The past couple weeks in the mission I have been wondering why we haven't been getting as many new investigators as I thought we would be having by now. We make at least 140 contacts a week and are being as faithful to the Apostle's promise that our teaching pool will be full if we do so. Maybe I am just expecting results too quickly but it has definitely forced some harder looks at my skills, testimony, desire, etc etc... Maybe the Lord is just preparing me for something bigger. Who knows... but that Apostolic promise will be fulfilled if we have anything to do with it.
We had a zone conference this past week which is something I look forward to a lot. President Smith spoke by the Spirit for about 20 minutes and mentioned something about book reading in the mission... hmmm, inspired? You now have a package coming your way with all my 'non-approved' books in it. In our interview that same day I had mentioned Callister's "Infinite Atonement" to which President mentioned that they knew each other... I thought that was funny. Yet that glorious book which I got halfway through reading during lunch breaks can wait. I've got more important things to study. The thought did come to mind however that virtually every ounce of my testimony has come directly from scriptures or of course the Spirit. Who needs anything besides the Book of Mormon?
On Saturday we came up with this fantastic idea to drive a million miles to Center and Shelbyville. Just to give you some ideas of what I have heard about these 2 places... "the missionaries wiped the dust off their feet of that place already" "They've run missionaries outta there before." But no crazy excitement like that to report. Just good ol' fashioned teaching and contacting to the world. I am sure I didn't feel even partially to what Ammon did when he heard about the Lamanites. Way nice area though. I would consider living out there... if I had a helicopter and private airport. We'll see.
Sister Smith gave a sweet training on not worrying. The mission as she put it, is so good that we tend to worry as missionaries that we aren't as good as some missionaries. She taught us some relaxation techniques and told us to stop worrying. Imagine that!
We've had a lot of fun teaching a couple who in every lesson just randomly start talking at the same time for minutes at a time. I have had to add a lame joke every now and again just so I can laugh about it. They're awesome! When teaching about baptism and extending the commitment they are a little hesitant but want to know and learn more. The husband was way interested in the whole 'no paid ministry' idea. Their last church had asked all their members to donate $100 on the spot or else...
We had a lesson with an investigator that is quickly on her way to becoming an eternagator. Her desperate desire in our last lesson was to build her relationship with Heavenly Father. After explaining that keeping commitments and commandments was the way to do it she more then agreed. However whenever investigators don't keep commitments they do the exact opposite of growing! Yikes. It was pretty amazing that as we said our prayer leaving the apartment we asked for help in figuring out what her real concerns were, and boy, we got them and it helped out a lot.
As far as the Green Eggs and Ham baptism goes we are still on for the April date but are in great need of her to read and pray about the Book of Mormon on her own! Sure missionaries can bring the Spirit but it is all in vain if people wont exercise their agency to figure it out instead of, "just tryin' to figure it all out." In between the first and 2nd lessons she read 14 chapters and was on fire. Between the 2nd and 4th lessons the fire died as soon as she didn't read as much. Yikes. Crunch time. I like how Elder Holland says it in Preach My Gospel, the first thing you should do when an investigator tells you they haven't read is to be devastated!!! So true. Seems like Elder Metcalf needs to testify of the awesomeness of the Lord more in the most correct book of earth. I still have a high hope though. I am absolutely determined to bring honor to my mother's Green Eggs and Ham creation, but of course much more determined and desperate to help open some doors to the Celestial Kingdom known as... BAPTISM!!!
I am getting extremely trunky for a baptism. It's been a bit 'dry' lately.
Speaking of dry. I take 3 steps through grass in this state and my shoes turn instantly green. That is how intense the pollen is. But I do have good news... I just saved a bunch of money by switching my car insurance to Geico [that was for Matt]... No seriously, I have no allergy's! My nose is completely clear and non-suffering. Awesome. All because of something I like to call the Infinite Atonement and a doctor with magnets... interesting how that works.
Well once again I am getting desperate for some big miracles. Gonna have to do something outside the box this week. Any challenges or ideas y'all might have please let me know. I'll probably have to climb a wall and cry repentance to the University of Temptation.
Wish us some luck in your prayers.
Love Uncle Elder Metcalf
p.s. I was surprised at how small Nicole was in Matt's video (which videos were awesome!)
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