said that she was going to use that chapter as the basis of her thought, on commitments.  Elder Hamblin ended his teaching in Alma chapter 7, then Elder Robinson based his teaching on Alma chapter 7, and they did not collaborate with one another.  We believe it’s the spirit guiding each of them separately toward a single goal.  It seems to happen every week.

We were eating lunch and Robert finally got throughJ.  Thank you for calling, it’s always good to hear your voice.

After getting back home we drove to BL’s house.  When we got there she was taking her father to the hospital, his blood sugar was over 900 she said.  Keep her and her father in your prayers if you can.

March 6, 2012 – Tuesday

I’ll bet we drove sixty miles today and didn’t visit with anyone.  We did clear some questionable addresses in the branch directory.  We stopped at a mobile home and found the dog at home.  I rolled down the window and the dog smelled my hand and even licked it.  But when I started to get out of the car he got between me and the front door, the hair on his back stuck up and he growled a deep growl.  I got back in the car and we left.

March 5, 2012 – Monday

We went to Owensboro today, while we were at Wal-Mart Robert tried to call several times. We couldn’t get a usable connection and finely he texted me “Happy Birthday.”  At least I knew that he was OK, and that’s the best birthday present a parent can get, to know his children are OK.  While there in Owensboro the person we were supposed to teach called and said her husband was sick after being up all night taking care of an emergency.  We rescheduled for Thursday.

March 4, 2012 – Sunday

This is Fast day and very few people were at church today.  I know that a few men were helping people put their houses back together, but I don’t know about everyone.  Those who were there gave wonderful testimonies.

Sister L went with us to ES’s house.  ES told Sister Oakley that she would be at church today but didn’t show up.  When we got to her house her car was there, but no one answered the door.  I called her phone and got the answer machine.  We’ll have to find out what’s up with that.  Sister L took us to another person’s house that she used to visit teach.

March 3, 2012 – Saturday

The woman’s conference was held north of Nashville today.  All of the sisters and senior couples were invited so we drove down.  It was held in the Madison, TN stake center and Sister Allred was the featured speaker.  She first spoke with the missionaries in the primary room and then all of the sisters, including all of the sisters in the area met in the chapel.  The few of us men stayed in the primary room and met with the mission president and his counselors.  It was a good day. The message in essence is to remember who you are – A CHILD OF HEAVENLY FATHER.   Through righteous undoubting prayer, you can call down the powers of Heaven on your behalf.  You are also more powerful than Satan.

March 2, 2012 – Friday

This was another day of tornadoes.  A little fence behind our apartment was blown down, and someone’s trampoline was found waded up across the street.  As we drove afterword we could see trees blown down, roofs blown off and other damage, but thank God, we were safe.  Several friends and family have called to see if we were ok and we thank all of you for your prayers on our behalf.

March 1, 2012 – Thursday

Sister Oakley and I were at JH’s door this morning and found a note saying that she was sick and wanted to reschedule.  She left us her phone number, so we will follow-up.

We went by JY’s house – he is going back to the nursing home for therapy.  Then we stopped by BB’s house and encouraged her to come to church on Sunday.

February 29, 2012 – Wednesday

We got up at 3:00 am this morning because we had to go to Leitchfield and pick up the Elders there and go to Nashville.  We met at the Nashville Temple and all of the Missionaries is our Zone went through the Temple together. It had been raining all day, very heavy at times.  When we got out of the car at the Temple, Sister Oakley said,      “look at the sky, it sure looks like a Texas tornado sky.”  Then we went into the Temple.   

As always we had a very spiritual time.

One of the missionaries who were riding with us had a gift certificate to Ryan’s Restaurant, so he wanted to buy us lunch.  When we came out of the restaurant it was raining so hard that we could hardly see the road in front of us.  When we got home President Wiles, the Branch President, called to see if we were OK.  It seems that three tornadoes went over Hartford, but thank goodness they didn’t touch down, and of course he said all this weather came from Texas.  This was a tragic day for several people where they did touch down.

February 28, 2012 – Tuesday

This morning I went back to the home with the bathroom floor.  We got the plywood in and the member will take it from here.  The homeowner asks me how much money I wanted for helping with the floor.  I told her I wanted an hour of her time to teach her about the Lord’s church.  We set up a time Thursday morning at 9:30 am.  I will call her JH.

We went to CH’s house and had a long talk with him and read from the Book of Mormon.  When we got there he had tobacco behind his lip L.  When Sister Oakley said something about it to him he went to the bathroom and rinsed his mouth out.  He is such a delightful young man, and I told him that I had confidence that he would be able to beat his tobacco problem – I had confidence that he would be baptized – I had confidence that he would hold the priesthood in the near future.  We showed him a video where a young man of eighteen who had only just received the Melchizedek priesthood saved the life of a fourteen year old boy who had been struck by lightning.  I know he felt the spirit and so did his grandmother.

February 27, 2012 – Monday

P-day, I went over to help a member replace a bathroom floor for his neighbor.  We got all of the framing replaced.

