contacts contacts contacts...

Well allow me a fair moment to brag about the Allen zone. The past 6 weeks we have had the best missionaries in the mission. To give you the biggest reason why, we have a 'point system' in the mission where each missionary gets one point for contacting over 10 people, so a companionship can get a perfect 14 points by the end of the week. An entire zone getting their contacts is quite difficult. For example, about 8 months ago there were only about 6-10 companionship's in the entire mission getting all their 'points'. Then a few months ago an entire zone got their points. Well something unheard of was an entire zone getting their points 2 weeks in a row. The Allen zone has managed to get every single point for the past 4 weeks straight. I did some counting and because of these amazing and faithful missionaries, 12 of us in the last 6 weeks contacted nearly 5,000 people... I rest my case.

So anyways the exciting event this past week was Thursday night. We met with Dina who is the 24 year old daughter of the family whom President Wright referred to us. Her dad was out of town but she is so involved with branch activities (FHE, institute, YSA conferences, etc...) that we set up a 30 minute discussion before one the activities. As we got started it was pretty obvious how wonderful this quick discussion would be. As she walked into the building she shook our hands and told us "I have done my research and have decided that this is the religion I want to join." I swallowed the golf ball in my throat and we got started. We went through some few points of the restoration and plan of salvation then I opened my scriptures to 2nd Nephi 31... I read a couple verses then she read 9-10. "Dina, will you follow the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized by someone holding the proper priesthood authority?" The response? "I'm glad you asked! I've never been baptized before." So needless to say we are pretty excited. Sunday she came to church and excitedly told everyone about her baptismal date.

On Tuesday we had another one of our 'Stake President Reports' or in other words, a monthly power meeting. We spent 4 hours preparing it then presented it that night. It went super well, the best one ever. I suppose one of the reasons is the fact that we are in constant contact with the stake president. I firmly believe he will be a GA someday. In my own opinion he is the best stake president within the mission. PMG says that relationships with ward and stake leaders will help me out for the rest of my life. I think I am beginning to understand why. We're in a church whose goal is to produce perfect leaders so it is excellent to learn from those who are superb.

A huge highlight this week was lunch with the Bordasch's. I cant just say Felipe and Vanessa anymore because they having a little bundle of joy named Bianca who is only 6 weeks old and perfect. Mom, they really enjoyed your emails and gave many compliments. And Dad, Felipe looks forward to flying with you someday when he comes to visit. They took us to a Brazilian steak house and I nearly died... It was one of those places where they bring meats our to you and put them on your plate at your request. Of course, even better was the long conversation we had. They have expressed how much opposition there is towards the truth and never quite understood why. Their testimonies are still solidified. At one point Felipe was holding his baby girl and looking at her said, "I only provided the material and her spirit came from God. Amazing..."

Last night was pretty wild. Elder Davis and I split up but my appointment fell through. While leaving the home we heard a very interesting sound... Tornado sirens. With the ensuing storm coming fast upon us and a power outage I grabbed my companion, picked up a set of bike missionaries, turned in numbers and called it a night. It was awesome and I am sure Steven would be jealous.

Well take luck and I sure do love y'all

Elder Metcalf

yo estoy muy constato y necesito dormir. just kidding

Anyway we had another eventful week in the field which is called the city of Allen. Something that is pretty obvious about being a missionary is being put in situations that once were severly uncomfortable are now quite enjoyable.

Monday night we went to FHE with the singles branch. They usually have several non-members there. Walking in the door with 50 other people my age is a different ball game as a missionary. As the meeting was about to begin, they asked me to give the lesson since the person assigned cancelled. So I pondered for a minute then gave a nice message from 2nd Kings 4 that nearly made my companion cry. Such is the life as a missionary. We also ate at the Nelsons who every time we go over, make chicken roll-ups which equals Elder Metcalf's favorite food.

Tuesday after district meeting I exchanged up in greenville with Elder Grondel. Again, we are the 2 oldest missionaries in the zone wondering what on earth happened to our time. A freshly returned missionary was itching way bad to come out tracting with us so we went, worked, and watched the miracles happen. In the evening the branch president in the area came out with us and we visited a less active our age and were pretty upset after leaving because he bought us some dairy queen blizzards after he offered a prayer that he would come to church on Sunday. Elder Grondel and I are at the point where it is time to start losing weight which is the reason for "upsetness."

