Last week was both a good and tough week. The mission
department visited our mission and trained us on some new ways we can INVITE
and HELP others come unto Christ. It was hard for me and Elder Mahoney to apply
the things we learned because, after doing missionary work a certain way for 19
months, it is tough to change! haha! But as we applied some of these new ways that
we can bless families and their homes, our missionary work has changed
completely. We feel the power that comes from really understanding our purpose
and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
During our preparation day last week Elder Mahoney and I had
the chance to play tennis with President Alba. He can smack the ball pretty
good, and it took me a bit to get back into it, but my love and passion for
tennis came roaring back by the time we were finished. It was a really fun time
and great to hit the ball again … and great to spend some casual time with President
Alba … love him!
Saturday was tough for us as we walked and talked to 30-40
people and it seemed like no one wanted to listen or invite us into their
homes. It really weighed me down and it seemed like my faith was running on
fumes by the end of the day. We continued onward and prayed throughout the day for
divine help. We ate at a less active member’s home and were exhausted after a
tough day. A man there named Steve was telling us stories over the dinner table.
He cracked us up! He made us laugh soo hard from his stories about a lady
trying to tell him he needed to spray down the ceiling with bleach at his work.
In his rough voice he said, "If I did that my clothes and hair would be
white!" It truly lifted our spirits and I am grateful for that tender
mercy of the Lord. He told us, "You guys, you know what, you are so
great." He has been less active for 20 years, but his perception of what Mormons
really are has completely changed. We have served him and helped him come
closer to the Savior, but that night he really helped us. We love Steve and his
desire to come back has greatly increased. Helping someone who has been less
active come back carries the same amount of joy as having a baptism. I love
missionary work. The days are hard but I feel the hand of the Lord is present
in our lives. He gives us tender mercies because He loves us. I love being a
servant of the Lord. Thank you all for the letters and emails and thank you for
your prayers.
Te Quiero,
Elder Vance
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