Preparing Hearts and Minds

Haircut III

It's been a good week!!

Last 'P' day we hiked Stone Mountain (Hill) and brought along an investigator that the sister missionaries have been teaching for a while. He had a great time and will actually (hopefully) be baptized this Saturday. 

Wednesday was pretty awesome!! We found 3 more investigators, one of which we had an awesome restoration lesson with on Saturday. His name is Andre and he was actually prepared to see us. We showed up at 11 and it felt like he was waiting at the door. When we walked into his living room he had the Restoration pamphlet sitting on the (couch for your feet thing...I forgot what it was called) and he had questions for us already. I think he is the most prepared investigator we have ever had. 

Later that night we had dinner with the Baumgarts. It was great, especially when Brother Baumgart broke out his antique German officers book that he got on his mission. It is from 1930's and it talks all about Hitler, his campaign and his soldiers. All of them were supposed to be destroyed with Hitler, but Bro. Baumgart got ahold of one. Inside has 3D glasses so it feels like you are actually right there standing in front of Hitler, tanks, guns, etc. It is the coolest thing ever!!

For Thanksgiving we went to one of the craziest families in the ward's house. They are very fun and I love their guts, but sometimes I just don't know what to do in certain situations. When we were leaving they gave us a butt load of food!! Two big trays of just desserts, and another tray of reg. Thanksgiving food. They made so much dessert. I think Sister Darrington made like 150 cookies, 20 somethin pies, cake and a bunch of other stuff. It was crazy!!

After Thanksgiving we went down to Conyers so that we could have our exchange for Friday. It was really really great!! I went with ZL Elder Reading, he is one of the coolest guys ever!! We had a lot of success that night with tracting and lessons. Funny thing, he is actually going to be studying History (like me) at Utah State when he gets home so that he can be a teacher!! YESS! I finally met someone doing the same thing!!

Cool experience that happened with the exchange. At about 9 we went to Kroger to get something to eat and I saw a little old lady putting groceries in her car. 99.999999% of the time that we ask to help people out they just shoo us off. So there was a little bit of me that said don't go over to her (but that was obviously lucy telling me that) so we went over anyway. It turns out she was in a lot of pain and had a hole in her throat from smoking. When we got done helping her she gave me a big squeeze and told me how grateful she was. I am so grateful for the promptings of the spirit to lead us and guide us!! I hope to see that Lady again sometime. I know she will accept the gospel soon!

Sunday was a great day again...except for one thing that made both me and Elder Lusko pretty sad. So the kids that we have been teaching, Taosai and Elijah, were referred from our Bishop to the Twin Oaks Bishop. That was pretty confusing considering our Bishop already said it was okay to have them be in our Ward because they are just on the boundaries. Anyway, we got a call from the Twin oaks ZL's saying that they will probably be sending some Elders over to teach Taosai and Elijah from now on. And that they are going to be baptized in the Twin Oaks ward. Now, there is a couple things wrong with this. The Lopez family already went to the Twin Oaks ward but they didn't want to go there because it was just full of College students and Elderly. So they have been coming to our Ward (Family Ward) for 13 weeks now and they love it. So making them switch to that ward will make them lose all their fellow-shippers that they have had. And along with that, Ron already is pretty against the Church, so if there is a big mess and confusion, Ron will probably be even more against the Church. I know the ordinance is the most important part, but we also want to keep these kids active in the Gospel, and I know they won't be if they start out in a place where nobody is welcoming. Elder Lusko told me all about that ward so that's kinda where I am getting this information. I guess we will see what happens. Please pray for the Lopez family.

The scripture for this week actually comes from Elder Holland. 

"In any case, I am grateful to know that in spite of my imperfections, at least God is perfect--that at least He is, for example, able to love His enemies, because too often, due to the "natural man and woman" in us, you and I are sometimes that enemy....I am grateful that God is merciful and a peacemaker because I need mercy and the world needs peace."-Be Ye Therefore Perfect- Eventually

I this world of confusion and hatred, let us look towards Heaven for our peace. Love y'all!!

Elder Northrup

Grateful

Before I get into the week, I just want to say how grateful I am for my family and friends. I have thought a lot about yall the past week!! Getting into the holiday season brings back memories of Thanksgiving with the Fam and relatives. Chillin out with friends on the weekends. And most importantly watching Star Wars Rogue One last year. HAHA! I am grateful for all yall, but I am most grateful to be a missionary our Master Jesus Christ. This last week I have thought a lot about being a missionary, and how this is the only time that I get to be a 'all in' missionary. I get to spend the next 2 years only thinking about others, something that I will never get to experience again. I also have the next 2 years to be working the hardest ever. And I am grateful for that!!