Wednesday we ate lunch with our investigator who is struggling with same gender attraction. Our purpose wasn't necessarily to go teach but to build a better relationship and strengthen him anyway we could. He made some awesome Honduran food which I was a bit nervous about the reaction my body would have (last time had some interesting side effects) but I seemed to be well adjusted by now. Later that evening he texted his fellowshipper friend and explained that he is really close to baptism! We will see how much more we can help him achieve the 'I'm ready for baptism' stage. That night, we also taught a young man named Josh who we tracted into. We taught the restoration which I am positive he didn't understand as well as a missionary would hope but the spirit was there.

Thursday we had some planning (ughh, I would rather tract but planning is a really good thing from what the GA's tell me) but we wrapped up early and went out teaching. We had an interesting experience. A lady who we tracted into in January would reschedule every time we went over there. A month ago she rescheduled for this week. The miracle of it all is that she let us right in to teach. We were surprised but excited so we taught the restoration. A funny reaction (which I am told is frequent in south america) is she said "well sure, I believe the Book of Mormon is true...for you." So after some resolving we helped her understand what the implications of the Book being true really are. She agreed to experiment on the word and see if there is more for her out there. That day we also began our big monthly report for the stake president (more planning...) which is for tomorrow. That night we had some more tracting with an interesting experience. We met a lady who at one point, was actually a neighbor to Gordon B. Hinckley while he was President of the church. She dropped the line "if Gordon couldn't do it, no one can" and after some talking we agreed and went on our way. It is just strange to me how much any member of the church would have loved to have been in her circumstances yet she only viewed him as a wonderful man (reference "Election" in the bible dictionary). We also met with a less active family that evening which went very well. The setting was right, as Elder Holland would say, to ask 'what are their fears?' And it was a powerful way to understand a lot of people's motivations. She fears, as a single mom, not providing a good life for her family so she works on Sunday... So we knew a great lesson to share with her to help build Faith.

Friday was a very intense day. We met with the 'stake president referral' family again and taught the plan of salvation. Elder Folau and I practiced with one of the main fellowshippers for about an hour during lunch to get the rhythm nailed down. We met with them later that evening. President Wright wasn't able to make it until about halfway through the lesson. It was when he walked in that the spirit really came to all of us. At the end of the lesson I taught the example of the baptism of Jesus Christ and Elder Folau extended the baptismal commitment...don don don...which they declined. Elder Folau then bore his testimony of the truths he has learned (he is a convert) which brought tears to some eyes and we wrapped up the lesson. While leaving we felt pretty down but opted to grab a frosty and continue to work. Excellent idea Elders... The 2nd person we dropped by was incredible. About 3 months ago I was out tracting singles with a member, it was about 8:59pm but I chose to knock one more door (here comes the awesomeness). The man at the door was a bit surprised but accepted a return appointment which he didn't keep. After some time the Elders for that area finally did get a hold of them and let them teach. They shared the Restoration and gave them a couple copies of the Book of Mormon which they are now reading. "There is such a special feeling that comes from reading this book!" Turns out the day we knocked on the man's door was one of the most depressing days of his life... What do I as a missionary remember sharing? "Hey, we felt we should knock your door before we left this complex. We share a message about God. That He lives and He loves us." Anything else and I cant remember. Apparently he told his wife afterwords that we were angels. I didn't do anything special! I am just a average missionary but am granted a few extraordinary experiences. All gifts and evidences of God.

Saturday everything cancelled except dinner so we tracted.......

Sunday was quite fun, although with 0000 investigators at church we held our heads high and contacted many more people. We met some great ones and got a few referrals for some other lucky missionaries. Needless to say they are each excitement in Heavenly Father's eyes so I am happy.

If a missionary works, he will get the

Spirit; if he gets the Spirit, he will

teach by the Spirit; and if he teaches

by the Spirit, he will touch the hearts

of the people and he will be happy.

There will be no homesickness, no

worrying about families, for all time

and talents and interests are

centered on the work of the ministry.

Work, work, work—there is no

satisfactory substitute, especially in

missionary work.”

– PRESIDENT EZRA TAFT BENSON

Love you all -Elder Metcalf

And it came to pass

Chapter 14

The missionaries are low on lessons but

have many contacts - they exchange

with the assistants and others - someone says

they will come to church and they do.

