Another good solid week of missionary work. The most exciting being that we could be having a baptism this Saturday. I have mentioned Tekani to yous before. He is a great boy and we have been teaching him for a while. His father George has been a great help with the work. I love teaching them because they are diligent with their commitments. We always have think of commitments that are meaningful and achievable. Sometimes as missionaries we get to general with commitments. "Oh just read the pamphlet" or "read the introduction to the Book of Mormon". These are good but they are not the best depending on the needs of the investigators and how the commitment is extended. I always love to find specific scriptures that I feel will be meaningful to them and then write down questions on a sticky note that they can think about and find the answers to as they read it. It is great to see investigators keep commitments and give great positive reports. It doesn't happen unless you have an investigator. It is rewarding to watch people grow in faith as they keep commitments that you extend.
We are slightly hesitant about the baptism coming up this weekend. Only reason being is because they don't want to feel rushed or un prepared. Best thing we can do is teach them a bear testimony that they are prepared, so they can feel the Spirit. :) I don't want them to feel pressured into doing it because I am going home... I would be just as happy if was baptized after my mission than if I was there. My ultimate goal as a Missionary is that people are for the right reasons, and understand fully what kind of a commitment they are making. It is going to be great none the less!
I don't think I will really be able to buy any souvenirs, however I don't really have a strong desire to be honest. Don't know why, I think it may simply because many of the "cool things" You can get you can also get online for cheaper at home. I will see what I can do though. I would love to share more of NZ with you guys. May not have to much stuff to take home, other than what is most important, myself, my testimony, scriptures, journals, and clothes :)
I am excited to come home. I am sure it will be a wonderful experience. I don't really look at it as ending. Maybe my purpose a bit. However though I look forwards to applying what I have learned on my mission. Set some great goals and work hard towards them! I love my mission, it has been a wonderful experience, and there is still more to come! I have one more week left to devote ALL every second of everyday of my time and attention to the Lord. I am looking forwards to doing my best!
I know that this that our Father in Heaven Loves us. So much it is difficult to describe. I am grateful for the chance that I have had share my testimony with everyone that I meet. Especially of Jesus Christ, and what he has done for us out of love. Everything our Father in Heaven has done for us, has simply been out of love. 2 Nephi 26:23-24
Love you all!
Love,
Elder Ward
New Zealand is so Green!
This week was pretty interesting. We had a missionary come down with
Chicken Pox... He ended up staying in our flat while we stayed in other
Elders flat we could avoid having him around to many missionaries. There
was one Elder out of the 2 companionship that was not vaccinated, so he was
most likely to get it. I have been vaccinated, so I haven't been to
concerned about getting it. But there where thoughts going through my head
like what if I got it and I could not fly home?...extension? Haha. Everyone
is healthy though now. The Elder that was sick was so happy to get out of
the flat. He was in there for nearly a whole week!
Anyways, this week we have been working hard as usual. We have been
diligent with working with some of the same people despite them not
progressing as much as we envision for them. We are always seeking to
help them in anyway. I think the best thing for them is to simply just
feel the Spirit.
It is the spirit that softens peoples hearts changes desires. We do through
sharing meaningful thoughts, and inviting them to act.
We had an awesome lesson with Tekani one of our most solid progressing
investigators. His Father George is LA, however he has been coming back
really strong! His love and support for his son has made it an amzing
experience for us to teach them both together. We often have lessons at the
chapel, but even better is the family that is fellowshipping them. We have
had a FHE with them and the Spirit is so strong when the members are the
ones leading the FHE and helping the investigators know what it is like to
live the gospel in their lives. This week though we taught the 3rd
lesson in PMG. It was the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was awesome! We
invited to Takani to be baptized, however though they did not commit
to a Solid date to them wanting to be more ready. We assured them that
they would be and that as they pray, and continue to learn they will
know it is right for them and the desire will be there. We are excited
and prayerful for it. We hope that on the 5th or the 12th things will
be in order for the Baptism.
I think that I will have to leave it at that for this week.
No pictures this week sorry. We are at a different e-mail shop and I
don't trust the computers.
Looks like you guys had a great time in Rome! Boy that must have been
interesting. The Temple is looking good too. I remember 2 years ago I
took a selfy in fornt of it and it was no where near where it is now!
Very cool.
Love You all,
Elder Ward