Usually I bring my journal to the library every week because there is no way I can possibly remember everything that has happened with my memory...but I forgot it. So I guess we will see how this goes!

On Tuesday (I think) we decided to go around raking peoples yard instead of trying to just preach to them. So we got rakes and went right to work. Unfortunately the neighborhood that we chose wasn't the best one for this type of service. Everyone paid somebody to do their lawn care so they just kinda brushed us off. 

It was funny. We knocked on this one door and a man answered. Elder Lusko asked him how he was doing and he said, "I was doing good until I saw you guys." At first we thought he was joking until we saw that his face didn't move. So I kinda just said "well we would love to fix that for you by raking up your leaves." He just smiled and said he had someone that would do it for him. It is so funny with people sometimes, you never can tell what type of reaction you'll get knocking on a door. After walking away I was just laughing but when I looked at Elder Lusko he was just stunned. HAHA he can take things pretty personally some times!!! HAHA

On Thursday we had interviews with Pres. again, which was super weird. It has already been another transfer. Time just doesn't make sense....

I think the most important thing that happened this week was the test of faith that was given to us from our Father in Heaven. So usually it's pretty dangerous to be knocking on doors late at night anyway (sorry mom) but now that it is getting darker earlier, it makes it much much worse. 

So on Thursday we went tracting down a kinda crumby neighborhood at about 7, except it is pitch black outside. And within 30 minutes we found 4 new potential investigators. This was one of the most incredible things that had ever happened. Then the next day we did the same thing and we found 4 more within about an hour. Now to whoever doesn't think that is impressive, let me tell you that the Lord literally provided that for us. I have absolutely no doubt about that! 

Probably the funniest thing that happens when you knock doors at night is when the person opens the door and is relieved because they thought it was some creeper dude. Then you can always hear them put down whatever firearm they had in their hands on the nearest table. HAHA! I always think that is so funny!! 

We got a text from Steven Pollock last week which was great. He kinda went off the grid for almost two week so we didn't know what happened to him. It turns out that he had to go to the Hospital. If all yall could pray for him that would be splendid. 

We are still teaching Taosai and Elijah. They are progressing a ton, and I am so excited for them. So yesterday, Ron their dad, came to church. He is actually against the church and considers himself a non-member but he was there. One of our fellow-shippers was talking to him, and he told us that it seems like Ron wants to come back to church but feels like he would be judged if he actually did so. Please pray for him! 

 

So earlier this week we had heard the there was a Buddhist/Hindu temple super close to our apartment. We obviously had no idea because the tree's here block everything. So on Saturday we had a bunch of appointments fall through, but there wasn't enough time to do anything else (besides tracting which we did for a few hours) so we just took a little trip down to the Buddhist Temple thingy. When we found it we got out of the car and stood in front of it taking pictures. In the visitors building a little tiny asian man came out and started to stare for a full ten seconds. Sooo, we stared back. He then went inside, we heard him mutter some chinese, then we were surrounded by a bunch of asians. I guess they got excited to see two white boy Mormon missionaries standing in front of their temple. Maybe they felt it was their duty to convert us. One of the monks was just standing on the deck smirking at us. He must've though, "HAHA I got em'." LOL try again sometime!!! 

 We were actually able to go inside without paying an offering to the Buddha, which was nice. There was a lot of stuff in the one room so I asked the asian man what it all meant, but he couldn't really explain it. He said, "It's just really confusing, I can't explain it. You know what you need to do is look up a youtube video about it because it is too confusing for me to explain." HAHA! Talk about a blind faith/culture. When I asked him about these mini flag pole things he said that they were for the prayers to Budha. He said, "since you two didn't pay and offering to the Buddha, you can pray to him and that will be your offering." Ya, we got out of there as quickly as we could. I wasn't about to worship an idol. 

There is also a 7 headed dragon out in front of the Temple and when I asked about it he said that it protects the monk. And if any of you are familiar with Revelations, you know that the 7 headed dragon is Satan. So I guess good ol' lucy is in control of that place. AH well, I respect the culture and it was interesting, even though there was a bit of a weird feeling within. 

Another great thing that happened was we went to the Shaffers for dinner again...the master chef. He made us 30 somethin' dollar steaks and it was the most beautiful thing my mortal eyes have ever behold. I actually took a picture of it before my mouth began the massacre of a lifetime. 

 Anyway, that was my week. 

Scripture:

Alma 48:

17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.

Let us be like unto Moroni. He is the man!! Amen!

Love yall!! Have a great Thanksgiving!! 

Elder Northrup

The Holy Spirit Guides

 repping Lone Peak Ultimate

Well, I am basically better now. Just have a minor cough that is getting better. 

