September 19, 2011

September 19, 2011

Lakeside Ward/Tucson, Arizona Mission

 

Hey there!!!!!!!-

How is everything going where ever you are? Things in Tucson are wonderful and I am in love with it here. It is a little scary though because my body is becoming accustomed to the heat. I was sitting in our apartment and it was about 70 or 75 degrees inside. I WAS SHIVERING AND I WAS SOOOO COLD. I HAD SWEATPANTS AND A SWEATSHIRT ON!!!!!!! That's not good hahahahahahaha. Oh well I guess I'm just getting used to the weather out here.

So...I've decided to email a scripture every week about how it describes my week. I will be doing this for the rest of my mission. The first scripture I want to share is in the book of Alma which is in the Book of Mormon. If you do not have a copy of the Book of Mormon... You can get your own copy by requesting one online at mormon.org and you will have one delivered to you. The Book of Mormon is a volume of Holy Scripture comparable to the Bible, but it takes place in the Americas during the same time period. Read Alma 26:26-27. This scripture has meant a lot to me. WE as missionaries need to go out every single day with "an eye single to the glory of God" and go talk to every single person so that every one has an opportunity to hear about the gospel. Do you know what gospel means in Hebrew? It means Good News. So WE bring the Good News (gospel) of Jesus Christ. If you really think about it, this gospel is amazing news. We know that we have a loving Heavenly Father and we know that we have a Savior who knows us and what we are going through every single day. I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have. That is why I am here on my mission away from my family. To spread this knowledge and Good News about Jesus Christ and His Gospel. This has brought me such happiness; sure I miss my family, but there is no other place or thing that I would rather be doing than spreading this Gospel to all the world.

So onto our investigators...they are all doing really well. We set a baptism date with Anthony the 12 yr old, for Oct 7. Hopefully that date holds up and we are able to baptize him. We pretty much told his mom (who is less active and smokes) that we will not baptize her son unless she shows her willingness to start coming to church and showing a commitment to live the gospel standards. We believe that she got the point. The reason for that is we do not want to baptize him to an inactive member right away. He needs a good support system, actually a huge one. But like it says in the scriptures "through God ALL things are possible." That is so true.

Another family we are teaching, well kinda teaching, we are just trying to get in the home and have a sit down lesson. We had a set appointment with themlast Sunday but they were not there so that was a bummer but its ok we will see them again. Kevin and Vivi are doing really good. Kevin knows so much about the Bible. It is amazing how much knowledge he has already. But the problem with him is that he is just going with an intellectual standpoint and wants to learn that way. Not spiritually so if anyone has any suggestions please let me know how I can help this man grow in the knowledge of the Lord. 

Oh okay, so I found out something interesting. There is a Sister King in the area, AKA Hermana KIng, she is a spanish speaking missionary and her brother married a McAdams girl. Her sister in-law's parents are guess who... the KILBYS!!!!! They live in the Elkhorn Ward. It's such a small world here let me tell you.

No cool stories to share... just doing the work one day at a time. I am keeping both hands on the handle bars I PROMISE. hahahahah. I've learned my lesson for sure. It is so nice to be back on my bike. It sure makes you more tired but I feel like a better missionary when I'm on my bike. I think its funny when people have to shout things at us. We usually just smile, wave, and say God Bless You.

I love this work, I love this gospel, and I love my Savior. Thank you for all the support you have given me over the past 4 months. I can't even believe its been that long. 4 down 20 to go. I love you all and miss you dearly. You are all in my prayers and I think of you daily. God Bless you in all that you do and be safe.

Love,

Elder Ryan D. Mortimer