Sept 25-2011

This week went by super fast, just like every week. We had a lot of cool experiences, usually contacts we make in the street. I have been giving away a lot of Book of Mormons lately, people better read them ha ha. We were able to see Mr. Sebbar Monday, but he had too many things come up with this kids to be able to see him again this last week, we have a rendez-vous planned for tomorrow  and are going to call him to fix several others this week. He is just really stressed out lately, I know it will get better. We taught a man named Michel, I'm pretty sure I told you about him already. He is a 35 year old man, single with two boys. He loves his liberty, and is catholic at the base. However, the catholic church turns him off.... it's not like I haven't heard that one before! He says the priests aren't open to talk. He loves us, he tolds us he is proud to have two mormon friends ha ha. We have seen him three times now, every Wednesday. He wants to continue seeing us every Wednesday too, he loves the Book of Mormon and talking about it! He reads, and re-reads what we give him to understand better. He even told us, that his study of the Book of Mormon has helped him begin studying the bible the right way too. He is finding his faith again! It has been such a great experience teaching him. Elder Workman loves teaching him, he asked me the other day.. "Is it okay to have a favorite investigator?" ha ha. He is afraid of not loving all our investigators the same. It's good he has a favorite, it's always one of your first investigators that sets the tone for the rest of your mission. You want to help all your other investigators as much as you helped your favorite. That is just my point of view though. He told us he will come to general Conference this weekend too :) We taught Mr. Emmanuel Lissy this week too. Our recent convert, Jérôme was there so we taught the Word of Wisdom. Jérôme bore a strong testimony, and Mr. Lissy accepted the invitation to respect the W of W! He says he will do whatever he can to improve his health and relationship with God. He still says he is going to rest catholic, but the seed is growing ;) There was a funny moment in the lesson. Mr. Lissy told us that he thought coffee wasn't addictive.... I immediatley looked a Jérôme and he looked at me, and the expression on his face was priceless! He had the "Oh yes it is" look, and without hesitation picked up on the subject. Jérôme was drinking 3 liters of coffee each day... he thought he could quite at anytime and that it wasn't an addiction, but when he tried he slept all day for a week.... He found out he couldn't function without coffee. At first it was hard for him to quite, but now he has no problems with coffee, and he is never tired with the lack of coffee like before :) I promised him that with the companionship of the Holy Ghost, one day he would have no more problems.. oh how the Lord fulfills his servants promises! I have been thinking a lot lately about how I work, and teach the Gospel. Sometimes the people here don't listen, and it gets a bit frustrating. They put up a wall before we can even talk to them, and then when we try to share our message with them, they get mad because we "insist" too much. I can't blame them, with all the prosyliting that goes on from all the other churches, it can be probably annoying sometimes. For the most part, I don't get discouraged, but the other day I contacted a women and she frustrated me. She told me that the bible was all that she needed, and I guess that I just have been tired of hearing that phrase so I asked her if she really believed that the bible was perfect. She got all offended, and was like, " Are you really asking me if the word of God is perfect?" I tried to explain to her that men have changed a lot of things in the bible, just like Nephi said would happen in 1 Nephi 13. I realize now I insisted too much and the way I presented it was an attack to her faith.. the point I really wanted to make is that the Book of Mormon complements the bible, and brings us to a sure knowledge of docterine that isn't clear in the bible. Sometimes I feel like Alma," O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the ^atrump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people" I want for people to understand so badly because I know it is true! Situations like that one, are rare. I don't argue with people, I try to just leave them with my testimony and give them the choice. I know I can't attack their faith. I learn each and every day how to better show others that I respect their beliefs, and teach with love and Charity and the Spirit. I can't do anymore than accomplishing my missionary purpose.. Teach, testify, and invite. I know if I always have charity, I have accomplished my missionary purpose as well. Without Charity we are nothing. I did however, pray and fast to know what I should say and do to help others understand this principle in a better light... next morning I studied the bible and found scriptures that talk about double testimonies. ANSWER TO MY PRAYER!! St. John 8: 17-18, 31-32 is a great scripture to show that Jesus himself taught that we need two testimonies to know spiritual truths. In church we talked about how we need to B of M and Doctrine and Covenants, etc.. to completely understand Romans 8 as well. The Lord hears the cries of his servants and answers their prayers, I know that with all my heart! Ha, last night, we talked with a drunk couple. They asked us, "Do you want to get drunk with us tonight?", we resonded "nope" ha ha. Elder Workman got flipped off for the first time on Saturday too.... It was at point blank range too. We just laughed about it afterwards ha ha. It is sad, but to laugh it off seems to be a good remedy :) Hmmm... Well we are going to be getting new beds this week :) our mattresses are dead, I pretty much sleep in a whole ha ha. By the way my shoes are about dead too.... When it rains, my feet are soaked ha ha. The bottom is about to wear through.I think I'm going to look at some shoes today. The lest expsensive I have seen is about 69 Euros... I'll try my best to find the best quality that doesn't cost an arm and a leg ha ha. We will get to watch the general conference in english too :) COOL BEANS! Last monday I made cookies he he, I inluded a photo :) THey weren't too bad haha . I think that is such a blessing that you will be temple workers, I'm so proud of you!!!!! The Lord will make it possilbe that you have the strength to continue in all you have to do! I know you work work work!!!!I love you all!!! Ciao Ciao GROS BISOUS!!! Elder Dusty Petersen