Tuesday, March 19, 2013

A Tender Touch



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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