"YOU'RE GOING TO MISS THIS"

WOWZERS!! WHAT A WEEK!!!!

Last Wednesday we had a great exchange with the ZL's, I went with Elder Tuttle!! It was a good time and I learned a lot from him!! We also had a cool experience that night when we were walking out of our apartment complex. We saw a lady packing up here car so we went over and talked to her. We got into a really deep conversation about the Gospel and she actually didn't believe in the Trinity (being one God)!!! AAHHH!!! I am so thankful for that, this doesn't happen very often!! That was a miracle in and of itself!!

Elders Tuttle and Kerren (ZL's)

Early on Thursday morning we had a lesson with a guy named Lem that we found weeks ago!! The spirit was very strong and it turns out that he didn't believe that the Trinity (being one God) was true either!! WOW, lightning strikes again!! The spirit was very strong in that lesson!!

That night we helped Brother Page in the Ward move his Exercise equipment cage thingy!! I swear I ruined by back after that but it was worth it!! They are the best family!!

Friday was MY 6 MONTH MARK BABY!!!!!! Crazy how time flies!! We had a really cool miracle that day as well!! While we were biking we kinda sorta passed this lady that was walking on the Sidewalk. After I peddled a bit, the voice came to me to go back and talk to her. As we were talking we found out that she happened to be the girlfriend of one of our potential investigators that we had found. She was so ecstatic and asked if we would come by and share a message with them!! Even if nothing happens with this girl, that was still a miracle and we know it!!

That night I got to burn a tie in honor of 6 months in the Mission!! It was a good time and I got a video of it!!

Saturday was a LIT time!! HAHA JK!! In the Afternoonish we followed up with an older investigator named Gary!! It was actually a great time!! It was one of the few times when I said to myself, "yep I am in the South." He was letting a guy named Xander and his girlfiend live with him because they were homeless. We got talking for a while about the Book of Mormon and why we had it!! It was awesome!! Then afterwards, Xander hit us up with some Guitar jams!! Most of which were songs I had on my Spotify Playlist back home, so I kinda felt like I was breaking some sort of White Bible Law, but it was awesome nonetheless!!

That night we got Transfer calls!! I will be transferred this upcoming Wednesday and Elder Braun will be staying in the Area!! It was a very sad time saying goodbye to the members of the Centerville Ward! I have been serving with them for a quarter of my mission and now it has finally come to an end!! Many of the members expressed that they were sad to see me leave, but I am just glad that I was able to establish a bond and friendship with these wonderful peep's!!

Bro. Wardle (ward mission leader)

Also on Sunday, Jody came to church and he loved it!! He said he felt like it was where he belonged!! Like the ward was his own family!! I hope he gets baptized in the coming weeks!!

Scripture for this week is similar to the scripture for last week...

1 Nephi 19

22 Now it came to pass that I, Nephi, did teach my brethren these things; and it came to pass that I did read many things to them, which were engraven upon the plates of brass, that they might know concerning the doings of the Lord in other lands, among people of old.

23 And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.

I have found that my scripture study is much more profitable when I try to liken the words of the prophets to myself!! My challenge for all y'all is to read 1 chapter in the Book of Mormon and pray to be able to 'liken' it to yourself!!

-Godspeed

Elder Northrup

"The Power of Everyday Missionaries"

Elders Stephens, Skinner, Braun and yours truly

Sorry for not emailing yesterday, or PDAY was switched to today because of Presidents day!!

This week has been pretty aight!! Haha just kidding, its definitely been a hardworking and enjoyable week of Missionary work!!

Tuesday was a very interesting day. We will start off with the cool experiences before we get to the weird ones. There have been too many cool experiences to name one right off the bat, but I think the most important thing that we have been doing is talking to everyone. That is something that I definitely needed improvement on, and Elder Dorioux helped me with that!! There are always miracles when we put forth the effort to talk to everyone.

Now we will get to the weird stuff. We were supposed to have 4 teaching appointments back to back with investigators but the 2 people that we were really needing to teach dropped their appointments. So instead we went to the other 2 lessons and had a.....good time?!? The first guy we met with was Bipolar and we didn't know that at the start. His mind was going 1 million miles per hour and we were just there for the ride. Basically he spilled the beans hard and we didn't really know what to do but listen. When he got done we chimed in and started to teach about the Restoration but when got 5 minutes in, he switched on us and told us we needed to leave. So we went on to the next appointment. This guy I just didn't feel comfortable with at all. As soon as we walked in his house there came a weird feeling into my heart. Not a feeling of danger but a feeling of darkness. We ended up teaching about the Book of Mormon for a few minutes just to say that we did, then we got the heck out of there. He said he would like us back buuuuuut I think I will let Elder Braun decide on that one when I am long gone. 