Last 'P' day we went down to Conyers again to play chair soccer with them and the Zone leaders. I love chair soccer so much!! It's actually quite dangerous at times, a lot of people have been injured badly. One guy actually tore his ACL ( I think) and he had to go home for a while. I don't know why it isn't banned....well I do actually. It's because its pretty much the funnest game ever. It was so funny, my comp actually kicked his old comp in the head last time we were playing. It gets pretty rough with all of us missionaries. Also, basically every 'P' day we go to Chick Fil-A!! Whenever we do we get the same waitress every time. She is the cooliest lady. Her name is Lisa and she is one of the kindest ladies I have ever met. We gave her a large tip for her services and also got a picture with her!! 

Lisa from Chick-Fil-A

On Wednesday the traveling trainers came up to Snellville and it was a party. They did exchanges with the Snellville Elders and by the end of the day they had a lot of success. As a going away present Elder Bay we went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. It is so good to have juicy steak again!! AHHH I love it!!

Thursday was our bike day!! After being sick, I have never been so excited for pain ever before. One unfortunate thing about Georgia is that it is very hilly. Very hilly! So after about 1 1/2 hours of riding you are just completely wore out. But for some reason I had some extra stamina left over. Most of the day we just visited older potentials and some members. 

Friday was a day of service. We usually have a service project that we work on every week with the other Elders, but Friday was a full day thing!! It was so great!! We started off at the horse ranch, rebuilding their fence posts and wiring for the goats pen. Afterwards we went to an older Lady's house to help with remodeling. There were a lot of non-members there, so it was a great experience introducing who we were as representatives of Jesus Christ and his church. After that, we went to a member named Doyle's house to help him put up his Christmas decorations. Now if there are 2 things that Doyle is extremely passionate about, it is Christmas and Star Wars!! When we got done helping with the decor, he showed us his Star Wars room!! Holy Freaking Cow!! That man puts me to shame!! HAHA! I'll try to upload some pictures that I took of it!! He also let me sign his storm-trooper helmet that he had all the other missionaries sign. What an honor that was!!

 

 

STAR WARS room (I had that ship)  Helmet that I got to sign for Doyle.

On Saturday we met with Pres. Austin again!! He is such a good guy, I always learn so much from him. The meeting that we go to at his house is pretty much a mish-titute class. Its purpose it to make better missionaries out of ourselves. I have felt myself improve a ton just from him. When that got done we went to the Shaffers house for breakfast institute. We had biscuits and gravy, and I am pretty sure I put on 5 lbs then and there. Whoo!!! 

We also helped a lady set up her yard sale. She is moving to Argentina to live with her daughter very soon. She is a sweet lady. She just lost her son that was living with her not too long ago, we were grateful to be able to lighten her load as much as we could.

Taosai and Elijah are on date to be baptized on December 2nd. They went to the temple on Saturday and their non-member dad went with them too. I get the feeling that Ron (their dad) wants to come back to church, but he probably feels like people will judge him if he does. We'll we hopefully be able to figure that out!!

 

 Taosai and Elijah at the temple

 

And now for the title! We had the cool experience to meet with Daina again yesterday evening. I think I mentioned him from last email. If you would like the full story check the post that I made most recently on Facebook! 

Basically we talked for 1 1/2 hours and it was incredible. He has such a special spirit about him and I am so glad we were able to meet him. We know that he felt the spirit very strong last night so now all we are doing is waiting. We will definitely go back to see him soon, but both me and Elder Lusko felt if we wait he will want that same spirit back into his life. The spirit was so strong I began to cry. I can't tell y'all the love that can be felt for complete strangers. If you see them as God see's them, you begin to love them and want the best for them. I know how much the Gospel can bless Daina's life and I hope that he will accept the call according to God's will. 

Scripture for the week!! 

Alma 42:

22 But there is a law given, a punishment affixed, a repentance granted;

I'm not quite sure why I picked this scripture, but as I have been studying the Atonement this scripture keeps coming to mind. This scripture shows a simple truth of the Gospel. That repentance will ALWAYS be granted. 

Love y'all!!

Elder Northrup

 

  Guy on a marriage card in a member's home that looks like me from the side! HAHA

Facebook Post - Miracle Moment

Miracle Moment:

A few weeks ago while tracting down the street late at night we came across a man named Daina. Upon meeting him we almost instantly recognized his great faith and love for our Savior. We stayed in contact over the last couple weeks (during the time that I was sick) but it wasn't until tonight that we were finally able to meet with him again.

We started talking to him around 7:30 and we just barely got back at 9:07. Early in the conversation he asked us questions about our church, mostly conspiracy theory type stuff. But as we got deeper into the night, the presence of the spirit was felt stronger and stronger by all of us.

We got to a point in the conversation where he began to talk about music and how he feels the spirit strongly through it. That immediately made me think of this 'Because of Him' video....so we watched it because we can now with smart phones. He thought it was incredible and he actually teared up a bit. It's amazing how the spirit works through investigators, no matter how big and tough they are like Daina.

