Lesson with Kyle

We met our wonderful friend Kyle and his two kids. He is so prepared! He has definitely been influenced and guided by God throughout his life. He said that he’s looking to get baptized in the future and wants his kids to be baptized as well—but he wants to make sure that they are old enough so they understand the commitment. He added that he believes that age is around eight years old, and we both looked at each other and said yeah that sounds pretty spot on haha. It was great getting to know him, he’s an incredible guy that has been working so hard to look after his two children. Really looking forward to the future with him. He’s already trying to make changes to his work hours so that he can come to church; he then reassured us that he will be at church every week when that happens.

Apostle Visiting the Mission

This MLC was quite remarkable. I believe this MLC is one that I have (and others mentioned) felt the Spirit the most out of any MLC I’ve been a part of; which I think is pretty remarkable considering that I’ve been in MLC since my 4th transfer—not only considering that but also considering that MLC is a seven hour meeting. To feel the Spirit that strongly throughout those seven hours is truly incredible! At the beginning of MLC we received news that Elder Neil L. Anderson, and Elder Takashi Wada will be visiting the mission on February 8th. Everyone in the MLC, including me, were quite surprised. At first I thought President Gill was talking about a future mission tour (which I thought would be far enough out in the future that I wouldn’t be in the mission by then). However, it’s coming up quick! It’s likely that they are coming to announce the location and plans of the Victoria temple; but I guess we will have to see what happens. President emphasized that we must prepare for the second coming to be prepared for the Apostle’s visit. He shared that we must be repenting and sanctifying ourselves each day (D&C 43:9). He boldly shared that “the Apostle’s visit will be a forerunner to the Savior Himself.” Now is the time to prepare.

The parable of the ten virgins (Matt. 25) is the reality right now. The door is shutting; now is the time we choose if we will be prepared with oil in our lamps.

“And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.” (Matt. 25:10)

MLC Takeaways & Notes: The adversary loves the realm of indecision and lack of acting. Questions lead to inspiration and revelation; the entire D&C (and restoration) wouldn’t be revealed if Joseph Smith didn’t have questions. Love, Humility, & Obedience cycle — Inverted Pride Cycle. God speaks to us through the environment: He’s shouting at us in silence. “Every region in the world is seeing an acceleration in the growth of convert baptisms.” —David Weidman We need to increase the righteousness in the world to usher in the second coming.

Elder Jessop asked the MLC why the Zone Conference was longer than the other ones. President Gill’s reaction was priceless… he responded with a condescending and almost offended tone “it’s Christmas.” The reaction from both the Gill’s was priceless. He then shared a story where he was asked to speak on December 25th, he responded with “what topic should I speak on?” To which he received the reply, “it’s Christmas, Brother Gill.” Ladies and gentlemen there’s an important principle to learn here, never underestimate the importance of Christmas.

Timbits & Cancelled Referral

We had a lesson with Alabady today and wished him a happy birthday. We got him some Timbits, hope he enjoys them!

Stopped by a referral house, told her that she signed up on a YouTube ad. She told us she had no recollection of doing that. We then told her what we do as missionaries, asked and taught her about the Book of Mormon a bit, gave her one, only to get home and realize that she cancelled their referral right after we met with her. You know, for someone that had no idea that she signed up to meet through YouTube, she had no problem tracking down where she needed to cancel the request she made in the first place haha. Disappointing that she’s not interested, but now she has a Book of Mormon; hopefully one day she decides to pick it up.

The Only True and Living Church

This was probably the best lesson we’ve had with Lisa as of yet. Recently she hasn’t been to church because of some prior commitments at a neighborhood church she attended for eleven years; which is understandable, but we endeavored to establish the importance of the ordinance of the sacrament. Despite her not being baptized we need to help her focus on this sacred meeting. At the end of the lesson we showed her the Last Supper from the Bible videos. Elder Jessop had the idea to use that video and it was incredible! If you haven’t watched that one, I really recommend it; it’s probably one of the most spiritual videos that I’ve seen from the church. The Spirit was so strong. We were originally planning on inviting her to focus on her relationship with Jesus Christ as she partook of the sacrament. When Elder Jessop extended the invitation we both felt the Spirit to change it. He invited her to come to church every week to prepare for her baptism.

After that Lisa shared an experience with us. She said she made a bunch of juice for a Christmas dinner activity at that church. Unfortunately no one drank her juice, she recognized that wasn’t anything against her, but it still hurt. She struggled to take all the bottles of her juice with her as she made her trek back home. While waiting for the bus, to her surprise she discovered a big unused shopping bag. Almost as if it were placed there in her path. She recognized this tender mercy as her burdens were eased with the use of the bag. As she sat on the bus she noticed a bright light that was following the bus. Just as a sunset flickers by passing objects as you are driving, it was so for this bright light that was upon the bus. As she looked out of the window, the light descended upon The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She knew that the Spirit was directing her back.