The Savior

Well, Elder Lusko was still sick this entire week so not a lot of Missionary work was accomplished! But some things that did happen this week were straight miracles and nothing less!

I did a lot of exchanges this week! It kinda felt weird to take over our area knowing that I was still a greeny, but it was a fun and good experience nonetheless! Our first pit stop was an older Jamaican Lady named Genaveve! She is so sweet and she is also really open to religion. She is very knowledgeable in the Bible, but when we explained the Book of Mormon to her, she said it just made sense. We ended up giving her one and set an appointment for the week after (thinking Elder Lusko would be well by then). The appointment is tomorrow and Elder Lusko is still in bad shape. Please pray for him to get better. 

A lot of this week has been me digging into deep doctrine, preparing for lessons, and watching the approved missionary movies. In one of the movies there was a quote from Elder Neal A. Maxwell that said, "Consecration is the only surrender which is also a victory." This quote really deepened my understanding of what I need to do to be a 'Consecrated Missionary.' This has been my Mission President's theme for the last couple years, and I finally understand why now! 

During one such exchange last week we were in Snellville knocking doors when we found a Catholic Lady's house! When she opened the door she immediately started to bear her testimony of Christ! That was pretty surprising! When she got done she looked at us and said, "What time do you guys wake up to pray to Jesus." Without even being able to finish our answer she blurted out, "I wake up at 2AM every morning to pray to Jesus, because He is my everything." I really respect her for that even though it was pretty prideful. Good thing she was looking at Elder Skinner because I was about to burst out laughing. The whole confrontation was so spontaneous and unexpected that I couldn't help it! She was pretty much challenging us on how much we love Jesus Christ! HAHA It was great!

I have found that every missionary has their own way of starting a conversation with people, and I have found that my own thing is asking people to share their testimonies of Christ/of their faith. Not only because it pat's their ego, but because it builds off common ground. Most times whenever I ask someone to share their own testimony, I can find something within that I can relate with. I have also found that most Jehovah Witness' aren't able to bear testimony of their faith. And a lot of times that is because they grew up in the J-dubz (J.W.) faith so it is more of tradition to stay than actual belief. That's just how it is in Georgia at least! 

Actually, funny story about J-dubz! As a missionary in Georgia, it is almost like receiving a trophy if you are able to get a Jehovah Witness: New World Translation Bible. Everybody wants one, although I'm not exactly sure why! Me and Elder Ross were tracting a higher class neighborhood when we reached a J-dubz home! A man answered the door so we explained that we were missionaries and representatives for Jesus Christ, then we began to explain the Book of Mormon and it's importance. When we got done, we offered him one but he declined. He proceeded to tell us that he was apart of the Jehovah Witness church and that he couldn't receive such material (or they would be excommunicated). I then asked him if he would share his beliefs with us, but instead he just explained how he grew up in the faith and didn't actually know a ton about the religion. Right before we were going to part ways, I remembered that I wanted one of their Bibles, so I asked him for one. He then invited us into his home, and while we sat at his front door he went upstairs to scavenge one. The whole time we were at the front door, Elder Ross was just laughing and face-palming. He couldn't believe that I actually did that! But it worked!!! I got one!! And it is super weird too!! My own little nick knack that I get to bring home!!

 

 

We taught Tausai and Elijah again this week! It was a really good lesson! And It was the first lesson that I had to lead since Elder Lusko was still sick! The spirit was so strong! Nearing the end of the lesson we asked them if they would be baptized. Tausai said he needed to think about it, and Elijah said he was all in! I think Tausai's dad is influencing his decision to think about it rather than him feeling like he needs to. But we will see what happens!  The funniest thing that happened that day was Elijah's prayer in the lesson. As he was praying he said, "I'm glad the missionaries didn't teach us a lesson of you"..........*long pause for effect*........."with broken arms and legs!!" HAHA that was great! Basically Georgia drivers are the worst, super scary! And that's why he said that!

Now for the meaning behind the title of this letter. Like I said previously, this week has been a lot of personal study, and soul searching for that matter! This whole week I have felt a strong spirit as I have been studying His word but yesterday was definitely the strongest! I was listening to the conversion story of Bill Carpenter....again! As I listened to his final remarks he said "one thing we all need to know is that our decision to serve or not to serve affects the salvation of other people. That when the Lord chooses a missionary he just doesn't say 'well the North Carolina Mission' needs missionaries, or the 'Utah Salt lake City South Mission' needs missionaries or the 'Iowa des moine' mission needs missionaries. He matches your personality, your talents, your gifts with certain people that preside in that mission so that their lives can be touched....It's not happenstance, it's inspiration. The greatest opportunity we have, I believe in this life, is to share the message of the Gospel." That statement struck me to the point that I was on the verge of tears! I am so very grateful for my Savior, and for the opportunity to have been able to grow up in the Gospel. And also to go out and share this beautiful message with His children. It is such a blessing and a privilege. I know that our decision to serve will affect generations, and the same can be applied if we don't serve. 

I love y'all! Have a fun week!

Elder Northrup

p.s.

I can play the Ukulele!! (Kinda)