February 26, 2012 – Sunday

This is a sad day for us, CH was supposed to be baptized today but allowed tobacco to get in the way.  He said his Mom was in the hospital and didn’t come to church.  Sister Oakley didn’t give her talk either, President Wiles asked her to hold off for another Sunday because people from the stake are coming and one of them will be speaking.

February 25, 2012 – Saturday

We drove to JD’s house, but when we got there she wasn’t at home.  Her husband R was there, he is a partially active member.  He told us that J was with her mom and sister.  She was the first person who allowed us to teach when we arrived in Kentucky.  Her cousin is a Baptist preacher and I think that is a problem for her.  I tried to meet with him, but I think he is afraid of us for some reason.  We had a good meeting with R and then went to a Mexican Restaurant with him.

Mission Journal

February 24, 2012 – Friday

A cold north wind blew in today.  It’s our turn to clean the chapel and we noticed the funeral home across the street had burned.  As we were getting out of the car a man approached us wanting our opinion of the burned funeral home.  He was a news man just trying to get a story.  Because we were cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming and such, we went down in our jeans!  We shouldn’t leave the apartment without being dressed like a missionary – goes to show you.

We tried to visit JD, she hasn’t let us over in almost a month now.  We finally got an appointment tomorrow at noon.

Sister Oakley is giving a talk Sunday, so I came in here to blog while she prepared for her talk, let you know next time how that turned out.

February 23, 2012 – Thursday

Wow – the temperature got up to 71ᵒ, it was wonderful.  We were asked to come over to DT’s house about noon today.  When we got there and she so skillfully put us off to another time, so we’ll try again.

At 4:30 pm we met with CH and his grandmother.  We talked to him about choices, the full lesson as stated on the 22^nd, then asked him to wright down reasons he would want to be baptized, and reasons he would not want to be baptized.  He wrote down several good reasons to be baptized, but couldn’t come up with a reason not to.  But still, he is having trouble quitting the tobacco habit, so we’ll keep you informed.

February 22, 2012 – Wednesday

In Clarksville we have our zone meeting on the day after transfers.  There we meet the new people who are in our zone.  Clarksville is about one hour and forty-five minutes away, so it was another long day in the car.  The new missionary we brought home from transfers wants to be a photographer when he gets off his mission and showed me some things about our camera we didn’t know we had.  The meeting in Clarksville was very spiritual.  The new zone leader taught us that  . . .

Salvation comes from choices –

                                                                 we choose eternal life.

                                     If we choose Jesus Christ,

We have the power to choose,

TC called as we were on the way home.  He’s the new member that moved into the branch last week.  He is living with his adopted sister and they asked if we would come over after we got back to Hartford.  When we got there they told us that they have been talking with their neighbor and gave them a Book of Mormon, and wanted to know if we would like it if they invited us and the neighbor over at the same time. J

February 21, 2012 – Tuesday

This is transfer day for the young missionaries.  Every six weeks they have a chance of being transferred to a different area.  That keeps things fresh and gives the missionaries experience.  We drove to Nashville with the Leitchfield missionaries and one of them is being transferred to a different area.  It was all we could do to put his baggage in the car with the four of us.  We talked about CH on the way down and they gave us a few ideas that might help the next time we see him.  At the transfer meeting we met the new missionaries who just came in, and were able to say good bye to those going home.  Then at 4:00 pm we were able to go to the Temple!  It was a long day and we didn’t get home till about 8:30 pm, but it was a good day.

February 20, 2012 – Monday

Even though it’s P-day it was busy for us.  At 2:00 pm we went to TV’s house.  We had to explain to him that if he wanted to bless the sacrament that he had to get to church on time.  Sister Oakley told him and his father-in-law both that they were expected to help Sister V with getting the children ready for church.  Also, that the Stake President said that he would have to say the sacrament in English.  That was disappointing to TV, but the lesson went well.

Next we went to SC’s house to teach the lesson on The Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Their children were out playing soccer and didn’t want to come in, but were made to by their mother, SC was sick – but still went out and put out three fires in the area, and Sister C was upset with everyone it seemed.  But we trudged on anyway, and my teaching was very sub-par.  We’ll have to do better next time, if they let us have a next time.

Finally, we went to CH’s house and gave a follow up lesson, and when I asked who he wanted on the baptism program, he said he wasn’t ready to be baptized yet.  He said his grandmother and mother had talked him out of baptism. L  By the time we got home, I wished that we had just left it P-day and not left the apartment. But I know that all things are led by the Lord and it will be OK, we just have to continue in faith.

February 19, 2012 – Sunday

We had received a voice mail from ES saying she had to go to a funeral today.  She didn’t say what time, but she wasn’t at church and we didn’t find her at home either.  Hope she’s OK.