Wednesday was incredible!! Up to this point we had been seeing Jody (from last Sunday) just about everywhere!! Just on Tuesday we gave him a Book of Mormon and by Wednesday Morning we got an email from him (because he doesn't have a phone so he has to use the computers) saying that he had a spiritual experience with the Book of Mormon. It turns out that day that we gave it to him, he went home so that he could have enough daylight to read it. He read up to 2 Nephi and fell asleep. He said he dreamed that a 

"man in a white robe came to him and handed him a Book that was bound by rings, and the man told him that he needed to read it." When Jody woke up, he immediately started reading the Book of Mormon again. He said the Book has already answered many of His questions and he already knows that it is true, that was so powerful!!

Friday was many much service day. We went to the Horse Ranch for a couple hours, then we went to help Brother Watkins fix his motor wheelchair, then we chopped wood with Kevin Anthony. We did all of this and by the time we were done it was about 5pm. That night we also followed up with a referral that a member gave us and we have an appointment this coming Thursday!! So so exciting!!

That night we also visited the Page Family in our Ward. Man, I love going to families that have little kids because they always peak through the window and when they see us they just are overjoyed. When we knocked on the Pages door, their little kid named William threw open the door and yelled, "the missionavies" while giving me the biggest squeeze on my leg!! I love our members!!

Saturday we finally had another lesson with our Progressing Investigator Jeremy Patrick Lacy!! We taught about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the spirit was very strong. At the end it felt like we needed to extend the invitation for baptism. He said that he wanted to gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon before he commits to baptism. He said that he saw the love that we had for Jesus Christ and for the work that we were doing, and seeing that wanted to have that same love for the Book of Mormon. Much respect for that man!!

Sunday we had a lesson with another referral named Amanda!! She is the girlfriend of one of the members in the ward and she expressed that she really would like to be baptized. But we ran into some difficulties. She wanted to be baptized because she saw how great the community of 'Mormons' was and wanted to be apart of it. We expressed to her that baptism was more than just being dunked to join a Church, but instead it was a lifestyle change, a change of nature. She also was having a hard time believing in the Book of Mormon. The way she put it was, "I just can't find myself believing in a Book that was written by a man thousands of years ago." This made it clear that she didn't really know much about what the Bible was about either, let alone the Book of Mormon and it's history. So we committed her to read, ponder and pray about the Book to know for herself. We will see how that goes!! 

Later that night the ward had a missionary fireside for all of the youth. At the start us and the sisters gave a little training/role-play on the Restoration lesson, then the youth were split up into companionship's and were shipped off to different ward members houses to role play with them. It was such a great idea!!

And finally to the title of the email. Our mission has really been pushing working with members more effectively and over the Christmas Zone Conference the Foote's gave everyone a copy of the book, "The Power of Everyday Missionaries." This book shows the importance of member missionary work and gives many examples of how to share the gospel in a non awkward sort of way. Just in the past few weeks as we have been applying the principles from this Book into our missionary work we have been strengthened. The Lord is hastening His work, but in order to do our part we ALL have to work together. Not just the Full-Time missionaries!! I challenge all of you to buy this Book to study over in your families!! It really is a blessing and all of the proceeds go to the Missionary fund. 

Prophets have told us countless times to liken the scriptures unto ourselves. While I was going through my Book of Mormon to see what things I had marked while I was studying I came across Jacob 1:18-19. Initially this is talking about Jacob and Joseph but I switched the names around so that it could apply to me personally!

18 For I, (ELDER NORTHRUP), and my brother (ELDER LUSKO) had been consecrated priests and teachers of this people, by the hand of (PRESIDENT FOOTE).

19 And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day.

What a privilege it is to be a missionary at this wonderful time!

God Speed-

Elder Northrup

This is Elder and Sister Collins serving in my mission. They are actually the parents of a family that my brother Reg served with in the Rainier in Washington. Cool Stuff!!

2nd Chances

Kevin Anthony and his son William

Before starting off the week, I just want to say how thankful I am for everyone that has emailed me about their mission calls. It is such a wonderful thing to hear all y'all have the desire to go out and serve the Lord!! Thank you!!

A lot has happened so hopefully this doesn't drag on too long!!

I had forgotten to say this, but a few Sundays ago our ward mission leader was teaching Gospel Principles. The lesson was incredible. We were initially talking about Agency, but towards the end he said that he knew there was a special reason for me to be out here in the Georgia Atlanta Mission. That statement didn't apply to the lesson whatsoever, but I knew it was from the spirit because at that time our missionary work was really struggling. It was hard to see my purpose as a missionary, but because of that one statement I felt re-energized!! God is Powerful!!

