October 3, 2011

10-3-11

Hey y'all!

 

     I hope you all enjoyed conference as much as I did(but I doubt it)! I have such a deep appreciation for the opportunity to hear the Prophet and other general authorities speak to us. I have a twinge of sadness as President Monson closes his testimony because I know I have to wait 6 months for the next conference! I hope I can hold on to my love and excitement to listen to the Prophet's voice long after I have completed my mission.

     We had a few of our investigators watch conference, but none of those who committed to come to the church and watch it with us ever showed up. Our week wasn't the best ever in terms of numbers. Conference came at just the right time. All throughout the week, almost all of our appointments either cancelled or stood us up. We did get to have a lesson with Jeremy and one with Sandra and Phillip. Both lessons went pretty well. We taught Jeremy a follow up lesson about temples. Elder Guerrero and I taught the Gospel Essentials class 2 weeks ago and the lesson was on eternal families. We taught Sandra and Phillip about the Word of Wisdom. Sandra is totally on board and really wants to quit smoking, but Phillip is lacking in interest/motivation. They both committed to live the commandment because they really want to have the blessings associated.

     Today we had a really cool experience that doesn't exactly happen every day. As Elder Guerrero and I were walking through the parking lot at Wal-Mart after finishing our grocery shopping today, and man we had said hello to inside the store walked up to us and handed me a slip of paper. He introduced himself as William and asked if he could talk to us sometime. He had an aunt who was a member, who because of unfortunate family situations, had separated herself from the majority of them. When William finally got in touch with his aunt, she was near death. He had been on the Internet and knew that most of the information he'd seen was sure to be lies. He decided he wanted to go to the source. When he saw our name tags he said he knew he had to make sure he talked to us. We exchanged information and we will be seeing him later this week.

     As difficult as this work can be, I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have to be a full-time servant of the Lord. When I think back on all the amazing experienced I've had so far I have an overwhelming feeling of grattitude(even if time is still going WAY too quickly). I know that God lives and that His son Jesus Christ is our Savior. He directs His church, and absolutely directs the work of the gathering of God's children. I love you all and I know you'll be blessed as you continue to follow the instructions we've been given by our loving Father in Heaven. I can't wait to hear from you all. Until next week; be good, stay safe, and keep the faith!

Love,

Elder Michael P. Lyman

   Texas Dallas Mission