Well, I guess you can say that this week has been very successful!! We have been asking a few families who are missionary minded to pray as a family, for a family or just someone they know to be ready to hear our message of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We had a special experience with one family. When we went back a week later to see if they felt impressed or thought of a family, and they didn't. So we told them to keep on praying. When we went back the next week they didn't think of anyone until it was almost time to return back to our house. The dad thought of a family that aren't members, but they have been letting their kids come to church as long as they get their morning chores done. We are planning on contacting them this week!! It was an awesome experience.
So, I had some really awesome studies this week that I would like to share with y'all. When I was reading the story of Ammon, which is by far my favorite Book of Mormon story, I came across one of my favorite mission scriptures. It is in Alma 18 verses 34&35, when Ammon is teaching King Lamoni and his people because they thought that Ammon was the Great Spirit. It says: "Ammon said unto [King Lamoni]: I am a man; and man in the beginning was created after the image of God, and I am called by His Holy Spirit to teach these things unto this people, that they may be brought to a knowledge of that which is just and true; And a portion of that Spirit dwelleth in me, which giveth me knowledge, and also power according to my faith and desires which are in God." It is one of my favorites because that is my calling!! I am called by revelation through the Spirit to preach and minister to the people of the area in which I am serving.
Saturday and Sunday was awesome. Elder Carrero did member splits where he stayed in Coalville, and I went to Kamas. I was teaching a family there that we have been teaching for a little bit, around 10 weeks to be exact. Every week, sometimes even more than once a week, we have invited them to come to church. But normally, in the lessons, they weren't really paying attention. They liked talking to us, but when we started in on a lesson their eyes started to wander around the room, so we weren't surprised very much when they told us they'd come but never have. Well, during the lesson on Saturday, I could tell they had some questions. So I asked them if they did and they started asking about the Word of Wisdom and why we don't drink coffee and tea. So I brought it back and started talking about how throughout time God has called prophets to receive revelation and to know His will for us. They had something called the priesthood, which is the power and authority of God. But the people started rejecting the prophets. So it was time for God to send His son, Jesus Christ, the perfect prophet. He came here and created a church, His church. He called 12 special witnesses, also known as the apostles, and gave them that same power and authority to assist in His work. After time, the apostles and even Jesus Christ were killed, and no one had that priesthood anymore. During that time no one had the authority to lead and guide the Church of Jesus Christ. But, Peter said that there will be a "...restitution of all things..." (Acts 3:21). And there was! He called Joseph Smith as the prophet to restore the Church of Jesus Christ. And because he was a prophet, he received direct revelation from God. One of the revelations he had talks about something called the Word of Wisdom. And then when I told them about the Word of Wisdom, they understood why we don't eat or drink certain things, and why we do eat and drink certain things. During that lesson, they were listening, paying direct attention to me, and actively participating. When they said that they would come to church this time, there was a different spirit about it than the other times. Well, church rolled around, and Sacrament Meeting started and they didn't come. But, with a half hour left to go (they do Sacrament last) they showed up!!! Oh my goodness we were so excited, we couldn't believe it, 10 weeks and they finally came to church!! It was a perfect way to end the week. :)
Isaiah 61:1
-Élder Wilkes
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