Dear Family,
Wow!
General Conference is such a blessing and the Apostles are definitely
inspired. I recall as I listened to Elder Hollands talk, it was not what
I expected. Usually he speaks on a scripture or something like that.
But this last conference he spoke on mental issues/depression. I
definitely loved the talk but I admit that I was not too excited about
it! However this last week we met with a man that our members found. He
has severe PTSD and has had thoughts of suicide being the only way out.
We told him of the conference and helped him look it up on his computer.
I am so glad that the Apostles speak for our problems today and I am
grateful that we can use the insights that they share with us to bless
others, even if we may not see an immediate need.
I also had the opportunity and blessing to go back to one of my
previous wards, San Miguel, to see the baptism of Melinda Bulmer. Her
baptism was on the 12th and it was 10 months ago on the day that we
knocked on John and Melinda's door. I am so happy for her and for her
husband. I know that this gospel will bring them closer as they continue
to follow the commandments and continue in faith.
It was so great to see all of the people in the San Miguel Ward! A
sister that I saw there said, "when I saw you its like I'm home... and
I'm already home". It is great to have such an amazing ward for the
Bulmer's to be apart of!
This last Saturday was our Stake Day of Service. From 9 to 3 the
missionaries were in charge of preparing and cooking all of the good for
everyone. I was blessed with a nice sun burn but it is slowly turning
into a tan. I was wearing an apron all day so I have a white streak on
my neck. It's pretty hilarious!
This past week we also met with all of the Ward Mission Leaders in
the Stake. We were asked to prepare a training on 'what is expected from
ward mission leaders and how we can correlate our efforts to work in
harmony.' I will list some of the aspects that we touched on just incase
you can get some ideas from them:
-Weekly Coordination meetings with a progress record. -Ward
missionaries informed on their role and motivated. -members of the ward
mission working each night with the exception of Monday and Sunday
nights - if needed call more ward missionaries. -during weekly
coordination meetings, give missionaries new names to visit. - help find
members that can go to teaching appointments. - creating a ward the
Lord can trust by: making the investigators feel welcome (each ward
missionary should introduce the investigator to a member of the ward)
and creating a good learning environment in the gospel principles class
(including supervision of the teacher and ensuring that 'principles' are
being taught).
Well I hope some of that helps. It seems that it would be the
perfect ward if that could happen but I know that some ideas can trigger
revelation!
Love you all!!!
Love,
Elder John
"We are not always the already tempered and helpful hammer which is
shaping and pounding another. Sometimes we are simply the anvil." -
Neal A. Maxwell
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