We went to CH’s house this evening and gave him the lesson on the commandments.  He’s only seventeen years old, and he’s been dipping tobacco for over five years, it’s going to be hard for him to quit, but with the Lord, everything is possible.  Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

February 18, 2012 – Saturday

D&C 84

74 Verily, verily, I say unto you, they who believe not on your words, and are not baptized in water in my name, for the remission of their sins, that they may receive the Holy Ghost, shall be damned, and shall not come into my Father’s kingdom where my Father and I am.

 75 And this revelation unto you, and commandment, is in force from this very hour upon all the world, and the gospel is unto all who have not received it.

February 17, 2012 – Friday

Wow – chasing leads is hard work and we’re getting nowhere.  I wish we had some referrals from the members.  I know this work is important, I wish the people we are trying to help knew how important it is to them, but that’s why we’re here isn’t it?

We went to CH’s house this evening.  He forgot we were coming and went to his friend’s house to jam with his guitar. L

February 16, 2012 – Thursday

We had no one scheduled to teach, so we followed old leads in Beaver Dam.  Several of the people have moved away, and one man met us at the door and told us to go away.  Finally, we met a family who said they are between churches and want us to come back. J  Right now they are all sick, including their baby, so we’ll try them again next week.

February 15, 2012 – Wednesday

We traveled to Leitchfield for district training.  Sister Oakley gave training on prayer – she said, prayer is Heart to God communication.   No one can separate us from communicating with God.  God is reachable anywhere and anytime and possesses all knowledge.  Fasting is a strong evidence of our sincerity and we should pray as if God is with us.  Pray morning and night and with a prayer in our heart at all times.  Become 100% reliant on the Lord.

This evening we had a valentine’s party at the church building.  It was a good turnout.  A new couple has moved into our branch and we got to know them a little better.

February 14, 2012 – Tuesday

We taught CH the lesson about The Gospel of Jesus Christ this evening.  He’s a bright young man and I can see and feel that he believes in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  We have hopes for him.

February 13, 2012 – Monday

This is P-day, the day for shopping, cleaning and so on.  We don’t have a lot of shopping to do for now, just keep up with milk and bread and so on.

We promised T that we would give him the Gospel Essentials class at his house since he has to work on Sunday right after the Sacrament meeting.  Also, President Wiles said it would be OK if T said the sacrament prayer in Spanish, so we took him a white shirt that’s too small for me and asked if he would be ready to give the sacrament prayer next Sunday. J

Mission Journal

February 12, 2012 – Sunday

As of today I have had the pleasure – the glorious gift of being married to my sweet heart for twenty-four years.  I thank God and Sister Oakley for that gift.

JW showed up at church in a white shirt and tie, I believe that he actually listened to Sister Oakley when we were at their house, he looked good.  Our new Deacon helped pass the sacrament today.  I wish he had other twelve year olds to pass with, but it’s still a good thing that he is using his priesthood.  JW and TV both helped take down the sacrament and I believe they will put it together next week, that’s good.

Sister P asked us over to their house for lunch.  She also invited two new members who moved into our area.  The sister is an interpreter for the chicken plant and the man is looking for a job in the area.  Sister P made a cake for me and Sister Oakley for our wedding anniversary. J

We were able to teach the second lesson to ES today.  We took her extra-large print scriptures so she could see them well.  She stated that she believed that what we were teaching her was true and that she would come to church with us next Sunday – We’re excited for her.

February 11, 2012 – Saturday

Wow, it’s cold today.  The wind blows right through you.  We went to WB’s house today and they didn’t answer the door, so I called their phone and Mrs. B answered and said WB is sick.  We’ll try again, pray for them – God answers prayers.

February 10, 2012 – Friday

SC’s family is all member of the branch and he has allowed us to teach at his house.  We taught the Plan of Salvation lesson and ask him as well as family members to read from the scriptures.  As we asked his children questions he would prompt them to the correct answer – he knows the gospel of Jesus Christ, but in his own words he says he has trouble wrapping his mind around the Book of Mormon.  If anyone has any ideas for him, let me know.

We picked up Sister L to go with us to Fordsville to meet JR and eat with us.  Light snow was falling and the streets were wet.  We were at the restaurant by seven but didn’t see JR.  Sister L tried to call her but didn’t get an answer, so by seven thirty we went ahead and ordered.  Just as we were finishing our meal JR came in and said she was at a different restaurant waiting for us, she ate at that restaurant but remembered the one we were at before she left Fordsville.  We’ll have to try again with her; she really needs the gospel in her life.   It is only going to be about 19 degree tonight with snow, and Sister Oakley got a real treat when we took Sister L home, we saw 2 deer cross the road in front of us.  We have only seen about 4 deer since we got here.   Sad news for Sister Oakley we only got a dusting of snow.

February 9, 2012 – Thursday

We caught WB and Mrs. B at home today.  We taught the Plan of Salvation lesson to them and WB asked several very good questions.  He’s been Baptist all of his life and has recently recovered from surgery because of cancer in his liver.  He said they removed a large part of his liver and that he almost died.  He said he didn’t know why the Lord spared his life at this time.  He has a hard time reading so I printed some of the scriptures in large type so he would be able to read them.  If he has actually read them by the time we return, I’ll order him extra-large type Book of Mormon and KJV Bible so he can read again.

