Tuesday, August 19, 2014

week 7


So just so everyone knows, I have not been anywhere near the riots here in St. Louis. They are more in the Northern part.

I Don't have too much time, so this week will be kind of short.

We had a really rewarding week this week. Lots of appointments that went through, and lots of new investigators who show a lot of potential.

One quick experience:
We were teaching this family, Ereberta and her two kids Gabby and Nicholas, about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We got to the end of the lesson and I noticed that the boy, Nick, was kind of zoning out. We had talked with him before and found out that he really likes Baseball, so the thought popped into my head of relating Enduring to the End to Running the bases. We get to first when we have faith in Jesus Christ. We get to Second when we repent of past wrongs. We get to third when we are Baptized and Confirmed. Then do we just sit down and stop at third? NOO!! We run as hard as we can all the way back to home plate. That is when we finish. It was cool to see the Spirit speak through me so that I can help each investigator understand and appreciate this Gospel.

We also had really great lessons with Gina and Zack, who are both new. We are hoping to have a Church tour with Amanda tomorrow, and we are really excited about that.

I love this work so much! I was reading in DC 138 this week, which I was amazed at how wonderful the knowledge of the Spirit World is.

The Church is True!

Love,
Elder Fullmer

Monday, August 11, 2014

week 6

So this week was kind of disappointing because we had quite a few appointments fall through, but other than that it went really well.

We had dinner at a member's house this week and they have 8 kids. Haha it was really funny how similar it felt to having the missionaries over at our house. I felt right at home.

We also went on exchanges twice this week, which was a new experience for me, but it turned out really well. I was with Elder Johnson and then Elder Christensen. They are both really awesome missionaries.

We met this lady, Amanda, who seems really interested in learning about the Church. We have been struggling lately to find really solid investigators who have a strong desire to learn. We're hoping that we can start teaching her soon.

I also got to play "Oh How Lovely was the Morning" for the third time now. It went really well, and it felt good to come back "Home" for a few minutes. 

I finally got to go to Ted Drews this week! It was so good. I had Tedad's flavor, which is like Butterscotch oatmeal cookie. It was SOOOOO good. haha 

Yesterday in Church the whole day was really centered on the blessings of the Temple and how they are ultimately there to ensure that our families can be together forever. What a wonderful blessing it is to know that no matter what happens, if we stay true to the covenants we have made, nothing will ever separate our families. It's something I've grown to appreciate so much more on my mission as I see people who don't have that knowledge and assurance. I want them to have that but many aren't willing to accept it. It's sad to see people not realize what blessings God is waiting to give them, but we all have our agency, and we don't have the authority to make anyone do anything against their will.

A really cool scripture I found this morning is in Mosiah 2:4 about how when we keep the Lord's commandments, we are blessed with both happiness and love for God and all men. Those are both things that I have been looking for lately is how to enjoy the mission and how to love others. It was cool to realize that we have the promise of both of those if we simply obey the commandments that God has given us.

I love you all and I love this mission! The Church is true!

Love,
Elder Fullmer

(On a side note, Elder Fullmer sent this picture of a turtle they found on the side of the road. He kindly reminded me of the turtle he and Christian found when we lived in St. Louis.... the turtle I lost (I'M SORRY!!!!) But I think I'm forgiven now, especially because this is probably the same turtle ;) )

Monday, August 4, 2014

week 5

Hello everbody!

Another wonderful week out in the midwest!

So a few experiences to share for this week:

This Sunday was Fast and Testimony meeting, and it was just superb. There was an ongoing theme of how God loves each and every one of us and then also about the power of Temples. It was great. 

After Church we went and tried visiting a less active. We met her, but sadly she said that she wanted her records taken off the list. It's sad to see people not accept the innumerable amount of blessings that are just sitting waiting for them. Then we went and knocked on some nearby doors. We then met this lady, Gina, who we could both tell REALLY needed the Gospel. We shared a bit about the Book of Mormon and the Restoration and gave her our number, but couldn't set another appointment because she was leaving to Tennessee for this week. We really hope that she calls sometime. (I feel like Elder Calhoun from the Best Two Years).

Other than that we have had quite a few appointments fall through this week, which is really disappointing, but we keep trying hard to find people and emphasize how essential this Gospel is to everyone.

We went and gave a blessing to a man in the Hospital near us earlier this week. I got to give the blessing which was such a cool experience. I found it amazing to be able to feel the Spirit speaking through me and also how much God knew that man. He definitely knows each and every one of us, and even though I may not know who is prepared to hear this message, He does, and He has promised to guide us to find them when they are ready. We are hoping to find a really solid investigator soon.

I also started reading Jacob 5 this morning, which is a pretty tough chapter in the Book of Mormon. I was amazed that when I really engaged myself in my study and prayed before reading, I was blessed to be able to understand more and more of the scriptures. The scriptures really do become your best friend out here. They are absolutely amazing, and they truly do testify of our Savior Jesus Christ and what He did so that each of us have the opportunity to return to live with our Father in Heaven one day.

It's hard to believe that I've been out for over a month now!! Time flies!!

I miss all of you, but I'm so happy to be serving in this wonderful work. 

The Church is True!

Love,
Elder Fullmer