Last Sunday we drove the young Elders over to Franklin, a town/Branch about an hour east of Murphy. They had been invited to give a fireside talk to the youth of the Branch about preparing for missions, what to expect in the MTC, and about some of their experiences in the mission field. The Elders did a bang-up job, and the youth seemed to really enjoy it. We reaped the benefits by being their transportation. ;)
Enroute back to Murphy they wanted to stop in another town to see an investigator. As they stood at her door knocking (no one was answering), a man walked up to them and introduced himself. Turns out he is the fiancee of their investigator. Even though she wasn't home, they were able to teach him! He is the third person in that town that has asked about the Church by simply walking up to them. Some might say it's a coincidence, but we don't believe in such things. We know how the Lord works. :)
We are continuing to meet with a young mother and her son, Amy and A.J., on a weekly basis to teach them the gospel. We often host them for a meal, lesson, and games. Their condition has been less than stellar, so we hold great hopes for them. Amy's husband passed away in June. We posted pictures of them playing turtle races a couple of posts previously. She has decided on her own to go cold turkey giving up smoking. Go Amy!!
The wonderful Adamovich family fed us dinner on Monday. Bro. Pete Adamovich was raised Russian Orthodox, but joined the Church as a young man. We feasted on a traditional Russian/Ukrainian dish called perogi, a potato-filled dumpling in butter/onion sauce. DELICIOUS! What a treat!
The Relief Society asked us to talk about traditions to them for their activity night this month. We had a good time reminiscing as we prepared, and our children shared many things, as well. We interspersed our talk with a few songs from our traditions, accompanied by Lynn on his ukelele. It was great fun! A few days later, we presented the same talk to the Blind Association. We had been asked to do so by Pastor Tim Huff, a Methodist minister. Again, it was really fun and rewarding. We so enjoy all our interactions with all these good people.
The Lord blesses us for every effort we put forth in His service. We set out to find several people on the records that no one knew about. We were rewarded by having FIVE terrific visits with people who had previously been hiding, not wanting to be found, or else just didn't care. We now have invitations to return to visit ALL of them! Some don't want to talk religion, just have a visit, but that's a beginning. Our hearts yearn to see others embrace the Lord's word and make a difference in their lives.
The capper to our week was the opportunity to take one of our Branch to the Atlanta Temple for a Stake youth baptism event. Elder Ogden assisted in the baptistry, and I was able to attend an endowment session. We appreciate our President allowing us this privilege.
We pray for all those we love everywhere, for you are all precious to us. Keep strong!
Remember: "Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith." Pres. Uchtdorf
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