Hello!
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This week was probably the toughest week of my mission We have had a few investigators drop us lately. We went to meet with Charles (who is on date for the 21st) and he said "I don't want to meet anymore" of course we asked why and he said: "I don't want to change, I like my church" I hated seeing this. It's a sad experience when you have literally seen these peoples hearts soften, and basically say they know it's true, and then harden their hearts. These people will listen to our message, set a baptism date, show intent by reading, and praying, and then they will go to their church's and talk to their pastures about it. Of course we know what happens next...we go to the return appointment and they have hardened their hearts against the message.
But, all trials aside the work must go on! Josh came to church yesterday! He seemed to like it, he wants to come back with his wife next week. We will see how this one goes. Last Sunday we had a former investigator just randomly show up at the church building. He said he had some problems and didn't know where to go, so he came to us. Paul was previously dropped because he didn't show a desire to change or quit smoking. He even straight up told us he wanted to be baptized but their were too many requirements for him. We met with him on Wednesday after talking with the Elders that dropped him. They said that he was lying to them about not smoking, and reading. So we went into the lesson with Paul and just stated things as straight forward as we could, we taught him the Word of Wisdom. The Why and What for. Shared some scriptures, and even offered a blessing. I don't remember much of what I said in the blessing. But at one point I guess I had said "if you love the Lord you will throw your Cigarettes as far as you can, and that you will have a desire no more to buy" After the blessing, the spirit settled in even more so.....Paul literally walked outside, opened his car door, grabbed his smokes, and chucked them as far as he could, and then ran to kick them even further. I can't even believe that happened.
I had the opportunity to teach Bible class this week. HOLY COW! We have been teaching out of the New Testament. Studying Christs life. I taught out of John chapter 15 and 16. Solid chapters, the comfort that Jesus left his apostles will forever be planted in my heart. What a love that he has for us. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another." This reminds me of the love that I need to have for each person I come in contact with. Having a desire to help them come "home". Helping them receive the restored Gospel. To receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, that will guide and direct them to the path that the Lord has prepared for them.7"Nevertheless I tell you
What a great promise and Gift. WE will all be resurrected and be able to stand in whole body before our God. Now here is the question....How will you stand? Will you tremble in fear? or will you praise God forever? Live the Doctrines of Christ (Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Holy Ghost, Endure to the End) and you will be lifted up, and you will walk and not faint. Your Father in heaven loves you, and desires you to succeed and come home to him. Have Charity and Love for your neighbor, be long-suffering, have patience, be meek, and do this in Faith. And I testify that the Lord will magnify your efforts, and you will have everlasting joy. Yes, the everlasting Joy that man can't take from you, because it is engraved in your heart.
I love you, and I want to thank you for being here for me.
Keep the Faith,
Love,
-Elder Greenburg
Missouri Independence Mission
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