It’s so hard to teach someone who has limited English abilities.  We went to TV’s house to teach the first lesson of the Gospel Principals class.  I’m glad he has a Spanish version of the book, but even with his wife as translator, it was hard to get basic concepts over to him.

We taught CH again.  This time we taught the Plan of Salvation lesson and challenged him to baptism.  He said he would like that very much and we set a date for February 25, 2012. J  He is a young man with a good heart, he came to church last week and I have hopes for him.

February 8, 2012 – Wednesday

It’s always a long drive when we go to Clarksville, Tennessee for a zone meeting, but we’re always glad that we’ve gone.  The leaders build our spirits and teach us.  We have grown spiritually since we left Allen to come here.  We’ve learned that it is our on personal responsibility to have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.  It’s our on responsibility to repent of our sins.  It’s our on responsibility to obey the Lord’s commandments.  It’s our on responsibility to know that the Lord’s church has been restored on the earth today.  We are here as a servant of the Lord to call others to repentance and teach them about Jesus Christ and his church, but it’s their responsibility to accept the truth of it.

February 7, 2012 – Tuesday

From the area book we met DT today, what a delightful lady.  She was zooming out to teach an aerobics class, so we’ll get back with her.

We met with JW and his family this evening.  They are active – except like so many people in this area, they come to church but refuse to do anything.  JW made a wonderful meal for us and then we showed The Butterfly Circus.  After a little discussion JW started asking questions.  Before we left we had actually given the first three missionary discussions.  He has been a member for six years but doesn’t really know much about the church.  He holds the Aaronic Priesthood but hasn’t advanced any further.  Sister Oakley challenged him to do what it takes to be able to live with Heavenly Father again – Do what it takes for them to have an eternal marriage – Do what it takes to bring his family with him and live in the Celestial Kingdom with our Heavenly Father.

February 6, 2012 – Monday

The knot on Sister Oakley’s ankle is smaller than it was, we are so grateful to Heavenly Father for such mercy.

P day, we went to Owensboro to Wal-Mart and Dollar Tree.  We came home and did the usual laundry and cleaning of the apartment.  Our 4:30 appointment canceled and so we had no other appointments.   This gave us time to catch up on ironing and studying our lessons and lessons for Sunday school and relief society and priesthood.   We found a radio station on our computers that play music on the BYU channel and it is so beautiful and inspiring and we love to listen to it and do our homework and such.

February 5, 2012 – Sunday

Our Heavenly Father is continuously giving us blessings.  Sister Oakley woke up this morning without so much pain in her ankle and she can walk.  The knot is still there, but she said it was not as tender as yesterday.

There were about thirty people at church today.  TV is still coming – I think he’s going to be an active member of the branch, that’s a good thing.  Not only that, his inactive father-in-law is also coming.  TV’s wife is all grins, now her husband is an active member of the church and her father is at least coming to church. J

This was the best fast and testimony meeting we have ever had.  The spirit was so strong.  CD and CH were there and CD gave a very moving testimony and many members that had not given their testimonies in a long while gave theirs and it was very moving.

February 4, 2012 – Saturday

Sister Oakley woke up and couldn't walk this morning.  She has a knot on the inside of her left ankle and severe pain, may be a blood clot.  We stayed home and she kept her foot elevated.  I gave her a priesthood blessing and we'll see what happens next.  If it's still hurting Monday morning, I'm taking her to the doctor.

February 3, 2012 – Friday

We found WB’s name in the area book.  That’s a book we keep to document when we teach someone a lesson.  The missionaries in this area met with him and his wife back in 2009.  We were hoping to teach them the second lesson today, the lesson on the Plan of Salvation.  When we knocked on their door Mrs B answered and said she didn’t know where WB was.  As we were leaving he pulled up in his pickup, they have two driveways, so I waited a few minutes and knocked on the door again, but then he drove off.   We don’t know what is happening, but we’ll try again.

February 2, 2012 – Thursday

We were in a somber mood today, we couldn’t go home for our beautiful Savannah’s funeral, we will miss her, but we know our Heavenly Father loves all of His children and will take care of her.  She no longer is in pain, and she is with her brother and sister waiting for the rest of us. But – we must persevere.  Thanks to everyone who sent us cards.  We love all of you.

We went to visit JY in the nursing home and found that he is back in the hospital.  Because of privacy issues they can’t tell anything about their patients, so we drove to his house and asked his wife what was going on with him.  We learned that he had a stomach bleed and had to go to the hospital. When we got to the hospital we found him complaining about the hospital food, so I guess he’ll be ok.

