Week 45!!!

Hey Everybody!

This week was a pretty good one! I enjoyed it a lot. We did a lot of finding still this week but that is okay. We are finally making some headway.

Kind of a cool story about that. So Saturday night, all of our plans fell through which is lame, but it happens. We don't exactly have enough people to fill up the evening with backups and such. We were riding by to get to a members house to ask for referrals and Elder Gil turns down to go to another members. He comments to me how it is cold outside, and this member is closer. So, we go visit her. We kinda talked for a little bit about how some things in her life are going, then I pull out my bible to read James 1:5 which reads "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." This is the scripture that Joseph Smith found that inspired his prayer that ushered in the First Vision and the Last Dispensation. My intentions were to share it, explain the significance of it, bear testimony, and ask for a referral when the Spirit is there really strong. I find the verse, then the small talk stuff kinda dies down, I ask if I can share a scripture, and there is a knock at the door. Then, this member's friend, Alma, walks in. So, not knowing anything about this friend or her religious background, I share the scripture and explain the significance of it in a little more detail then originally planned, then Elder Gil came in with a very sincere testimony on the First Vision and explained the Book of Mormon, then the member bore her testimony on the Book of Mormon and what is means to her. Alma LOVED it. It was honestly one of the most powerful lessons I have been in. And, it was all impromptu! She graciously accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon and is very excited to read it. I feel like its safe to say that it was the Spirit guiding us to this members house when Elder Gil decided to stop. Afterwards, me and Elder Gil had a long talk amongst ourselves about the Holy Ghost and how He guides us without us even knowing a lot of the time, and the miraculous nature of the events that night, and how it is one of those "miracle finding stories" you always hear missionaries talk about and you want one. This is exactly the experience we both have been praying for.

I would like to invite you all to take James' promise and if you lack wisdom, pray about it. God really will answer your prayers and help you to come to know the truth.

Thank you all!! Especially this Christmas season! I really appreciate all your kinds words and support!

Love,
Elder Lloyd