HELLO!
On Tuesday we had a meeting with Elder Anderson of the 12, Elder Maynes of the Presidency of the 70, Elder Acosta of the 70, and the Caribbean Area Presidency Elders Gonzalez, Zivic, and Martinez). It was really powerful. We got a reproach to a certain degree for things we were doing wrong, but it was well received. We were told we needed to focus more on conversion in our investigators, which can be done through two principal means: helping them develop a love for the book of Mormon, and helping them develop a true love for the Savior and his Atonement as they keep commitments and do more than that. We are having a zone conference with President Corbitt on Thursday to talk about it more and to decide what we are going to change.
I am SUPER tired this week. We have been contacting a lot AGAIN because most of our investigators either don't progress OR don't even keep the commitment of letting us back for another appointment. They get busy, they say, or they "forgot." It's okay, though, because we have found some GOLDEN families this week. Let's just hope they don't "forget" about their appoinments...
We have seen some impressive progress in J*** this week though. He is the husband of a super faithful member of the ward named J**** who teaches seminary and works full-time. J*** also works full-time, but has recently been feeling desires to change something about his life, and has been dropping friends and other commitments to spend time with us. This week he even ASKED for us to leave more commitments with him (like stuff to read in the Book of Mormon), which in the past he would always say he never had time to do. He is feeling the Spirit more in his life, and it is drawing him closer to Christ and to his Church. We are really excited to visit with him more this week.
It's great to hear that everyone is busy back home. Lots of fun stuff happening there. Glad you guys had fun at tolo! (His sisters went to a school dance in a group together.) I realized that I know almost none of the people from your group--the crowd has changed so much since I've been gone!
As for door approaches with the Plan of Salvation, (His sister asked him how he would incorporate the Plan of Salvation in a door approach (a challenge from her Sunday School teacher,,,)) just start talking to people about their family. Ask them how important the family is in their life, and extend the proposal that they could be with their families even after death. then explain that it is through the Atonement and living the Gospel that such is possible.
Teaching at the MTC would be a GREAT job, actually. I would love to do that. (I was hoping I could apply for him in advance but I looked into the application and I think he will have to wait to apply until he is home. That means that he could possibly be hired for Winter if there are openings. I think the time frame it too tight for Fall. We will see...)
I love you guys! I miss you. Take Care!!
Elder Rowe