Why is the Lord transferring me to a different department of service at the peak of my effectiveness?

 

Thursday night we had an incredible exchange. First of all I did a baptismal interview for a man who had a stroke in recent years and has to use a mobile device that he types on to communicate with others around him. What makes this so significant was about a week earlier a Bihsop in the stake went teaching with the Elders to this man. He felt a strong impression at the end of the lesson to promise that he will be healed after his baptism and confirmation. The Bishop told him and the missionaries that whoever confirms him must rebuke the sickness and disabilities at the time of confirmation. Needless to say, it was a great interview and the whole zone is awaiting the confirmation which is scheduled for this coming Sunday

Following the interview we had a decision to make. Bike the long distance to their home to have dinner or grab something quick to eat. We chose to bike the few miles. It was a good thing too because during the course of dinner, the missionary I was with got a text that a member was coming by to take us to an appointment... that we didnt have. A scheduling conflict was made earlier in the week. The missionary grabbed the phone and texted a former investigator who said yes to us coming over that evening on short notice. We were picked up and headed over. When we got there, I waited for the Spirit's promptings as the member and the investigator shot the breeze. Finally it came...strong. The member we were with began talking about his father who is going to pass away soon due to stomach cancer and how grateful he was for the plan of salvation. We said a prayer and begin teaching this plan of salvation that he was speaking about. After teaching the principle of the Atonement the investigator said "I just want to find a good group of people that I can follow." I asked him to read 2nd Nephi 31:10 and immediately after ask "will you follow the example of the Savior Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone holding the proper priesthood authority of God?" His delayed response brought the Spirit in stronger and he replied "yes." I continued "Will you prepare to be baptized on September 10?" another spiritual awakening and another yes. I asked how he felt and he described the spirit in his own way, then the promise came that as you read and pray daily you will have that spirit with you leading you up to your baptism.

We walked out of that lesson fired up but we still had one more. This family that we were about to teach was contacted by another missionary in a parking lot. He said "is it alright if I just give you this mormon.org card?" The man looked back and asked "can I just have that Book of Mormon in your hand?" So they set up an appointment earlier in the week which for some reason fell through. This lesson we were about to have would be their first. We walked in with a strong spirit and began with no 'chewing the fat' conversation. We taught a flawless restoration that went right along perfectly with the questions they were asking. The spirit was awesome. At the end of the lesson the husband felt inclined to tell us that his 8 month pregnant wife was diagnosed with Lupus and she was seeing a few high risk doctors during the pregnancy... Following that statement I felt the impression... give her a blessing of healing. My heart was racing, I have seen almost instant recoverys from the flu and double ear infections, but Lupus? I asked the couple "Do you have faith that Jesus Christ performed miracles?" Their immediate response was yes. I explained a blessing, they accepted the offer and we acted with the power of the priesthood. I will hold off on the details at this point. Following the blessing we invited them to baptism, set a date and left.

 

The other huge highlight this week was the baptism of the Garpa sons. I dont really need to say much because the picture holds it all that I'll attach. What was great about this was my companion being chose to peform one of the ordinances. He was so excited. I was so happy for him. It was a fantastic thing to see him in white getting ready to step into the font, something I'll never forget my trainer arranging for me some 2 years ago. He only needed to have one try and he did it perfectly. The font was perfect and we gave each other a very wet and heartfelt hug following the ordinances we had just performed. The 2 sons were equally excited as well. The service was perfect. 

 

It was interesting last week and this week when we helped a recent convert water some of his brand new fruit trees in his front yard. I'll never forget when he said "Elder, just think of how grateful future missionaries will be when they are able to eat the fruit of these trees." Then it hit me that although I will only have 6 weeks in this area and take off, by doing the Lord's work I can help this area for the future missionaries that will come through. An example of this was when we were told on Monday that a less active woman and her boyfriend that lives with her were moving in. We worked it out, which they accepted to have dinner by Wednesday. They were wondering why they had bought 4 steaks that day... During the dinner I felt impressed to ask "When are you getting baptized?" He responded after some silence... "as soon as I get the red tape out of the way." Meaning finalizing a divorce and marrying his member girlfriend. That was a fun one to report on Sunday.

 

I sure do love this work. I nearly had a melt down during dinner when my mind couldnt get the harsh reality of 'life as I know it' is about to take a dramatic turn to some different dimmension. I am excited to continue the missionary experience beyond...

 

Sure do love y'all

Elder Metcalf