2019-09-10

Hello everybody!

Yesterday was quite an amazing day if I do say so myself. It was an exchange, meaning another elder switched with my companion for the day so we could learn from each other and be exposed to different circumstances. Yesterday I served with Elder Wright and we had an action packed, spirit led day. It started off with 2 hours of tracting which didn't result in much but I do believe that the effort we put forth in those two hours set us up for a day of success. In the afternoon, we did a study on HOPE because we have both felt a lack of it in both of our areas lately and wanted to restore that hope. It was a very revelatory experience. After that study, we met with Amanda, who had ordered a free Book of Mormon online. She was so prepared and humble, her desire is to change and become closer with God and Jesus Christ. It was amazing to talk with her, because this was something that SHE wanted. It was great and we invited her to baptism on the 19th of October. After dinner, we had about three impromptu lessons as we were just stopping by people, two of them really helped the people we met with. It was so cool being led from one thing to another and it reminds me that the Lord has a lot for us to do if we are just willing to go out and work.

Last Wednesday, we received a special training from the zone leaders and sister training leaders. Our mission president, President Bell, has given us some new insights and I wanted to share some of them with you today. A new focus we have as missionaries is "going back to the basics". We should make sure that no matter what sort of hectic schedule we have, we need to make sure that we do scripture study and say our prayers and go to church, etc. These primary answers are such a crucial part to our spiritual sides and when we neglect to do the basics, we neglect all of it.

I would also add that when these tasks stop being seen as a chore, but instead as a joy, it will completely change our perspectives and our relationship with God. The unofficial Missouri, St. Louis Mission motto is "When obedience ceases to be an irritant but becomes our quest, in that very moment God will endow us with power" (President Ezra Taft Benson).

I hope you all have a wonderful week! Last week, some Elders and I went to the St. Louis Science Center and the St. Louis Basilica and that is what the picture is down below. Next week, my Preparation Day will be back to Monday so I'll email then. Please keep Michael and Amanda in your prayers as they prepare for baptismal dates on Sept. 21st and Oct. 19th, respectively.

Love, Elder Wilson