PDAY was pretty coolio!! We went down to Conyers and did same old same old Chair soccer, sports, etc. Later that day, me and Elder Braun were trying to figure out where to go finding. We both had the desire to tract down a street near our complex. When we did so we found 3 people. 1 of the 3 we have followed up with and have had some great lessons. I have gained a testimony of the power of prayer and how it should be used properly. Many times before going out to perform a labor we would pray for guidance and set to out to go do something. But this time, after we prayed we both sat there thinking about where we should go. I know the spirit leads and guides us as we seek His inspiration.

Tuesday we taught the Restoration to Jeremy with our team-up Isaac Sheets!! The first time we taught the Resto was on His doorstep when we first met him, so we felt the need to go over it again. The spirit was present and the lesson went great!! Please pray for him!!

Wednesday was an interesting day to say the least. It was raining really hard so we decided biking probably wouldn't be the best option. We started walking to our appointment and about 30 minutes in we came across a drunk guy on the side of the road. He was carrying a 12 pack of Corona Light in his jacket just weeping, and completely soaked by the rain. We decided to walk the guy home and just cancel the appointment. While walking we flagged down a good Samaritan that was able to give us a ride to his house. The guy was actually on his way to college as well, what a man!! 

After the drunk man thing, we still had time to get to our appointment that we had with Hilaria. When we got over there she was so happy to see us. We had found her last December but she went out of the country shortly after and didn't get back until just barely. We retaught the Resto and she loved it, she even said she had believed all of her life that Jesus Christ and God the Father were separate. WHOOHOO!! We also noticed that she had a bit of trouble understanding us (being more affluent in Spanish) so after the meeting we referred her to the Spanish Elders. It sounds like it is going really well and she should be baptized very soon!!

Interviews with Pres. and Sister Foote were on Thursday. That was a good time, I love them to death!!

We had exchanges with the TT's on Friday and I went with Elder Derioux. He is from France and is one of my favorite people. He was good friends with Elder Bay before he left, so we were able to talk about him as well. There was one point in our exchange that just cracked me up. While we were outside the Library we came across a guy named Ashton that was pretty sad because his mom called him dumb or something like that. He was willing to listen to our message so we shared the Plan of Salvation right then and there. It was all going really well until he asked me "do you believe in space?" We won't get too into details but basically where he was going with that was he wanted to convince us that the World was flat. He got really into it and kinda started to attack us, that was a weird experience. HAHA while we were biking away Elder Derioux said, "Wow, I can understand why his mom called him dumb." HAHA that was kinda mean, but I laughed. I laughed hard!!

On Saturday the Snellville Sisters had a Baptism for their two investigators Kristen and Carter. The whole story about how they were found is quite remarkable but I will try to make it as short as I can because I know this letter is dragging....

Kristen felt sad. She wanted a church. An LDS friend sent her a message on facebook. She met up with the friend. They ended up dating. She moved into the Snellville ward. She attended relief society and talked to the Sisters. She was baptized along with her son. The end!!

After the baptism we went to do service for Kevin Anthony splitting wood and building a wood holder thingy. It was a good time!! 

Sunday we got a referral from a member about her soon to be daughter in law. She wanted to be taught and baptized. Right now I am kinda feeling that she is wanting for the wrong reasons, but I guess we will just have to see in the coming weeks. 

Now, to the title of the email. Last night we were trying to figure out where to go finding. For some reason I felt we should really go to Walmart. This is quite unusual because little to no success is found in store contacting with Elders in Georgia. But we went nonetheless. When we got to the front of the store we saw a white dude just chilling on a bench. When we went up to talk to him he was excited to see us, "For the First time in Forever!!"His name is Jody. We really hit it off with him and had a great conversation. He then began to explain everything that he was going through. His wife died last January on his birthday, he has cancer in 3 parts of his body, he is losing his home at the end of the month and he has no job because they fired him from not being able to show up (cancer treatments), also he hasn't eaten in 3 days along with his passed wife's dogs and cats. At the moment he said he was ready to give up, that there was no point for him anymore. He only had one family member still alive, that being his brother who was in and out of jail. He said he was there because he was able to find 1 more dollar and some coinage in his couch to pay for some old bread and cat food. In a nutshell, this guy was going through more than anyone else that I had ever met before (besides Christ). He then mentioned that he had seen us behind the library on the benches by the lake a few weeks prior. Now, a little rewind. That day me and Elder Braun were trying to decide where to go for our studying. We ended up going to the lake behind the library and while we were there I saw a guy strolling past the lake. I felt the impression to go talk to him multiple times, but I kept pushing it away saying to myself that I was supposed to study. We left that day not thinking to much about the guy walking around the lake. It wasn't until last night that I found out that the same man was Jody, and that impression that I had, that didn't heed was the Holy Spirit. Now, back to last night. We continued to talk to him until he decided he needed to walk back to his house. As he left all I could hear was the spirit tell me to pull out my wallet and give the cash to him. But every time that impression came, I pushed it away saying to myself we weren't allowed to give money. This happened many times until it got to the point where the Spirit basically said, "you prayed for my power, now exercise your faith." We ran full sprint to catch up to Jody, and I gave him everything that I had. The expression on his face when he received the money will be engraved within my memory for the rest of my life. It changed me. He immediately started to weep and gave me the warmest hug. I can only feel love for that man. This was a big learning lesson for myself. But in the end I am grateful that the Lord gave me a 2nd chance to Act. 