JR is an inactive member that we’ve been trying to catch home since we’ve been in Hartford.  We were told that at one time she was the Relief Society president in the branch.  Someone in the branch hurt her feelings so she stopped coming to church.  That’s something that I also don’t understand.  Why would anyone let another person come between themselves and our Heavenly Father – true other people can do things that hurt our feelings, and sadly, we are all human and make mistakes.  But our Heavenly Father didn’t make that mistake!  Our Heavenly Father said that if we will remain faithful and endure to the end, that he would give us Eternal Life.  He told us to forgive.  When Peter asked Jesus how many times we should forgive – maybe seven times – Jesus said seventy times seven, or in other words, always forgive.  Anyway, we finely caught her at home and had a good visit with her.  We set a date for next Friday to eat with her at a restaurant in Fordsville.

February 1, 2012 – Wednesday

District meeting with the Elders from Leitchfield is always a blessing.  This week we met here in Hartford, and Sister Oakley gave the spiritual thought about being diligent – a Christ like attribute – Diligence in missionary work is an expression of your love for the Lord and his work.  As usual I was inspired, as were the Elders.  We were taught by both of the Elders, one on the blessing of patience, the other about being obedient.  I needed that lesson, I have been very impatient.  Especially when I see people who have felt the spirit teach them that the gospel is true and still not act upon what they have felt; that I just don’t understand.  So I will try to be more patient.

Our Branch Mission Leader went with us, or I should say we went with him to an inactive member’s house.  If other members here had his enthusiasm toward the gospel that he has, we would be serving in a ward, not a branch.

Mission Journal

January 31, 2012 – Tuesday

We were able to teach a young man we will call CH today.  He is the grandson of CD and is living with her at this time, what a nice young man.  He loves playing his guitar and writing songs, what seventeen year old doesn’t.  He was very receptive to what we taught and said he would read from the Book of Mormon.

January 30, 2012

Mission Journal

January 29, 2012

I spoke in Sacrament Meeting today, and taught The Plan of Salvation, then challenge the members to introduce us to people they know.  We are grateful to our Father in Heaven for knowledge of this plan, especially with the death of Savannah – we know she will be with those of the first resurrection, and will be raised with a perfect body and live during the millennium while satan is bound.  We will be allowed to know her and love her without the restrictions of an imperfect body.  She will live again because Jesus Christ lives again.

January 28, 2012

We went to BB’s house and showed her The Butterfly Circus.  She was amazed.  We taught her that our Father in Heaven loves us and committed her to come to church tomorrow.  She promised to come again.

When we arrived home tonight around 6 pm we received a call from our son-in-law that Savannah had passed away.  It is very hard not being there.  But as our son-in-law said we are where we need to be at this time. I know Savannah is with Heavenly Father and is well taken care of and that we will see her again someday, just like we will see our other grandchildren that have passed on. The gospel is true and such a comfort at these times.

January 27, 2012

We were to teach A in Spanish again today, so we drove to Bowling Green to pick up the Spanish speaking Elder.  Also T, who was baptized last Sunday went with us to A’s house – he was so excited to help teach.  It’s sad, but when we got to A’s house he was gone, and his wife asked what we were doing there, because they were going to baptize their children in the Catholic Church.  T asked if she would like to hear about the gospel of Jesus Christ and she laughed at him.  His first attempt at missionary work and it went badly.  I hope things go better next time, but I’m excited that T wants to teach.

We received a call from our daughter at home that our Savannah was very ill.  She was having trouble breathing and on oxygen.  She is our last special needs grandchild and is very fragile.  I will sleep with the phone by my bed side tonight; If I sleep much.

January 26, 2012

Wow – what anger can do to a men. TP, an inactive member has been angry with almost everyone in Ohio County sometime or another.  It seems that now he is angry with one of the branch members that he works with.  So now he has decided he will go to the Baptist Church because he doesn’t know anyone there; talking about cutting off your nose to spite your face.  We talked to him about forgiveness, I hope it helped.

January 25, 2012

We met with BL and played The Butterfly Circus for her to watch.  We learned that she was upset because she wasn’t able to enter the Temple when her son was married.  Now that she is a member of the Church she should be able to get her Temple recommend, but she isn’t attending or doing the things necessary to receive the recommend.  Sister Oakley said to her that she knew that BL felt sad when she couldn’t enter the Temple when her son was married, then asked, how much more would those feelings be on judgment day if she couldn’t be with her son in the Celestial Kingdom just because she wasn’t keeping the Lords commandments, starting with keeping the Sabbath day holy, coming to church, paying tithing, and reading the scriptures. She would see her family enter the celestial kingdom and she would be somewhere else - not with them if she didn't get on the ball and get her life in order and get herself Temple ready and endure to the end.

January 24, 2012

The Leitchfield Elders met us here at home and then we drove to Hopkinsville (after feeding them a great lunch).  We had interviews with President McKee.  President McKee and his wife are soooooo inspirational.  They showed us a video called The Butterfly Circus.  Sister Oakley and I cried through the whole thing.  Any one reading this should watch this video, look on u-tube and look for The Butterfly Circus.  It’s worthwhile.  President McKee told us we should be like Mendez and look for the good in everyone, watch the video and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Next we drove to Elkton, Kentucky.  There four of the local churches got together for “Unity in Hymns”.  Our young Elders and Sisters with Sister McKee leading sang two of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard.  They first sang “Beautiful Savior” then “This Is The Christ”.  They read this message before singing.

