Wait, didn't I JUST email you guys? Man, time really does fly out here in the field! And there were quite a few things that happened this week--good and bad. But that's the life of a missionary!
We had stake conference yesterday. About a quarter of the chapel was filled. Much different than Utah. But it was still very good! They always put a huge emphasis on member missionary work, which is awesome because this ward could REALLY work on that. Hopefully we'll see more volunteers for member present lessons.
We went on exchanges this week. And they were tons of fun! I went down to Coulee Dam with Elder Wilkey. He's an English speaking Elder and we got along very well. And it was pretty funny when we discovered we have the same first name! Haha his name is Ian... it was kinda weird.
When we got back from the exchanges Elder Pullman had some bad news for me. They went and saw Dorthy and Steve when I was gone and they told them that they no longer want to be baptized. They did some further investigation on the churches stance on homosexuality. Their daughter who came to church (and loved it) is gay. And they decided that they couldn't join a church that would not be able to accept their daughter as well. We tried to explain everything: That she can be gay but she just can't practice, that this is her trial that she has to go through, the you wouldn't be abandoning her by being baptized, etc. We tried everything. Elder Pullman was telling me that it seemed like they didn't want to make the decision, is was a very difficult thing for everyone involved. So just keep them in your prayers! We think that they just need some time. Conversion requires a lifetime!
Other than that, we've been having a pretty good week. Our other investigator, Martin, has been making a lot of progress. And, when we went up to Oroville this week. We got a referral from a member. So we contacted them and it was a very cool experience. This married couple, Tom and Rosemary, are going through a pretty difficult time in their marriage. Tom's best friend is a member and introduced the gospel to him. We met with Tom and Rosemary (separately) and had a discussion. So hopefully that will turn into something!
It was pretty tough to see Dorthy and Steve get so close to the waters of baptism then have them turn away. But that's just apart of the work! People have their agency and it's especially when people are so close to salvation that the adversary will do everything he can. But it has definitely made me appreciate this gospel. And how much it has blessed my life, and even when we are tempted, we can always come back and yield to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
I love you guys!
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