1 And it came to pass in the fourth week of the fourteenth transfer of the reign of Metcalf in the Texas Dallas Mission, the companionship comprising of Elder Davis and Elder Metcalf were much please. Having reported two straight weeks of the entire zone who doth receive their contact points whereas no other zone has done it in months. And the zone leaders were well pleased and loved their zone with much charity.

2 Wherefore I Elder Metcalf do proceed with my weekly report to them who provide the good support and welfare of him that writeth. In other words, I Elder Metcalf write my family.

3 And it came to pass that the week was good notwithstanding the lowest amount of lessons we have had together. It so happeneth that we are teaching a young single adult who doth find same gender attraction within his personality and the missionaries pray oft for him and continue to teach him with little success. Nevertheless he is much loved by God, believes the Book of Mormon to be true and so the Elders continue to teach and support him.

4 And it came to pass that that same night the twenty and three year old daughter of the stake president referral thus came to family home evening with the singles branch in the city of Allen (otherwise known as A-Town). Elder Metcalf having been very worried and much grieved over the lesson of eternal marriage during family home evening was much pleased and surprised having learned that the twenty and three year old connected very well with the lesson and very much enjoyed the time with the other young single adults within the city of Allen.

5 And it came to pass on Tuesday there arose a great meeting, such a one that has been seen every first Tuesday of the month with the zone leaders and the mission president. Allen, having received much praise for talking to many of the Gentiles was in charge of leading a discussion helping the TDM missionaries contact more often. And it came to pass that the mission president was well pleased and saw that it was good.

6 And it came to pass for for that evening the missionaries having met at a cake shop where a member fed them a meal was invited to partake of the karaoke machine. Thus, the missionaries were full of fear and much anxiety. Nevertheless and notwithstanding the senior zone leader having great courage convinced Davis (the younger zone leader) to singeth praises to his name with the Celine Dione version of "God Bless America." Once sung, in front of a large gathering of 10, some gentiles, received much praise, laughter and glad tidings.

7 And it came to pass that the assistants to the president, having heard a goodly report, and wanting to come to the city of Allen with haste entereth into our area on exchanges. And it came to pass that the exchange was very full of the spirit and the missionaries were happy. Having received many revelations, and discovering the richest part of their area, having great desires to knocketh doors there, took upon the title of insanity and went forth knocking mansions. Thus, with the spirit the missionaries gave out few copies of the Book of Mormon, entered and taught one Hindu family, considered themselves successful.

8 It came to pass that the exchange was good, having located a lost member who gave us his information to return and report to the great leader of the area, Bishop Thomas. Thus we see that when the missionaries are full of the Spirit, find the lost lambs and returneth them to their proper pasture.

9 On the Fourth day of the fourth week of the fourteenth transfer of the reign of Metcalf within the zone of Allen, another mini exchange was held. Elder Davis having return appointments cancel, received revelation to continue to tract. Having knocked on a door and received an unwelcoming answer, Elder Davis heard a still small voice from within the back of the home say "Y'all are Mormon! I love Mormons, can I come to church with you on Sunday?" And Elder Davis having located this Vivian inviteth her to church and she came. Thus we see the effectiveness of younger missionaries, Elder Metcalf having worked weeks with investigators to come to church, Elder Davis accomplishes his designs in seconds.

Chapter 15

Elder Metcalf and Folau teach with a stake president and

Bishop - Much answers are given - The missionaries continue

to be tired - Elder Metcalf realizes his time is short

1 On the night known as Friday (according to their reckoning of time) Elder Metcalf and Folau exchanged to teach the Delarose family much hatred against sin and Faith on their everlasting redeemer. But much to the missionaries displeasure, the family having looked at anti, had many tough questions. Thus the stake president and Bishop whom they accompanied made many answers and confounded them. Thus we see the greatness of teaching with a stake president and a Bishop.

2 Elder Metcalf having been overzealous to bike convinced his companion to remove his bike which was considered to be a weapon of war buried deep within the closet and ride it. Nevertheless there was not much success and the missionaries encountered much fatigue. However, we see the offset blessing of such faith with the Delarose family attending church on the following Sunday. And the missionaries were pleased with their diligence.

