D&C 50

Hey Momma!

This past week was great-- a lot better than last week, I was kind of down in the dumps. Our focus was on logistics and making sure that we build trust with the members, mainly showing them that this companionship is not lazy. As we have done this we have been able to see the bud of our work start to open up and blossom. We hope to continue that trend this week. The members have been fantastic in supporting us even though many of them have either little money or time or both. They surely will be blessed for all their work for us.

Elders Cassler and Wheatley...being silly as usual.  8-4-13

One story about this week: We had the opportunity to teach a returning member's friend in the Branch President's home on Thursday. It was a wonderful opportunity to teach an actual lesson. haha. Really though, it was a very spirit-filled lesson. Even though she was super shy and couldn't even look us in the eyes she was prepared and was very receptive to the message. She came to church and wants another lesson. Elder Staib, from Jacksonville, and I will be going up tomorrow night because we will be on exchanges.

Talking about prophets and apostasy, I compared prophets to a manager in a business. If there was no manager the workers could work for a while but things would eventually get chaotic and some workers would begin to think that they were in control and make up rules for the rest of the employees. Kind of silly, I know, but that is what came to me, through the Holy Ghost I'm sure, and she understood. I'm excited for our next visit. After the lesson we had cake and ice cream and we were able to talk with her about things pertaining to her life, and then, she got talkative. haha. I think that helped break the ice and our next visit should be just as great if not better.

My companion is doing great. We both hit a little slump but we both bounced right out of it. He is a very learned missionary and will do very well in his next two years. I'm glad I have the opportunity to serve with him.

When I was down I read about the Atonement. That really seemed to help. I am thankful every time the Mission President has called me to repentance (he does that a lot-- to everyone) because it causes me to take a step back and reflect on my actions, where I am at and where I can improve.

I'm expecting this week to be amazing. We get our car back and that will give us the opportunity to see people "way the heck out there." Part of our area is, seriously, and hour and a half away! That's freakin Provo to Brigham City! And the worst part, we got a referral for someone out there. haha. How in sam hill are we supposed to contact this person. haha. The Lord will provide.

Elders Cassler from Orem and Elder Wheatley from Provo

Next week I'll tell you about a guy named, Mr. Bailey. We've only had one lesson with him but it went incredible. We'll see what happens this next Saturday when we get to meet him again.

Again, I'm so happy to be here because I know it's where the Lord needs me. I got an interesting and reassuring response to last week's letter to President Petersen. He said, "Build the gospel and know you are the difference." I know I'm here to be the difference but ONLY as I rely fully on the Holy Ghost to lead and guide me. I can't do this work on my own.

D&C 50 says something like, "...doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way? And if it be by some other way it is not of God."

Love to all back home!

 -Elder Wheatley