Oh, how time flies! It did when I was in France, too. Now as senior missionaries, it is seemingly moving very fast. We experienced our first mission transfer. We lost a wonderful young man from Haiti, Elder St. Louis. He got transferred after his first few weeks here with us. We are hoping to see him here again. We gained several new missionaries too. Our French Elders have gained one as they are now three. The Mt. Olive Haitian Elders also are now three. The Haitian Elders from Goldsboro remained the same but, then again, they are the Zone Leaders. These wonderful men are very spiritual and working to learn the lessons and the language at the same time while in the field. Some missionaries arrive here not knowing beforehand that they will be assigned a foreign language to learn and use. They are blessed greatly by Heavenly Father to gain the experience and the language at the same time. It is spiritually and educationally inspiring to observe the power and majesty of Heavenly Father in their lives and the lives of those whom they touch as they progress.
We as senior missionaries are given a good bit of latitude in our work. We had the opportunity to go to the Richmond Virginia Temple. We were re-energized by the experience. We were able to get several ordinances done for our family on the other side of the veil. We are so greatly blessed in this work.
We were able after our temple visit to work with our zone leaders. We spent 7+ hours with them visiting and teaching. These are great leaders. Our friends who were going to be baptized today put it back a week so they could be baptized together. She waited for husband to be ready and available. That is a wonderful thing to see and witness.
This Sunday was wide open and wonderful. We brought 4 carloads to church and settled in for the service. When one of our Elders approached and related that a friend who was not ready when their ride came by is now ready … Off I went after the stray sheep. After sacrament we visited with the Group Relief Society Leadership. Together we visited and got to know one another as we talked about their calls and responsibilities. We finished talking through the ministering process including the ministering interviews and reporting. These are great women and will do great things for their sisters and families.
Later that day we had a very good Group Council meeting where we had a vigorous conversation on the needs of our brothers and sisters facing removal from our country. Many of them are looking towards Canada as the next port in the storm. That is a possibility but has its own issues associated with it. Others of them are looking to our legal processes and systems for assistance in remaining here and legally. Seeking guidance is what they want and need. Elder Bednar’s visit did a great deal to help them and gave them courage in this arduous process.
We had an opportunity to assist a friend with her paperwork to get her child into the school system this fall. It is difficult for someone to fill out paperwork that they do not understand and cannot read. They are doing their best with what little they have here. Some are Professors of Math and Science but can only find laborer jobs as their credentials are not accepted by our institutions. They do not complain. They accept their circumstances and proceed to do the best they can.
We had a great Group Meeting this week which Melissa put together, everyone participated and had fun. We got started a bit late, but it was great! We had refreshments and got everyone home before heading home ourselves. Another long but wonderful day in the service of others.
Later this week we had interesting events pass us by, so to speak. We were traveling home from our regular Friday night temple work. We came through a place on the interstate that was closed. We stopped as others passed through. The NC DOT members were there clearing the road of tree debris. Not an hour before we got to this point, a tornado had passed through and ripped through the trees. We were told that only one car had been hit by a tree. We watched as these wonderful men worked together to move and clear the road for the traffic. We were blessed to have missed the event and not to have run into a tree or two downed in the road.
We had two friends (husband and wife) and another friend who were to be baptized Saturday. Unfortunately, the friend had a family emergency and could not make it. The couple that got baptized were wonderful and were confirmed Sunday. They love each other and work with each other so very strongly. He stood by the font as she was baptized and encouraged her as she seemed to have a bit of fear of the water. It was a great time for all.
We were, however, thanks to Elizabeth Hoxie, able to share some clothing, shoes, and other items with love to help them and their families. We are constantly assuring them that Heavenly Father sees, knows, and loves each of His children individually and personally. We encourage and pray for our friends, and we ask that our readers also join us in prayer for these sweet people.
Until next time, May you have the Peace that Christ promised His followers be with you always!
Elder & Sister Adkins
No comments:
Post a Comment