3 Elder Metcalf having interviews with his zone on Thursday discovering an unusual and frantic reality as his mission president informed him he was weighed down with much old age in the mission and needed a renewed temple recommend. I, having received a renewed temple recommend, was much worried with a short time left in my position. Nevertheless I will endure to the end with much style.

4 Sunday we visiteth a family whom began to cry as we taught the Atonement. Elder Metcalf was much surprised as they stated themselves being Anti-Mormon-Religions.

Chapter 16

Elder Metcalf desireth mail -

he sends love to far away lands-

he thanks his family

1 And thus we see that the mailbox retained it's void throughout the week

2 Nevertheless Elder Metcalf loves his family with great charity and prays for them nightly

3 Thanks for your support

4 Inform Grandpa I love him and wish him my best and cant wait to read with him daily (even if it is in SLC)

5 I am Elder Kenneth Metcalf who is the son of Kenneth Metcalf who is the son of Kenneth Metcalf and do close mine epistle

Ok, anyway I thought that would be fun to write out my email like that this week! Hope y'all enjoy and can interpret my 'reformed Texan' with your urimm and thummin. Sure do love y'all and keep up the good work!

Elder Metcalf

With my last conference on the mission in the books it is a little scary to review my notes and recognize the words 'marry' or 'marriage' several times. I think I'll be justified to not ponder that advice for a few more months.

Well this week was pretty awesome. Our whole zone got what we call the contact points while the others did not. It is pretty awesome to see all the demonstrations of faith and be on the receiving end every Sunday night reporting the names of those who now have baptismal dates as well as some of their information like how they were found or any obstacles they are overcoming.

This week with our new investigator, Michael, we had a small miracle to see just how much the hand of the Lord is in His own work. I remember a missionary saying one year ago "He is the greatest micro manager in the world." I bring this up because while we were leaving wal-mart after shopping last Monday and it just so happened that Mike and his son were walking in to fill a prescription. So we talked for a few minutes and he asked immediately when we were coming over again. We didn't have a scheduled appointment with him yet and he doesn't have a phone so that worked itself out perfectly. We went to his home the following day and invited him on a church tour. We beat the member that drove him over by a couple minutes so we ran through the building making sure we were good to go. As the tour began the Spirit was evident. About 10 minutes into it we were overlooking the baptismal font... Yes, he accepted a baptismal date.

Another evidence of the practicality of God this week was helping a less active member move out of his apartment. He offered us his couches (a love seat and sofa) and being the interior designer I have become with mismatching furniture we agreed to take them. 30 minutes before we were scheduled to go pick them up we visited another less active in the ward who we usually see on the weekends. As the conversation progressed we learned that her sofa had just become worthless after some pieces of it broke. In my mind I was a bit taken back by another orchestration of Heavenly Father to help out his children in unique yet practical ways. So we delivered the new couch within 20 minutes of learning of their need.

A couple weeks ago our stake president let us know that he had been called by another one of his 'stake president friends' in Houston that a friend and his family had just moved into the Allen 1st ward with a YSA aged daughter. As you can imagine, the Elders that cover the first ward seemed a bit pressured by a referral from a couple of stake presidents. I felt for them until I got the call halfway through the week that I would actually be the one to teach and conduct the lesson along with one of the Elders from the first ward. I gave Elder Folau a call and suggested he start preparing (3 days in advance). The lesson yesterday went incredible. We taught in the home of one of the YSA branch presidency with President Wright. You could tell how much more influenced the Spirit was with all the preparation. I think something that has helped me out immensely the past few months is understanding that we are not to share a "logical" lesson but an "emotional" one. Our grammar was simple and concise which increased the influence of the Spirit. They were the golden investigators. The dad asked "I just want to know why God would hide a record of this magnitude in the ground for 1400 years..." Elder Folau is a convert from Catholicism and it just so happens that they have a catholic background which greatly increased the openness of the conversation. Let me tell you, preparation brings blessings. Rather then a nerve racking pressured lesson teaching with a stake president to a golden family it was actually quite enjoyable.

Well my friends the revelation is stacking up. Conference is always an overload which never lasts long enough. I am shocked it is my last one but my focus is to apply the modern scripture to the work and destroy Allen!

Sure do love y'all

Elder Metcalf