Finding Those Prepared

Dear everyone,

One of my favorite parts of this missionary experience is the change. Changing the people we meet, the work we do and the decisions we make can help us to align or desires with God's. Then as we do His will, we become who He wants us to be and we become happier. This week was full and happy.

Briefly, I'm not driving the truck anymore. I haven't lost the privilege to drive cars in the future, but for the time being our leaders asked that Elder Craner drives instead. While at first I felt ashamed, I recognized that this is actually a blessing in disguise. It has helped me to manage stress seeing as I am not the designated driver anymore. I still love riding in a truck.

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to exchange with Elder Christensen. I learned talking to him that he is one of the few missionaries who is still serving that has served with Elder Scroggs. He was in Windcrest two transfers before I went there, and that is when he served with Elder S. We talked about the Rubio family, and it turns out that he saw Brother Rubio back when Elder Nelson visited San Antonio.

Me and Elder Christiansen

With Elder Christensen we met a lady named Rose who moved here with family from Chicago. She has met with missionaries before, and she had many questions about prophets. We sat outside and shared the Restoration with her and Eli, and it seems like they understood what we shared. They committed to read about the Restoration in a pamphlet we gave them, and later this week we visited with them again.

That brings us to Friday. In the morning we drove up to Eagle Pass and had a wonderful Zone Meeting, almost completely in Spanish. I was surprised that I could understand most all of what was said, and I could tell that the other missionaries understood too. President Slaughter taught about Repentance. I didn't know why at first, but earlier that week and the week before I felt impressed to study about repentance. When President Slaughter finished, I felt peace, knowing more fully that I needed Jesus Christ.

That day we went on an exchange with Elder Masters. E. Masters trained Elder Drennan, so it was funny to know that most all of Elder Drennan's past companions were in Carrizo Springs at one time. 

Driving to Carrizo, Elder Masters testified that there are people prepared to hear the gospel in all areas, and that was true. We met Janette, and she told us of a recent loss she had in her family, and the Spirit helped us to recognize that she was truly prepared. A miracle for sure.

Me, Elder Masters and Elder Drennan

Later that evening we found Rose once more. I felt happy to see that she was still interested in hearing from us. So as we taught, we testified that there is a living prophet on the earth today, and she committed to come to church. She didn't make it, but I'll let you all know how she progresses.

 Questions and Answers

Now that you are getting more familiar with the Carrizo Springs area, what new things have you learned about the people and area? 

This branch has grown steadily over the years. The branch has had a building in Carrizo for quite a while as well.

What new things have you and learned about Elder Craner?

Elder Craner knows how to ask deep questions.

Yesterday evening we were able to attend a district meeting that included a few trainings from the Brethren. We listened to a few apostles and some sisters talk about how we can make Sacrament meetings more meaningful. Afterwards, our mission president, President Slaughter, taught us about the Sacrament, and how we can help to change traditions to better allow us to focus on the Savior each Sunday.

Driving home from the meeting, feeling peace from what we learned, Elder Craner and I talked about the meeting and how inspired our leaders are. I could tell that he knew how to ask good questions.

On a different note, Elder Craner worked a few different jobs before the mission. He worked at a sports outlet store, and even serviced as a personal trainer. He has gotten to know the members of the branch very well.

Are your tablets still proving useful? 

They have been very useful in studying the scriptures in the morning, and we've had the chance to share "Because He Lives" with a few people in the past week or so.

How is the Spirit guiding you this week?

The Spirit is central to a successful visit with someone. Elder Masters helped us to focus on the principle of "what do we want them to understand?" By focusing our teaching on their needs, instead of a pre-planned lesson, we are about to follow the Spirit and testify with power. I loved teaching with Elder Craner when we had determined what we thought their needs were, and did our best to follow the Spirit. Then our testimonies of Jesus Christ will truly impact the people.

How are the members helping you and Elder Craner and how are you helping them?

We had a wonderful visit with Brother Moreno, someone that the past missionaries have taught for a while, and Steven, a member, came with us. Steven is a return missionary and knows how to be a great friend. We taught about baptism, and Steven offered a powerful testimony of the importance of being baptized by correct authority.

We have a few service opportunities planned for the coming week with members of the branch. Painting seems to be a popular job. I'll have to go buy some painting pants in case the paint hits us.

Are the fruits and vegetables as good there as they were in San Antonio?

About the same quality of fruits and vegetables.

Are you drinking enough water, I wish??

I could drink water more often in the future, but I believe I'm doing well.

I forgot to mention that a few weeks about when I first came to Carrizo, I learned that there was a ward boundary change in Windcrest and Universal City area. Apparently the wards are growing, because a new ward, Live Oak ward, was created. I loved visiting people in the city of Live Oak back when I was in Universal City ward, and it looks like it's growing down there!

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-Elder Hall

Texas San Antonio Mission