The Tennessee Nashville Mission Choir is a group of young volunteer missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  These Missionaries come from all over the world and serve in mid-Tennessee, parts of Kentucky and Illinois.  Tonight they will be singing:

“Beautiful Savior” – this song was written by an unknown author in 1677 and was later translated by Joseph A. Seiss, 1823-1904.  This beautiful rendition speaks of the greatness and glory of Jesus Christ, the King of Creation and Son of Man.  He is the “Light of my soul, my Joy, my Crown.”  “Glory, honor praise, and adoration now and forevermore be Thine,” is the message of this song and of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He leads and directs the gospel on the earth today.

“This Is The Christ” – Music by Michael Finlinson Moody and words by James E. Faust, a former 2^nd Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  This heartwarming selection depicts the feeling portrayed in 3^rd Nephi of the Book of Mormon, a second witness of Jesus Christ, when the people of Nephi, witnessed the appearance of Jesus Christ himself here on this, the American continent.  The feelings of awe, reverence, and pure love for the Savior Jesus Christ is so adequately portrayed as these words are sung: “This is the Christ, the Holy Son of God, Our Savior, Lord, Redeemer of Mankind.  This is the Christ, the Healer of our souls, who ransomed us with love divine.”

Next the Catholics sang two songs, then the Methodists, and finely the Black Baptists who did a wonderful job.  It was wonderful.

January 23, 2012

We went to the C’s house and taught the first lesson to DC with his non-member father in the room.  We emphasized the power and authority of the priesthood.  I told DC that he had more authority than the Baptist Preacher to teach the gospel – the preacher may know more scriptures, but DC has more authority because he now has the priesthood.  When it came time to leave I ask Brother C if we could leave with a prayer.  His little daughter said, “Let me.”  DC said, “No.  I have the priesthood – I’ll say the prayer.”  That made the lesson worth while.

January 22, 2012

BB came to Sacrament meeting – it felt like a touchdown in the super bowl.  DC turned twelve and received the Aaronic Priesthood, for some reason he was reluctant before the ordination.

January 21, 2012

We’ve been on the phone a lot trying to set something up with someone.  It’s hard when the branch is so small.

January 20, 2012

This time in Bowling Green a different Elder came with us.  A listened again, but I fear we are losing him.  Ir wasn’t home when we went to her house. 

JY fell and broke his hip.  We visited him at the nursing home in Beaver Dam.  While there we met HT.  She used to be a member but had her name removed from the rolls of the church.  She is a very nice, bright, outgoing, and sweet person.  She treated us very nice and we had a good, long talk with her.  I thank she saw that Mormon Missionaries don’t have horns. We would really like to get to know her and her family better.  Maybe time will tell.

January 19, 2012

We visited BB today – she is such a sweat lady, but very confused.  I believe with patience and love we can help her to understand the Lord’s gospel.

January 18, 2012

BL still hasn’t been to church but we continue to visit with her, maybe someday she will understand that she must obey the Lord’s commandments and keep the Sabbath day holy.

V was home this time and we taught him the first lesson – emphasizing authority. Years ago he was a Baptist Preacher and authority was important for him to understand.

January 17, 2012

We drove to Bowling Green to pick up the Spanish speaking Elder.  We drove to A’s house and he gave him the first lesson – A’s wife refused to come into the room, and A refused to take the El Libro De Mormon.  That’s a bad sign, but we’ll keep coming as long as he will let us.  The Elder also went with us to V’s house, but V wasn’t home – his daughter A was there, she is a senior at the high school.  We taught her the first lesson and set a time to return when her father was home.

January 16, 2012

We received a media referral today; we’ll have to check that out.

JR had a birthday party for her mom and we were invited along with several other people.

January 15, 2012

This is a wonderful day. T was baptized and everything went wonderfully great.  We were told to start using the Spanish speaking Elders from Bowling Green because it’s only 45 miles away and the Sisters from Clarksville are 90 miles away.  Makes since to me.  Anyway, the two sisters and three elders and two zone leaders were all here for the baptism.  With all of these missionaries we almost doubled the size of the Sacrament meeting.

We were invited to the Branch Mission leaders home with T and his family for dinner.  It’s a good day.

January 14, 2012

I helped work on the baptismal fount today.  The pump was broken and couldn’t keep the water warm. Chill!  We got it working, thank goodness.

January 13, 2012

Today T was interviewed by the zone leaders.  He was found worthy to be baptized, we’re excited.  We went with the Spanish speaking sisters to I’s house.  They taught her, but she never asked a question – that’s a bad sign.

Mission Journal

January 12, 2012

I had a dream last night.  It was about one of the members of the branch.  He’s trying to get a better job to support his family, but he won’t study the materials that were given him and fails the test.  

