What a great weekend! This past week has definitely been one to behold, but most of all was the miracle that happened last night. There were many small things that had happened to make it so we could meet a certain young man, A____, and teach him about the gospel. All I can say tonight is that the Lord will put you where you are needed so that not only your life will be blessed, but that you may bless others.
The Lord loves and cares for you all, and so do I!
The Church is true,
Sure love you!
Elder Johansen
Hello hello hello!!
This past week has been one giant roller coaster for Elder Krey and I. Rain, heat, and physical as well as spiritual whirlwinds! But if I know anything, I know Mom didn't raise no quitter, so bring it on!!
Elder Krey and I have had quite a few exchanges in the past month, which I'm not entirely used to but I'm enjoying it quite a bit, so we've been able to spend some considerable time with the wonderful Elders we have, and it's a blessing to see them do such great work. It's insane to think that we've been out this long (7 months) and all that we've learned and have been able to apply.
This last week was also a wild ride for our teaching. Remember A___? The young man who we found? He didn't even make it a week and he dropped us. He told us pretty much all the basics; that we've been deceived, that only the Bible contains the truth, he even found out about the word of wisdom and tried to attack with that right in the middle of trying to teach him what a prophet is. We asked him whether or not he's been reading the Book of Mormon and obviously he hadn't been in a couple days. We told him why it was important but he wouldn't listen. He kept saying that because he was a miracle, we should listen to him, and leave the Church. We were not getting anywhere at all. At the end, I asked whether or not he actually wanted to know whether or not this church and our teachings are true, and he said, no. We left it at that and bore our testimonies, and told him that if he's ever wanting to actually come to know the truth, he can get a hold of us. But it was a very hard lesson, and we had to spend a few minutes to recoup, but if anything, he'll come to know the truth at some point.
Thankfully, we have another young man that we're teaching, named C_______. It was another one of the "we should go this way" moments that led us to him. He's gone to church, even gone to conference before and is a friend of one of the Partlows. We've had great lessons with him and we're all really excited. I'm still very nervous, but not incredibly at this point.
These lessons have really shown how important the Book of Mormon is in coming to know that this great Church is true and not just a group made by man. If we come to know the Book of Mormon is true, then we come to know that all our sacrifices, hardships, rules, obligations, and covenants are true and bring everlasting peace and happiness. How beautiful is it that we get such amazing evidence, in our day, of God's presence?
Elder Krey said that during interviews, president said that this would be the only transfer we'd have together. I'm glad that President put us together. I've learned a lot of lessons about loving myself and the importance of finding what makes me, me. I've actually taken a lot of notes recently. One of the most powerful things that he's taught me is the importance of doing things because you love God, and not for any other reason. I put the advice that Elder Krey has been giving me together with the advice president gave me during interviews, and I feel like I've been put in this companionship so that I can not only learn to love God more, but to learn how I can love myself more 😁
I'm so thankful for everyone who's helped me get this far and I really implore each of you to open your minds and hearts to feel the love of the Lord, and learn of Him, follow his example to love God, and love one another!
Sure love you!
- Elder Johansen
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