Hello,
We transitioned from flip phones to smart phones this week. Unfortunately for me, my phone has not been delivered yet so I have to wait a little longer. And unfortunately for Elder Martin, the software on his phone is glitchy and he can't get into it so he has to get the software re-installed by a Samsung specialist. Unfortunately for us, we are the only companionship in the mission without a working smart phone right now. Hopefully the specialist gets it fixed today so we can get on with things. We've just been using our old flip phone and it works fine for now.
In my email last week I talked about a lady we found by knocking on her door. Her name is Michelle, we had our first sit down lesson with her yesterday and it went very well. She has a catholic background but didn't stick with the religion (big surprise there, no offense to the Catholic church). She accepted the message of the restoration (she understood the apostasy and the need for priesthood authority) and is excited to learn about the Plan of Salvation in our next lesson and read the Book of Mormon. She had many good questions and no doubts. She's married (in her 30's) and is already keeping the Word of Wisdom. She said that strong drinks and a high amount of caffeine makes her feel sick anyways. Michelle is one of the most prepared people I have found on my mission and guess what...she was found through tracting! You never know when these types of things will happen. We're going to have a church tour with her next time and introduce her to many members. It's awesome to be apart of it.
Here's what I've learned from this experience.
When I arrived to this area I had almost no desire to go tracting. In my previous area I tracted almost everyday because that was the most effective way to use our time. Little success or results came from all of that tracting so I developed a tolerance for the reality of tracting: I convinced myself that it was a waste of time. As a result, during my first transfer here in Sarnia I knocked on doors one time for 15 minutes. My doubts about tracting led to discouragement and denial, I just didn't want to do it. In my second transfer here I tracted a handful of times and now in my third transfer here I have tracted more often. Rcently, setting a weekly goal to give out a number of Book of Mormons forced me to get out of my slump and talk to people at the door. Because Elder Martin and I set that goal and were determined to accomplish it, we found Michelle. I'm almost certain that if we never did set that goal we would not have come across Michelle. Maybe other missionaries would have contacted her down the road, but it would not have been me.
I am still a firm believer that the method of finding which leads to more converts who remain converted is through the members of the church.
I hope you are all doing well. If you're in a slump of some sort I suggest that you set a goal and then work hard to push yourself out of the rut. It really works! Have a great week :)
Elder Johnson
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