GT40, Week 2

It's hard to believe that on thursday I hit the 1 month mark as a missionary (including mtc)! I've been having an amazing time meeting new people, learning about their lives, and sharing my own experiences with them. I love you all and miss you, but I'm so grateful for this opportunity to serve and grow. One of the highlights of my week was an exchange I went on with Elder Eldredge in Altoona. He's our district leader for the Altoona zone, and I was excited to learn from him. Despite his "brainless" personality, he's an amazing missionary, and I was blown away by his enthusiasm and dedication. During our exchange, he taught me a valuable lesson on how to teach the Book of Mormon using the illustrations at the front of the book. I have to admit, I was struggling with teaching the Book of Mormon, but Elder Eldredge's method made it so much easier. I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and I was excited to put this new skill to the test. I had the opportunity to teach a middle-aged lady named Rebecca, who was struggling with a cigarette addiction. We had originally gone to visit her brother, but he moved out, and Rebecca was more than happy to talk with us since she had been feeling lonely. As I taught her about the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and used the illustrations, I felt the Spirit overwhelm me and empower me in ways I never had before. Rebecca started to cry, and I knew she felt the Spirit too. It was a truly spiritual and enlightening experience, and I was grateful to see the impact the gospel can have on someone's life. We talked about how she could turn to the Book of Mormon every time she felt tempted to smoke, and how God could help ease her addiction. It was amazing to see the difference the gospel can make in someone's life. The next day, we had a blitz at Penn State University, which was a completely different experience. We talked to around 500 people on campus, and it was a crazy change of pace. I was a bit nervous at first, but it taught me to be confident in sharing a simple message or invitation with people in public. I learned that it's not about being perfect or having all the answers; it's about being willing to share the gospel and plant seeds. The elders I worked with were amazing, funny, and great missionaries, and I look up to their example. They showed me that it's okay to be ourselves and have fun while sharing the gospel. And oh man, the ties! I'm not even kidding, I think I got more ties than I know what to do with during our Penn State blitz! One of my new favorite things is the Tabasco fat tie - I mean, who wouldn't want to wear a tie that's basically saying "add a little heat to your wardrobe"? The elders there had the craziest, most hilarious ties I've ever seen, and I'm starting to fall in love with the tie culture. I'm not sure what's next, but I might just start collecting them... or wearing them. Teaching Ty at the Sheetz on Friday evening. We were parked and contacting people when a guy pulled up next to us, listening to music that I recognized from back home. I started vibing with him, and we struck up a conversation. He was a really cool dude, and we handed him a pamphlet about the restoration of the gospel. As we started sharing with him about our religion and the Book of Mormon, I testified to him about how the Book of Mormon and the Bible go hand-in-hand in helping us grow our relationship with Christ. I also shared with him about God's love for him, and immediately, he started tearing up and crying. It was a powerful moment, and I knew he felt the Spirit. He looked like he had some struggles, and I could tell that he knew he needed to hear that message and make some changes in his life. Although we haven't had contact with him since, I'm grateful that we could plant a seed in his heart. As missionaries, our goal is not to force things on people but to invite them to come unto Christ. This experience was particularly meaningful to me because it's only been a week since I started my mission, and I've already seen two people cry as a result of my teachings. It's an incredible feeling to know that I'm making a difference in people's lives, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve. On Saturday, we stumbled upon a pristine 1965 Mustang while contacting in a rural area. It was a beautiful car, and I couldn't help but think of Dad's 1967 Mustang. I thought he'd love to see this car, and I wish he could have been there with me. On sunday we found another racing car but this time it was something different. We were contacting an old referral and we walked up to the house and saw a very low car under a tarp. We asked the women (anne) what it was and this was the most blessed Bing we had to be in the area. She literally has a GT40! One of the ones that was tested in the wind tunnels before Ford won in 1966 vs Ferrari. It was old and worn and didnt work anymore but restored GT40's go for millions and she just has it sitting in her front yard under a tarp. It was amazing to see these cars in person, and I felt like it was a special blessing to be in the area where they were. Sunday was an amazing day! We were able to put two more precious souls, Mercedes and Athena, on a date for baptism! It's incredible to see the Lord's hand working in the Johnstown area right now. We're expecting four kids to be baptized on October 12th, and it's truly a miracle. The Spirit is moving in powerful ways, and I'm so grateful to be a part of it. I know these kids are going to change the world for the better, and I'm honored to be playing a small role in their journey. God is truly blessing this area, and it's an incredible time to be here. I've also been enjoying Friday dinners with the Reeds family. They're a member family that feeds us every Friday, and they're amazing people. Their dinners always include potatoes and Kool-Aid, along with other dishes that change every week. It's become something I look forward to every week, and I appreciate their kindness and generosity. Additionally, my companion and I have started the Purification Challenge, which is a 40-day challenge to eliminate certain behaviors that poke at our spirits. It is explained as: Go home and fast for a day. In the attitude of fasting and prayer, make a list of every behavior that pokes at your spirit. Once you have made your list, go to the lord, covenant with the Lord that you will fast for the things on that list for 40 days. In other words, for 40 days, you will do nothing that appears on that list.” “You can not just stop old behaviors and start new ones. You will need the help of the Lord, so each morning go to the Lord and specifically promise him that you will avoid each item on that list. Ask for his help so you can have extra strength and atnight go over the list with the lord. If you have failed on some things, figure out why. Tell the lord. Ask for more strength the next day. Go through the process for 40 days. If you do, you will find that your most basic desires have changed. Your spirit will flourish and the holy ghost will become your constant companion. You will become an effective tool in the hands of the Lord. Me and my companion are starting this challenge as I write this letter, were starting it today and ending it on Halloween (9/22-10/31) which is exactly 40 days. I invite all of you that are struggling with feeling the Spirit to try this challenge for yourselves along with me, I promise you that as you eliminate the things which "poke at the spirit," you will have the spirit "flourish inside you" and it will change your lives. This week has flown by, and I'm hoping it continues at this pace during my mission. I'm also looking forward to Apostle Neil L. Anderson's visit next month to speak to all the missionaries in the PPA mission. I'm excited to learn more and be inspired by his words. Overall, it's been an incredible first week and a half in the field, and I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had to grow and learn as a missionary. I'll continue to rely on the Lord's guidance and support as I share the gospel with others. I know that it won't always be easy, but I'm excited for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. 1000000534.jpg