This week has been pretty crazy! I got yelled at by this 15 year old girl, so that was pretty great! It was Tammie's daughter. (Background Story) So, Tammie grew up with the "Forced" style of religion, meaning she had to believe in something or her parents would beat it into her, she didn't really have much of an option. But that's not how missionaries work. We invite, they commit, we follow up. There's no forcing involved, no arm twisting, none of that. It's a simple invitation and they choose whether to accept it or not. She likes our religion but won't join because her daughter hasn't heard the discussions yet. So we show up for an appointment, and the air is just thick with contention, not 100 percent sure what was talked about before we got there, but it didn't sound pleasant. We start asking her questions about her beliefs, kind of getting a familiar background, and she just starts getting way short with us, and super sassy (15? yeah) And her mom just starts prying to get her to talk to us. We kind of explained that we aren't here to tear down anybody's beliefs, we are just here to help build on them, She just gets up and leaves the room, I was a little relieved when that happened because I was not going to make it seem like we were forcing her to do anything. We just directed the discussion towards Tammie. She had some super great questions about our church, she loved the answers we gave her, the spirit was there, it was solid. But then Tammie starts talking about her daughter, and how she's worried about raising her...We gave her some advice on what it was like when we were her age, and basically told her not to be forceful, but to invite, and let her decide. After like 10 minutes of this, her daughter just busts out of her room, and I wish I could tell you that she said "I WANT TO BE BAPTIZED" but, it was a not so positive outcome....yay....she starts freaking out on us and her mom, and I literally felt the spirit exit the room, and my companion told me I went white as a sheet...it was super weird, and also sad, we just kind of ended things right there because there was no way we were bringing that one back.
Anyway that was the highlight of my week, not too much happened! We had to push Paul back another week for his baptism. He is a goofy guy! I love Paul! ( The Dude legitimately thinks he's a cat) When we told him that Coffee was against the Word of Wisdom he said "oh man! how am I supposed to get my morning friskies". He also hisses at people when he doesn't like them. Which made church yesterday an event! I have never tried so hard to hold back laughter, but alas, I succeeded.
On a spiritual note I couldn't help but think of the wonderful Atonement of the savior this week. Elder Holland puts it perfectly "Conversion is not easy, because salvation is not a cheap experience." We love to say that we are disciples of Jesus Christ, and we are! But that means that we might have to walk some of the path that he walked, or feet just a little of the pain that he felt, or shed one of the tears of sorrow that he shed, I'm not saying that we should experience anything that Christ experienced, that's just sac-religious. But I believe that we can't bear any lasting testimony of the atonement, if we've never understood what it was like for him , If we come to the truth, an understanding of the price that has been paid, we will find that the atonement will carry us, perhaps even more so than it will our investigators.When I get discouraged, or rejected, I remember that I have every reason to stand tall, I am standing shoulder to shoulder with the best life this world has ever know, the only true and best missionary that has ever walked this earth, and for a moment or two, I can realize what it was like for him. I just want to leave you my testimony that I know our savior lives, that his grace is sufficient, and that he is pulling for each and every one of us, he is not waiting at the finish line to give us our ending report, but he is with us every step of the way, he is our advocate, the prince of peace. I know that true repentance opens the door to a better understanding of the nature of God, and his son Jesus Christ. I feel close to my savior, because I feel the majesty of his atonement in my life. Always striving to be better, to do better, to love more, to give more, and to serve with all my heart, might, mind and strength. I love this gospel, and I love Gods children. When your soul aches for others, and you desire that they have salvation, you are "called to the work".
I thought about that 15 year old girl and If Kylee would have talked to you that way she would have bigger problems than back problems. Her head would be on backwards. The thing is, teenagers out here are pressed to find religion. So many different sects out here, religion is a hot thing. Also, these kids have better sex lives than a porn star, and get super wasted every weekend. They barely wear any clothes, and if they are members of the church it won't be for long. Kids are getting worse, and are constantly up to no good. We will be walking down the street and they will just yell things at us. It is part of the work, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Things will get better momma. I am pulling for you, Just remember to start your day off with prayer, kneeling prayer no matter who sees you do it, and If you can, squeeze in that chapter a day. You will find it changing you little by little, as you strive to live what you learn from daily scripture study. It might be hard at first. But it will bless your life. Also, maybe you and Ashley, and Kylee can do a chapter on Mondays! Love you momma!
I love you all and I hope things are going well back home!
--
-Elder Greenburg
Missouri Independence Mission
Missouri is a beautiful place
I shined my shoes way good this week #bandkid.
Can I just say how lucky I am to be this kids mom? I knew when he was born that his mission would be great! He is by far my most stubborn child, yet when he calls me Momma, he has my heart! I am so blessed that he is mine! And knowing that he literally went through the refiners fire makes it mean so much more. #Blessings #Atonement. thank you Heavenly Father for letting me borrow him.
No comments:
Post a Comment