I encourage all of you to heed to the promptings of the spirit, especially the first time. 

Love yall

Elder Northrup

 

Funny Sign

 

A Fast & Testimony Meeting Miracle!!

From the beginning as always....

We were supposed to have many a lessons this week, but do to poor communication on both sides of the spectrum, most of them got cancelled. 

Last Tuesday while me and Elder Braun were tracting we came across another guy that was interested in our message. His name was Brian. He immediately let us in, and we were able to give him the Restoration lesson. He accepted a Book of Mormon and said he would read it. A few days later we got a text from him saying that he would like a better understanding of the Bible before he added anything. When I first read that I got pretty sad, but then I realized that just the single teaching opportunity was a miracle in and of itself. So grateful for that!!

Wednesday was just a really weird day. We found 4 people that were just wack. I mean that is probably mean to say, but all of them were a little too accepting of the Book of Mormon and our message. Usually that means that they want to Bash, also there was just a weird feeling around them. So I guess that was cool.

Later that night we had dinner with the Welch's, one of my favorite couples in the Ward. At one point they were talking about how their Grandson was getting home from his mission in Taiwan Taipei. I said "wow, that's so cool my cousin is there right now." Then I suddenly remembered what Elder Thayne had said in his last letter, that "Elder Welch would be leaving and that it was really sad," or something like that!! I ended up showing them a picture that my cousin had sent out that had their grandson in it. AHHH that is so cool!! What a small world!! Connections across the church are the best!! 

Thursday we got a call early in the morning from a member who is crippled and in a wheelchair. He needed us to come over and help him into his car so that he could go to the bank. It kinda blew our entire schedule out, but it was great to be able to serve him for a few hours. While we were coming back Elder Braun's tire blew out so we spent the majority of the day walking back to where we needed to be. 

Friday we went to the Horse Ranch to do some more service. So that was pretty normal. Afterwards we had a Skype lesson with Jeremy (the guy that we found last Saturday) about the Plan of Salvation. It went well!! He also said that he would come to church that Sunday, and he did!! Woohoo

After that we went and chopped some wood for Kevin Anthony (investigator for a little over a year now). He really likes the Elders, so often times we are able to go over and have a lesson w/service. 

Saturday we had a bash session....a hard bash session. I was really praying and hoping that this guy didn't want to bash, but sure enough that's all he wanted to do. We kept trying to implement the lesson into the discussion but he would just look for the little things we would say and 'over rule us.' I was getting pretty impatient, especially at one point where he was mixing up the Holy Ghost and the Priesthood. He wouldn't accept the fact that they are different although they work hand in hand. There comes a point in each bashing session where if the person isn't listening to you or the spirit, it's time to just have at 'em. It's always fun asking trinity questions because they always answer in some weird way. Every answer is different when it comes to those questions. This brings me to one great conclusion. I love the Church because all the doctrines and principles of this Gospel are the same yesterday, today and forever. They never change, nor will they ever. Also, truth doesn't change or at least shouldn't change from person to person. So I guess there is a blessing from all the bashing. Good stuff to learn...

Now, we finally get to the miracle of our Sacrament meeting from yesterday!! I already said this earlier, but yes, Jeremy came to church and it was awesome!! He was asking great questions, and we were able to provide those answers!! He also went up and bore His testimony about Christ!! It was so awesome to see!! He is so awesome!! Also, 2/3 of our other investigators who haven't been coming lately because of some issues came and bore their testimonies as well!! I went up with the 2 (Kevin Anthony and his son William). They both bore sweet testimonies about the majesty and power of Jesus Christ. That was the first time either of them had ever born their testimonies, and it was nearly a year ago that both of them had no faith in a God and didn't believe that He was there. I was able to bare my testimony after them on the Book of Mormon, Moroni 8:16. My favorite line from this verse is the last part...

16 Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority from God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear.

This made me think of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. The Savior must've had fear of going through all of that pain, but because of the PERFECT LOVE that He had for each and everyone of us, he was able to cast it out of himself. Amen!!

Also, I finished studying the Book of Mormon for the first time on my mission. It means so much more to me now!! I love it!!

love y'all, have a great week!!

Elder Northrup

When you are desperate to lock the bike!

Angel Security... I need this on our door!  

I have Munchkin, Reggie!