Actually I lost my umbrella when I left Jasper. But it is all good-I either just ignore the rain or my raincoat does a fine job. No need for an umbrella.
So let us start with the weeks recap. On Tuesday we had dinner with the Sopers: they usually feed us on Fridays, but they felt bad that no one was signed up to feed us, so they signed up twice this week. No complaints here, they cook really well. But also at dinner was Brother Sopers long time friend T__ and his family. Bro Soper had talked about T__ before, nothing too serious, but we got to meet him. Cool.
However, when we saw the Sopers at the church on Wednesday, they told us that after years and years of Bro Soper telling T__ about the church, he had finally asked about it. Asked Sis Soper, ironically, but he had shown interest.
Friday night was our other dinner with the Sopers. As it was also his game night, he had friends coming over after we left. Just before we walked out, T__ came over. Bro Soper jokingly said he should have us missionaries over, he said yes, we planned for the next day.
Zip zip fast forward to Saturday, we met with T__. We talked a little about what he knew about the church, and then he asked us to just give the speech we give to everyone else. So into the Restoration we went. He was very engaged and understood what we were teaching. Wasn't converted by the conversation, but agreed to read and pray about the Book of Mormon, and that is where true conversion comes. So that was very cool, very cool indeed. He wasn't able to make it to church this Sunday because of family things, but he should be there next week.
Speaking of making it to church, of the four people we thought we would get there we only managed to get one. But M__ did come! It has been an incredible journey watching M__ progress. The first time we met with him, there truly felt like there was a bad spirit in his apartment. We met with him for our regular lesson on Friday. He was meek, and during his prayer at the end the Spirit was truly there. Sure, he still asks questions about the Mark of The Beast and Nimrod, and references Greek Mythology and conspiracy theories, but truly a marvelous change has already come upon him. We went over the Baptismal interview questions, and for maybe the first time, it felt that he truly was going to be able to qualify. The whole experience has served to strengthen my faith in the converting power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is something I have been focusing on.
Another big development this week: so, my first week in Cleveland we met this very nice chap named O__. He was very humble, talked about how over the last year he had changed his life because of Jesus Christ. I felt a kinship and a love for O__, I was excited to share the gospel with him. But he wasn't there at our return appointment. Or the next time we stopped by. We couldn't catch him on the phone and he didn't respond to texts. I mean, what did we have to do to find this guy? So it had been two months, and we were just about ready to give up, drop him, and let some future missionaries at find him. And then we went past his house just to see...light?! There hadn't been lights on in two months! So we went and knocked, and lo, a male's voice! And then O__ comes to the door. He invites us right in, and when we ask about what we had discussed two months ago, he actually remembered a good bit. We went over the restoration again with him, and while he shared that he was happy and comfortable with where he was at, he would read and pray and do whatever God wanted him to. And set up a return appointment for Friday. And when we went by Friday with Bro Resendez, he was there! He only had a couple of.minutes, but we read from Alma 32 and talked about growing and nurturing our faith. Super awesome experience.
Church also went very well, I was grateful for the opportunity to fast and partake of the spirit. I definitely felt the presence and love of my Heavenly Father.
Well, that is pretty good on my week. As always, send us any questions you have if you want to hear more!
Love,
Elder DeFord
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