Week 37

 Monday October 18, 2021

Good Morning everyone!

I had a pretty memorable week this week! We had Zone Conference, put Jazzii back on date for baptism, and had some fun! This week was pretty slow in a lot of ways. Many of our friends we are struggling to meet with currently, and we were not able to find any new people to teach this week. But that is okay! The Lord loves effort. 

On Tuesday, we met with Jazzii after she came to church and it was awesome! In our lesson with her, we talked with her and she keeps her commitments and reads the Book of Mormon! Elder Clouse was bold with her, and he asked her if she wanted to reschedule her Baptism! She said yes and committed to the 31st. We will have a Halloween Baptism! Elder Clouse, when sending our nightly text to the ward that night, he said "Jazzii is going to feel the Holy Ghost this Halloween"  . He cracks me up

On Thursday we had another Multi-Zone conference and it was amazing!!! I got to see the Traverse City Zone, including some of my buddies. I saw Elder Candland, Elder Chytrus, and Elder Kofford! It was so great to be together. At the beginning of the meeting, we sang "The Spirit of God" and I could feel the spirit really strong. It was so fun to see everyone! I learned a lot and was inspired on how I could be a better missionary. 

A few weeks ago, I finished this book called the Power of Everyday Missionaries and I was so inspired. I asked myself, "how could I help the Bay City Ward be even better member missionaries?" I felt inspired to call my Bishop and speak to the Bay City Ward. This week, I was really stressed out with preparing the talk. But the the Lord helped me and I was able to give a really good talk on how we could all be 1% at living and sharing the Gospel. The Spirit conveyed my words as I shared a really cool story from Clayton M. Christansan's book "The Power of Everyday Missionaries" as well as one of my failures to be a member missionary. After I gave my talk, many ward members shared they were grateful for my talk and how it inspired them. One of the most steadfast members shared with me it is the best missionary talk she has ever heard. It was fun to exercise my faith as I attempted to share with the Lord wanted me to share. 

Along with speaking, Elder Clouse and I have worked really hard to get the members more involved with the work. We made a spreadsheet where members can sign up for days they are available to help us, help them, to build their ward. I pray it is effective. 

One of my favorite things that was shared at Zone Conference was some comments at the end by my Mission President. He talked about Charity, and how he really needs to improve (which in my opinion he is one of the most Charitable people I have ever met). He has really encouraged us to plead with Heavenly Father to be filled with Charity. In his comments, he talked about the journey we are all on to be better. He said "I love the journey. I love the journey to be better. Christ is right there beside me and he's saying 'Let's go'" It was inspiring. 

Sometimes, I do not love the journey to be better. It is hard. It is rocky. But it is worth it. The person who I am now is much different than it was 9 months ago. And I hope in 9 months from now, I will be even better. I sometimes don't love the whole journey but I do love the end point. What keeps me going is similar to the vision Enos had in the Book of Mormon Enos 1:27

"27 And I soon go to the place of my ^arest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall ^brest. And I rejoice in the day when my ^cmortal shall put on ^dimmortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the ^emansions of my Father. Amen."

I probably only have 2 more weeks here in Bay City. I am going to give it everything I have. I love this work, and I love the Lord. Have a good week everyone!

I forgot to add another story. This week, Elder Clouse and I went out and took some fun pictures at night and now we have matching profile pics on Facebook. We are just built different

Elder Elliott