Hey everybody!
I hope y'all had a great week! This one seemed kinda long, but packed on our end. We had a couple days of pretty heavy storms that really put a damper on our ability to travel or do much work effectively. We did what we could, but by the end of the rainy days, we were ready to get out and hit the streets hard. As soon as things cleared up, we definitely did so. I had a lot of neat experiences the later end of this week as we spend a lot of time finding (mostly through knocking doors). On a few occasions, I had impressions that led us down specific streets that were in our path. We got a lot of great contacts, but no new or potential investigators. Who knows why we needed to be on those streets, but it always feels good to recognize and follow promptings from the Spirit. If nothing else, it helped me learn to do so more sensitively and effectively.
We taught a new investigator for the first time this week. His name is Ever. Ever was a member referral, who used to be said member's boss. Ever is from Mexico, but has been living in the US for about 18 years now. We had a really powerful lesson with Ever, Brother and Sister Poulton (Sister Poulton is the daughter of Ben's mission president), and another Brother who joined the church in his 30's. All of Ever's questions were answered and everyone in the room had the opportunity to bear testimony at least once during the lesson. The Spirit was very strong and Ever seemed very interested in reading the Book of Mormon and learning more. He wasn't able to make it to church on Sunday, but we are hoping our appointment for Tuesday night will come through ok.
Nicole just had surgery on her foot/ankle so we're keeping in close contact with her as she stays at her mom's house to convalesce. She's planning a dinner in which both parents will be invited. There she will tell both of them that she wants to be baptized. We've made it a matter of frequent prayer that that plan can come through and go smoothly for her. She really is an incredible girl.
Nicole just had surgery on her foot/ankle so we're keeping in close contact with her as she stays at her mom's house to convalesce. She's planning a dinner in which both parents will be invited. There she will tell both of them that she wants to be baptized. We've made it a matter of frequent prayer that that plan can come through and go smoothly for her. She really is an incredible girl.
In our efforts this week, we dedicated some time to contacting less-active and part-member families on our ward lists and as assigned by our bishops. In attempting to contact a newly received record for the last time (we had tried a half dozen times prior), someone finally came to the door! The man that came to the door of the small apartment greeted us, and when we asked about the person whom we were in search of he told us that she didn't live there. It sounded as though he didn't know the lady we were looking for, so I assumed this was another case of apartment turnover. I proceeded to introduce ourselves and seek a return appointment with the man to share more, when he indicated that he used to be a member. The lady we were looking for was his ex-fiancee. He said he had absolutely no idea why her records would have been moved here now, but that although their relationship and breakup was a very bad deal, he was glad that it brought us to his door. He expressed a desire to come back to church and re-learn the Gospel. He will be one of a handful of excommunicated members that I've taught on my mission.
We've had a lot of really great interaction with our ward missions in the past week or so. The member trust is really building and our respective ward mission leaders and ward missionaries are really getting fired up. Each of our 3 wards is beginning to implement some pretty solid plans to get the momentum rolling with every family in the wards. From what I see now, I think there will be some pretty stellar results this summer and beyond.
I'm so tired of people asking me about going home! I'm trying so hard to keep my blinders on and just keep charging forward. I'm working as hard as I ever have and I'm loving every second of it (even as the temperature rises...). I guess the winding down scene is the toughest part, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. I'm too busy being a full-time missionary at the moment!
I love you all very much and I know the work in which I am engaged is divinely guided. I've never felt so fulfilled as when I'm in the service of my fellowmen and my God. The safety, happiness, and success of each of you is a common thread in my prayers. Until next time y'all; be good, stay safe, and keep the faith!
With love from Texas!
Elder Michael P. Lyman
Texas Dallas Mission
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