April 30, 2012

April 30, 2012

Hey everyone!

 

     Well this was a VERY long week. I felt feeling pretty cruddy on Tuesday, and after zone interviews with President Durrant, I spent the rest of the day in bed with a fever. Wednesday I went to the doctor and confirmed what I had guessed on Tuesday-- I had a UTI. The doctor was very concerned because of the rarity of this condition in young strapping men such as myself and because of the severity of the infection. He gave me strict instructions to be very cautious for the remainder of the week. I received an antibiotic shot and was prescribed a round of oral antibiotics as well. I did next to nothing for the next 2 days, then took it as easy as possible on Saturday. (I've been going nuts not being able to get out and work!) This morning I worked out for the first time in a week and I feel 100% again (besides the sluggish feeling that comes from sitting on your behind for nearly a week eating snacks!). Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers in my behalf!

     Although the work was pretty slow this week, I still had some pretty neat experiences with our investigators. I was able to talk to a few of them on the phone and offer some words of encouragement for their individual circumstances. One such conversation was with Nicole. We were able to meet with her on Friday, but the Spirit was probably even stronger during our phone conversation than in our lesson, and that's saying something. She is still really struggling with how to show her parents respect and honor them when they are opposed to her joining the Church. She is very brave and I'm so blessed to be able to be some small part of people like her learning about the Gospel and catching fire. The people I teach are so much better than I am and they inspire me to be better. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.

     On Sunday during gospel principles class, Nicole bore her testimony in response to a question asked. The whole class was in tears because the Spirit was so powerful. She expressed how badly she needed the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the ordinance of baptism by the proper authority. She also spoke of the challenge she faces of trying to talk to her parents about her decision to move forward. Nicole will be baptize soon, it's just not clear exactly when that will be. We pushed her date back to the 12th, but she isn't so sure she can do it so soon. She is a phenomenal girl and I hope she is able to take this step soon so she can have the companionship of the Holy Ghost in her life.

     On Saturday we had another lesson with Rebecca at the Bishop's home. We taught her lesson 3 from Preach My Gospel - the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Spirit was very strong throughout the lesson and Rebecca shared some very personal fears with us. I invited her to prepare herself to be baptized on the 26th and she said she would do everything she could to be ready for that date. She gave an incredibly sincere prayer to conclude the meeting in the which she expressed her deep desire to know of a surety that this is the Church of Jesus Christ. She has felt the influence of the Holy Ghost many times already and we were able to help her recognize those feelings. Her family situation is also very tough because she's the only Christian in her family. Her dad is an atheist and her mom just doesn't have any strong feelings one way or another. Nicole is a fantastic example to everyone, especially her family. I know they will see the changes in her as she becomes even more Christlike through the principles and ordinances of the restored Gospel.

     I'm starting to become much closer with the members of our wards here. Sunday was a great opportunity to get around to everyone I didn't know and say hello. It's still a bit challenging with 3 wards to learn, but it's been a lot of fun. The people here are so so nice. They would do anything for the missionaries. We should start getting really busy here soon because the members are sharing the gospel all the time and are telling us often about their missionary experiences. Just this Sunday we talked to half a dozen members who want to have us over to introduce us to families they'd like us to teach! Some of them will be first encounters, but others sound really promising. A couple families in particular have been to church several times and know a bunch of members in the area. One of those families has expressed specific interest in learning more about the church. I'll keep you updated as we continue to find teach and baptize here in Allen!

     I love you lots! I'll be looking forward to hearing from and writing to y'all next week! Until next time; be good, stay safe, and keep the faith!

Much Love,

 

Elder Michael P. Lyman

   Texas Dallas Mission