Well, in the dream – this member hired a man to dig a ditch two feet wide, four feet deep, and twenty feet long.  He showed the man where to dig and gave him a shovel.  He went back inside to do his work and after a while he looked and the man was sitting on the ground with his feet inside the ditch.  He thought ‘He’s taking a break,’ and went back to work.  In about fifteen minutes he looked again and the man was still sitting.  He thought maybe he needed some water and went outside with a glass of water.  The man thanked him for the water and got up and began working like crazy.  The member thought he was working too fast, but didn’t say anything.  In about five minutes the man was sitting down again.  At this time in my dream I asked the member what he should do with this man.  He said that maybe he should let him go.  I asked if the man had a family.  He said he did.  If you let him go, would his family have food to eat?  That’s his problem.  Has he ever done this kind of work before? No.  Could you teach him how to work?  Well, yes I could.  He went out and taught the man to work in a steady pace – one shovel full at a time.  He taught him to use his feet and how to use leverage.  He taught him to take useful breaks, but go back to work in a reasonable amount of time.  He taught him to work smart, as well as hard. 

In this dream I taught this member that he was the man and his study materials were the ditch.  That he had to learn one thing at time as if it were the shovel full of dirt, but he had to keep moving and not give up.

After I woke up, I realized that I am the man and this mission is the ditch – That I must keep moving and learn the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I must learn the lessons that I teach like the back of my hand.  I need to be trusted by the Lord.

January 11, 2012

Today… we had a zone meeting in Clarksville.  I really didn’t want to go, but I had promised Elder R that I would.  Fran said, “You told him you would!”  She was right of course.  A man’s word should be his bond.  I gave my word; I got ready for another long trip.

After we got there, I was sooooooooooo glad we went.  The meeting was one that I had been praying for.  Isn’t it wonderful – when we are obedient how things work out for the best?  There was one down side, my nose started to run and my throat started to itch. L

January 10, 2012

We got an early start today because we had to be in Nashville by 11:00 am.  We met with President McKee and the other missionaries at the Stake Center next to the Temple.  It was a good meeting, we met the new missionaries coming in, and said goodbye to those going home.  The sisters at the Stake Center feed us – Hawaiian Haystacks, and they were good.  We were able to converse with the other Senior Missionaries; we hardly get to see them.

Next we had the opportunity to go to the Temple!  The Nashville Temple is very much like the one in Lubbock – very beautiful and spiritual.

When we take trips like this we listen to Church History CD’s.  They have been put together very well, coming home we learned the history of BYU.

January 9, 2012

Fran had another Doctor’s appointment related to her diabetes.  Her labs are looking good he said.J  She is still coughing and hoarse.   The doctor gave her permission to be with other people.  That’s a good thing because we are supposed to go to Nashville tomorrow.

January 8, 2012

I went to church alone today – that felt funny. L  Fran is still having trouble talking.  I went with Br. P and visited three people he home teaches.  One of the sisters is as sick as Fran.  We gave her the Sacrament, she didn’t want a blessing.  Br. and Sis. R brought by some soup while I was with Br. P, now wasn’t that thoughtful.

January 7, 2012

We hibernated – hoping Fran would get well soon.  She was coughing, couldn’t speak, nose running, and felt lousy.

January 6, 2012

The Spanish sisters came to our apartment and we were waiting on the Zone leaders to meet with T for a baptism interview, when they called and said they would meet us at the church.  I drove over and picked T up and meet the sisters and Zone leaders.  I was the only one with a key to the church, but that is OK.  After the interview, the sisters met with the new family we found on Tuesday, they went to G’s house and G wasn’t at home again.  But they met with G’s son E, and they said he was excited to meet with them.

By the way – before the sisters left Hartford they brought Fran some cough drops and a get well card – wasn’t that thoughtful?  They are special people.

January 5, 2012

Fran woke up really sick this morning, she could hardly talk.  I called everyone we were to teach and canceled their appointments.  I took her to the Doctor’s office; we saw the Practitioner and she gave her some meds.

January 4, 2012

We had district meeting in Leitchfield this morning.  I taught a lesson on goal setting and Fran gave a spiritual thought.  It was a great meeting – each one of us centered our lessons on becoming more Christ like.  We didn’t collaborate with one another, but it was as if we had been assigned our lessons.  Isn’t it amazing how the Holy Ghost works, when we are willing to listen?

On our way back to Hartford, Fran said her throat was hurting.  We went to B’s house and had a good lesson with her.  She promised to come to church this coming Sunday.  Hope she makes it.

January 3, 2012

We were supposed to meet the Spanish speaking sisters at T’s house at noon, but they were delayed and won’t be here till 2:00 pm, so we moved BB time to noon, T to 2:00 pm and K to 3:30 pm – did you keep up with all of that, I’m not sure that I did.  BB was having trouble with her bank, so she wasn’t home.  When we called K, she was sick and didn’t want visitors. L  Anyway, T was ready and willing; their little one year old daughter has decided that we are OK.  She sits in our laps the whole time we are at T’s house.

