Thursday, January 8, 2008

I wanted to take the time and write down experiences that we had yesterday that have led us to feel very grateful and blessed in this area.

We are working with two wards here, the first ward and the second ward. The Sherman First ward is on fire with missionary work. We have a return missionary as the ward mission leader and people are finding people and we are teaching them. We have about 10 in our pool right now. Because the members are doing their jobs, it makes it very easy for us. Also the young missionaries are giving us referrals as they find English people as they tract them out. Many youth as well as adults are taking the reins there.

Now the Sherman second ward is another story. They are a smaller ward and missionary work has not been a great part of it. But they have a newly called mission leader who is just now still getting ready to go to the temple for the first time. But he is on fire and is such a sincere and complete man in many ways.

Last night we met with Bro Stratling, (ward mission leader 2nd ward,) and the ward council. Bro Stratling is having a food and missionary meeting with the whole ward council and their spouses at his home next Thursday. He wants to get together and identify people that we can hone in on. Part member families, etc. that we need to unite. He has a large home. He has a very strong witness of the Book of Mormon and has been praying very deligently about this thing.

At our last meeting we talked with him about the goal that the ward had set for Baptisms, (10), for the year. We said, "You guys can do as many as you want. why, only 10?" That is for the whole year.

So last night the Bishop mentioned the number 35 for the year. He really talked to the people about missionary work and their responsibility and opportunity. It is true. We are only limited by the vision that we have.

The other thing is that Elder Whiting are speaking in church on Sunday. I am speaking about the converting power of the Book of Mormon. Leon is talking about individual missionary work. I am nervous, but the Lord will help me, I know.

When we came home from our meetings last night, we were so "pumped" about the situation and the opportunity. Bro Stratling has a vision and he will not let this fail!!!! We have been into three of the homes of the leaders and have individual mission plans. This is going to be fun.