What we have Become!

This week was the time for companion switch.  So a trip into London and getting my new companion and then back home to our area.  Spent the week visiting with some less actives and working with our investigators and checking back with some previous contacts.  One of our investigators came to church again and loves it.  Also had a Zone Meeting this week for most of one day.

Meeting people from all over the world gives me a chance to learn a little more about some other countries, their lifestyles and history.  So grateful that I am in England on my mission. 

Some of my recent converts made it to the temple this week.   They loved it!

We had dinner with several members this week.  And took a couple of them out teaching with us.  This ward is super keen on missionary work. They are just great!

One of the lessons taught by another this week was about the Book of Mormon and how it was written.   Based on a talk by Hugh Nibley.  It was compared to being given a writing assignment.  Being told to write 500 pages that is based 2000 years ago and has a story line complete with several different correctly identified geographical locations.  Also include a culture from that time frame.   Then write the book knowing it will be judged by millions of people looking for things that are wrong with your book trying to disprove it.  And you only have 60 days to finish the project.  Following the discussion, the family was challenged to read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover and test it for themselves!  It was really good.  Got them to thinking about it.   

Another lesson was about why the need to be baptized into our church. In trying to explain, the question was asked- why did Jesus travel 80 miles to John the Baptist to be baptized.  In those 80 miles there had to be others who could baptize him, why did He go to John the Baptist.  Then switched to the Book of Mormon and discussed how Jesus Christ calls Nephi and says I give unto you power that you can baptize.  Talked about the importance of being baptized by the proper authority.  That’s why Jesus went to John the Baptist, to be baptized by proper authority.

We had a really good fireside on the plan of salvation and the importance of the atonement.  And how it can help in our lives.  We were able to have one of those we are working with come to it as well.  Really good for them to hear those things. 

Funny thing for the week:  I  was street contacting and talking with a guy. He kept talking about all these questions he had.  I was like what you are saying is you just have too many questions to not believe in God.  He was like no. What I am saying is there are just not enough answers!  He made me laugh.

Thought for the week:

“From such teachings we conclude that the Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become. It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.”  Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Thanks for all you do!  Love, Elder Stevenson