After we left T’s house we decided to try BB again, this time she was home and the sisters participated in her lesson.  I’m worried about BB – I think I’ll bring a video next time.  We had an appointment with G at 6:00 pm.  When we arrived G wasn’t home, but his wife R was there.  R is reluctant to speak with us and we stood outside in the cold wind while the Spanish sisters scheduled a new time to meet with her husband.  Since the sisters were there anyway we took them to another Spanish family nearby.  Again we stood in the cold wind while the Spanish sisters spoke with that family.  They were able to set up a time just ahead of G’s time on Friday – that’s a good thing.

January 2, 2012

Ah – P-day – What would we do without it.  Our living room lamp was broken so we went to the hardware store to get a new part, but the hardware store was still closed for the holidays. J  The joy of a small town.  We’ll fix the lamp later.

January 1, 2012

Brother C’s son was visiting from Utah today, so instead of having Fast and Testimony meeting the Presidency chose to have Brother C’s son speak.  He’ll be going back home soon and we’ll have Testimony meeting next week.  Virtues of a small branch!

Mission Journal

December 31, 2011

We visited with BB for a little over an hour today.  She asked unexpected questions and we had to stop and address those questions before we could move on, but she seemed to understand better, so we’ll just keep on addressing her questions.  She said that she had read the first and part of the second chapter of Nephi; at least she’s not afraid to give the Lord a chance.  Satan tries to hold some people back because of tradition sometimes.  I challenged her to come out to church but she seemed reluctant for now.  I don’t expect that we’ll see her yet.

Next we went to A’s house.  She’s 17 and lives with her father.  We were hoping to find them both at home but her father was working.  We gave a quick lesson on the Restoration and when we got to a certain part she said, “Assume!”   I hope when we catch her father at home that he’ll say the same thing.

We took some pictures of what we call our Christmas corner and want to post a few today.  The Primary Children back home sent us twelve stories with Christmas ornaments on them.  They are wonderful stories that we passed on to the local Primary President.  Anyway, we took pictures of those ornaments and Christmas cards we received and a picture of the Spanish speaking sisters.  I’ll post them below.

 

 

December 30, 2011

The sister missionaries came again to teach T.  He seems to be excited about the gospel, and his wife is very excited about him taking the lessons.  Their daughter will turn eight years old soon – she gave the opening prayer before the lesson started, and her prayer was better than many adults I’ve heard, and not only that, but from the heart.  Anyway, T’s wife wants him to be able to baptize his daughter as soon as he             

receives the priesthood.  That would be amazing.

Brother P’s son came in for Christmas.   He’s a junior at BYU and knows a lot of people in this area.  He took us to three people we didn’t know about and we set up appointments with all three.  One of them is a Spanish speaking family, when the Spanish speaking sisters come on Tuesday; we’ll have two families for them to teach.

December 29, 2011

BB is an older single lady.  She was baptized in Idaho as a very young lady years ago.  She still claims to be a member but knows very little about the church or the Lord.  After talking to her for a while she started asking questions which brought us to the restoration, so we taught her that lesson.  We left her a copy of the KJV of the bible and a Book of Mormon and asked her to read at least one chapter before we came back on Saturday.  She agreed to read and we will return.

The last time we were at Sister R’s house, Brother R said she was feeling pressured.  So we decided that we would just have a scripture chase and talk this time.  We looked up scriptures talking about God’s love for his children, scriptures talking about us being His spirit children and scriptures talking about prophets being called in all ages of time.  It went so well – we found out what was bothering her and why she was feeling pressured.  Her best friend is a member of the church, but her feelings were hurt by another member and has quit coming out.  Fran and I are going to visit her friend sometime this week.  We’re going to evaluate the friend’s testimony and see what we can do to help her.  We’ll call the friend “JR”.

December 28, 2011

The Elder’s from Leitchfield met us at the branch building this morning.  The district meeting went well, and as always – we learned a lot.  We drove to a member’s house we’ve never met before this afternoon.  He was baptized as a child and quit coming out to church at age 13.  We would have attempted to stay and give a lesson, except he was called in to work and only had a half hour to get ready, so we didn’t stay long and left.  He and his wife are nice people, we’ll check back with them.

December 27, 2011

The Spanish speaking sisters came up today to teach T again.  They come from the Fort Campbell area and this being the last of the month they have used up their mile allowance.  A soldier drove them up from Clarksville, but because they are sisters and he’s a man they also had to have another sister from the Spanish branch ride with them – avoid the very appearance of evil.  Anyway, they all spoke Spanish and I believe T got a lot out of the lesson, it was a good thing.

December 26, 2011

Christmas can be sad or happy, that depends on us – what do we choose to be?  When I think of how much I miss my family – I’m sad, but when I think about how blessed I am that I have a family – I feel glad inside.  I am so blessed to be married for time and all eternity to such a sweat person in Fran – that really makes me happy.  When I think about how our Lord Jesus Christ made it possible for us to actually live for eternity – that really really makes me happy.