Hi Everyone!
One thing I have been loving about this area is that I'm
starting to figure out how to work more closely and effectively with members
(overall). A lot of the people we are teaching, whether they are not members,
less-active members, recent converts, or active members, are girls. Since they
are young single sisters, we cannot teach them by ourselves. So we have been
forced by necessity to bring members with us on a regular basis. Wow. Amazing.
The missionary spirit that has been spreading is the coolest! We had a lesson
after Institute this week with 4 or 5 members present. It was awesome! We have
had so many members in the last couple weeks attend different lessons at the
perfect time. So often they have had experiences and perspectives that
perfectly relate to the people we are working with. I shared that yesterday
briefly at church too. There is something about having a member with a
testimony share during lessons. Honestly, the majority of the time their
testimony is more powerful that the testimony of the missionary.
Ruth is doing awesome. We met with her 2x this week and it's
hard for someone to be progressing as well as she is. I think I mentioned last
time that she just decided, "I am feeling happy and joyful learning about
this; I should just go for it and get baptized." We are excited. She is
preparing for March 14th. Looking very reasonable for that to happen. We were
able to schedule it earlier in the day than Melissa + Logan's so I will be able
to go to both. It's going to be a great day! The other two we are currently
working with (Jen +TJ) aren't progressing as well, but there is still hope for
sure!
I had the opportunity this week to be on exchanges for a
couple hours with one of my favorite missionaries Elder Farnsworth. He is the
one who shared the talk I referenced last week with me a number of months ago.
Literally everything he does is by the Spirit. He showed me... We were eating
lunch and talking. At a natural pause wondering both feeling that perhaps we
should leave, he asks God, "Should we continue to talk here?" or
"Should we now leave?" He seeks to feel the subtle promptings of the
Spirit and acts accordingly. I scarcely believe it is possible to do that, but
I have personally witnessed the results of his growth. He really does feel the
Spirit. Every time he points out the Spirit, I can feel the Spirit. Every time
he points out that he doesn't feel the Spirit, I don't feel the Spirit. At this
point, I cannot recognize it like him. Every time I try my 'natural man' is
yelling at me in my head, "what the heck are you thinking?!?! This isn't
possible!" So it has been an adventure to make myself stop talking and
just listen to God.
I am learning though. I implemented his counsel in prayers
and powerfully received direction from God. I could tell that it was true. When
I talked to him about it on the phone and to Elder Moala about the questions
and answers and overall experience I had, they agreed. They could feel the
Spirit testify to them that the answer I received was from God.
I am humbled by the Spirit. I am blown completely away by
the Spirit. The Spirit is real. I have a true testimony of the Spirit. I can
never deny the feelings that I have had. They are happening on a much more
regular basis. It's amazing. I invite you to seek to feel the Spirit in your
life and ask God questions more throughout the day. As Elder Eyring said,
"that experience will surprise you everyday, and over time it will change
you." I still need to implement it more, but the peace that comes from
TRULY knowing you are doing the Lord's will at a given time... is
indescribable. Being able to tell someone (as I did 10 days ago on the phone),
"I was specifically inspired by God to call you right now" and have
the Spirit witness to them that it is true... Yup. The Spirit is real. :)
Have an awesome week! I can't believe I'm will be 24 on
Friday... If you were wondering about my plans, more than likely Bekah's family
is having us over for dinner in Frederick. Turns out her mom's birthday is also
March 6th. Pretty crazy.
Sincerely,
Elder Jeff Campbell
CO Fort Collins Mission
500 Hillspire Dr
Windsor, CO 80550
No comments:
Post a Comment