Member Missionary Work

Hello Fam

Thanks for the letter I really appreciate it. Yeah I did get the tick out, and I took some pills for a few days that prevent Lymes disease. We'll see what happens I guess.

Things are going well, just getting used to having a new companion. I will say that we have taught some amazing lessons this week. Last Monday we taught Rob again and it went extremely well. It was without a doubt the strongest I have felt the spirit since I have been a missionary. We invited him to be baptized and he accepted. Just thinking about the experience, even a week later, brings tears to my eyes. That's one thing that I have grown to love about Elder Althouse. He has one of the sweetest, most powerful testimonies I've ever heard. After the lesson he told me that when he was set apart as a missionary he was promised that there would be times on his mission where he would feel the presence of Christ in the room. I am convinced that that was one such occasion. It was an experience I will never forget. We set Rob with a date on the 20th of November, but he was really worried about getting permission from his mom. We called him later and he told us that as soon as he finishes his Catholic Conformation he can get baptized. He won't be finished with that until late January so I probably won't be here for it. I'm just glad that he will eventually be able to be baptized, so I can't complain.

We also set Yohan with a baptismal date, and reset David with one. They too are held back by their mothers not giving permission. It's strange enough to be teaching three teenage boys who want to be baptized, but even stranger that they all have the same obstacle blocking that narrow gateway which is baptism. It's very frustrating when you have to deal with these circumstances, but three of them is extremely trying.

As I think I've mentioned before, we have struggled with finding new investigators. On Sunday we were blessed with new people to teach. Sister Little's daughter, son and daughter's boyfriend came to church. Apparently the Bishop helped them out with something and so they promised to come to church. We were also able to talk to one of our member's boyfriend, and invite him to play basketball with us on Wednesday. Hopefully this will lead to us teaching him. In all of these instances, members have been the reason for them happening. Once again I am reminded of how important members are to missionary work. I just read a talk by Spencer W. Kimball this week that talked about this. When members find us someone to teach, that person already has a support system. They have a perfect example of how the Gospel blesses families as well as individuals. Investigators need a friend who can show them how living the Gospel brings happiness. Everyone faces some sort of challenge, obstacle or concern when learning about the church. The greatest factor in them sticking with it, is the members who are there to lift them up and love them. I love it when I see our members fellowshipping our investigators. And for recent converts, it's a great feeling knowing that they will always have a family, because the ward can fill that role. I love witnessing the change of heart in so many people's lives. It's the greatest part of being a missionary. I love you all as well. Know that I think about you and pray for you often.

Love Elder Tilley