Christmas Miracles!

After dedicating an hour every night to our wonderful "FFT" (Finding Family Time), we had a miracle. We had leadership training meetings 2 full days this week and were asked to provide our own lunch the night before the 2nd day. So after much ,we went to Wal-mart to pick up something fat and sugar free (I am still in the lead of the Biggest Loser). We were looking pretty gloomy at the soup cans in one of the aisles when a lady approached us asking if she could buy us some gloves. Initially, of course, we thought she was a member but as the conversation went from one question to about 30 minutes in Aisle 6 at Wal-mart, we soon discovered tears that humbled us and brought spiritual relief. We got her info and were very scared to look it up on the GPS for fear that this golden daughter of God may turn into a referral but it just so happened that she lived exactly on the border. We finally had an opportunity to set up a return appointment later in the week for Sunday evening. While in Church however, we received a text telling us that she had 'stuff' come up and would be unable to meet. My finger was on the phone ready to type the rescheduling reply but my companion stopped me and said we'll go over anyway. So after dinner we had coordinated for a couple to meet us there for the lesson. After minor talk on the doorstep and apologizing for getting her message and still coming over she let us in. After sometime and tears directed towards the member wife that was with us, we helped her do some cleaning around the home and then shared a short message. It was a humbling experience. All cards were in our favor. She has been told all the Anti, experienced both good and bad members and knows what we're about but wants to be baptized with her 4 kids in January. The better part of this report is that many members are already taking action. A phone call at 7:30am this morning from a Sister in the ward explained that she would be taking her kids over to meet their kids so they would feel comfortable going to youth night on Wednesday. Glorious

Leadership training was awesome this month. We had an amazing first day especially when one of the trainings done by a new district leader, was caught off guard. He was told to give his training on "Revelation through prayer" when someone had already given it and it was really supposed to be on "Revelation through the Book of Mormon." Things got exciting when the young district leader stood up, explained the dilemma and then went on to say "Well the Spirit is strong enough so I am just going to do revelation through the Book of Mormon training." It was one of the best trainings I've been in. It was unique to hear powerful testimonies (especially since President Smith was present - an extremely passionate man when it comes to the Book of Mormon.) We had an awesome role play that same day and I felt grateful to be a part of it probably because I needed it the most. The situation was that we had a person who didn't want to pray because of intense family opposition to the Church. I have no idea where I heard or read this from but it really built my testimony as I testified in this role play "Think and feel how much Heavenly Father loves His Son Jesus Christ. Their relationship was outstanding. All that love is incomprehensible to our finite minds, the love is so pure and infinite. Now understand this, Heavenly Father loves you as much as our Savior Jesus Christ."

Well already I am running low on time so I will do my best to sum up the rest of the week. We had a fun exchange with the assistants this week and we did splits so I was with one assistant and Elder Hall with the other. We went to an appointment and had with us a member who has a brother in the 70. Needless to say, this troublesome investigator was in for a surprise. Halfway through the conversation he explained that going off feelings is such a dumb idea. The member looked at him and said "Do you love your wife?" Later in the conversation I asked "If you knew the Holy Ghost was speaking to you, would you believe it?" Then the Assistant went on to explain the Holy Ghost.

We set another date with someone on the first lesson who sadly lives out of our boundaries but it was such a fun lesson. Elder Hall and I went in there with so much passion towards the Book of Mormon that it could almost be said it was like Nephi who's words could not be disbelieved.

I love y'all
Elder Metcalf