Priesthood Ordinances

Monday June 24th and July 1st.

Two for one email this week so let's get into it, sorry again to everyone who is waiting for me to send these out!

Past couple weeks we went by Abdou as usual. Truthfully were just his friends at this point and he has started just texting us asking if we can come over that evening ha-ha. He is also a missionary, when we were at Walmart talking in the parking lot he saw a man walking and said "lets go talk to him". So we went over and introduced ourselves and he turned out to be from Togo and is pretty cool! We're trying to get something set up still but it was a great moment. Also, he got his patriarchal blessing these past couple of weeks. It was such a neat experience to see him walk out with this big grin on his face, not to mention, how he doesn't speak English very well and we don't translate live things that are sacred. The spirit really touched his heart and it was great to see.

Moses has been really busy so we haven't been able to meet with him too much lately. We did get a pretty good plan of salvation lesson though, as well as a some great unplanned chats outside his house as well. He's awesome.

We also recorded a video for the Facebook page with Sœur Toye the member. It was about the temple and what we do. They're still editing it but I'm excited to see how it turns out! Sister Toye is actually the best! She was baptized in Africa and has a huge testimony and understanding of how the church functions. 

I also met some dudes from Ghana. I'm unsure how interested they actually are but it interestingly enough they said there's quite a few people in Louisville from there. My older brother served in Ghana so it was fun to try and use the few words I know (Sadly they were from the wrong part so they didn't understand, but its alright.)

We have had quite a few meals with Elder Ballard. Here in the 2nd ward we don't get a ton of member meals so he has taken it upon himself to spoil us ha-ha. You'll see a lot of pictures of that. 

We talked with James again and he told us about his thoughts on baptism. He said how when we said that we can always feel the holy ghost but with the gift its in a greater measure that it scared him. Because he was worried that we were talking about a different power or like some witchcraft in order to have the holy ghost with us even when we sin. We explained the sacrament prayers and the baptismal covenant to help him and to explain the promises that we gain.  I think he that he understands now, but he is still having a hard time coming to church, sadly. But, I have faith that he will come and see some day. 

We also Found a woman named, Benedict at a park. It was really cool because we were just walking through to get to a neighborhood. We knocked a few doors trying to find a home of someone we had met before. It was honestly a miracle that we found his house, because we had so little information but then as we were walking back I saw a woman sitting at a picnic table and the spirit told me to go up and talk to her. She was pretty cool and let us sit down and share. It was a great conversation and ended with sending her the Book of Mormon in Lingala to her phone. 

I had a final Exchange of the transfer with Elder Price and it was great. I've seen him come a long way and I'm really proud of watching him grow, even if it's only been 3 months. He's a great guy and an awesome missionary. I can't wait to see how far he goes. Honestly, if nothing else happens because of me as a district leader, I can be happy knowing I've had an effect on him. 

Also, last weekend we sent out tons of church invites because of a zone challenge and it was great how many people pulled up to church! We had some somewhat inactive members come as well as 3 new friends. They were all people who said they'd come on like the first visit, but never made it. They were super cool! Turns out, a couple (Jean and his wife) don't actually live in our area, so we'll have to send him off, but it was great to see them there. Hard work and effort really does pay off. 

There's a family in the ward named the Dore's and they just had a new baby! He was so cute and tiny, only like 2 weeks old. She clearly hasn't left the home yet even though she really wants to though ha-ha. This is like their 5th or 6th kid and they're all so fun and crazy. We're hoping to help them get a new couch too, because theirs is beat up. 

I've been thinking about the priesthood power through ordinances lately because of Abdou's patriarchal blessing. Honestly I am so grateful for the power God has given us, and even more than that I know that priesthood authority is real. I've felt it's power through my father and others who have worthily acted according to their callings, and I know it's real. God has truly restored the world's access to the same power that rose the dead. I know this to be true. 

Have a great week! Love you all!