It is my testimony that having this technology as a missionary was inspired through brethren of the church from Christ. To help bring the work farther, faster. I love this work and I love being a missionary! It's an honor and a privilege.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S3TI4bYerU (Here is the link to the video)

After a long day of biking in the new cold weather, and knocking on doors, we are waiting to be picked up to enjoy dinner with a great member of the ward! We aren't just thinking about dinner, we got to meet many great and interesting people along the way. We now have a friendship with the minister of his own church and we spoke about ways we could help out in the community through service opportunity.

Every Soul is Great!

 Georgia Temple

We had our Zone/Phone Conference last Wednesday along with a Temple Trip. Basically the whole conference was based around 'not being stupid on the phones.' It's going to be a bit rough trying to figure out our planner app, it seems really confusing but I know when we do that it will be a blessing. Pres. Austin (Counselor in the Mission Presidency) was talking about how the phones right now will mostly be used for planting seeds rather than gathering the wheat...right now. There are a lot of tools that we use right now that will help all the missionaries that will be coming into the area, but again it is just hard to get around that learning curve. We'll figure that out. 

The Temple was obviously the best part of the conference. It was so good to be in that Temple in the beautiful Celestial room with all the other missionaries and the mission President. What a blessing it is to have a House of the Lord here on the earth. It is amazing!!

When we were heading back from zc Elder Bay wanted to visit some of his families that he loved in his area that was close by. So because he is leaving in a month we decided to do it. It was so cool, one of the little kids that we met was named Liam, and I think he actually looks quite a lot like my brother. That was pretty funny!! I got a picture of him so that I could send it...

After that we had dinner with the Shaffers who work with the mission as well. Holy cow, Brother Shaffer is one of the funniest people I have ever met. It's like a weird mix of my dad and one of his friends Todd Hinckley. It is so great!! 

On Friday we spent the day checking up on people through the area book so that we could add them into the new phones. One family that we met had a couple little kids that I played some football with. They are some cool kids. Man I am so grateful for where I live now. I mean they were living in some bad conditions but that wasn't even considered the inner slums of Atlanta. Man, I am so blessed...

A lesson that I learned this week was that you can never judge someone from what they look like on the outside. When me and Elder Lusko were tracting late into the night we found a guy named Daina. It was kinda awkward because we were in a slummish area at night and when we were walking up to his door we saw him standing outside of his garage smoking. Now this guy is a bigger guy, got a big white scruffy beard...I honestly thought he was gonna start cussing at us, maybe even throw something at us. But when we walked up he invited us over and we had a nice talk for probably 20 minutes. We talked about his work, his beliefs,etc. At the end we asked if he would like to meet with us and he agreed. Holy Crap!! Who knows what would've happened if we just decided to move along. I am so happy that the Lord challenges us in these ways. Challenges our faith and our courage. I was literally changed as we walked away from his door that night!

This weeks scripture is in Alma 18. Ammon just barely saved the King's flock and now the King wants to praise him for being the Great Spirit. One really small thing that I had never noticed before was that as soon as Ammon walked in the room, he knew Lamoni was just going to praise him so he "was about to return out of His presence." Ammon being filled with the spirit "could perceive the thoughts of the King" and because of his great humility he tried to get himself out of being glorified. I think that is so incredible. Even just the smallest of scriptures can mean so much to us/me. I love the scriptures. 

Keep reading the Book of Mormon, it will give you power to speak "with the tongue of Angels." (2 Nephi 32:2-3)

Love yall, have a great week!!!

Elder Northrup

PS: From Karter's Facebook page, read the following post by Chelsey Clark

I was so blessed today by strangers. With all the sadness in our world lately it lifts your spirits to see random acts of kindness.

We arrived back to our bus after 22 hrs of flights and layovers from Hawaii. It’s been a crazy nonstop day of unpacking and reorganizing and getting the bus ready for a our next several days of the End The Trend tour. Plus keeping 6 children fed and alive. 😜 In all the hustle I must have set my new iphone 8 plus on the car hood while Josh and I hitched it up to tow then later having to unhitch because of a jam. Somewhere along the road to our event it fell on the street. These amazing young men found it and right at that time Josh was calling me and they answered in hopes to find the owner! I didn’t even realize I had lost it!!! 

No scratches and still in perfect condition!

They kindly met me after the event even though it was extremely late! Thank you Elder Nick Bay

and Elder Karter Golden Northrup for blessing me with your act of kindness. You saved the day as well as tons of time and money for me! The world needs more honest young men like you. It was such a pleasure to meet you both. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

Liam of Georgia

So Yeah!

Kinda Genius!