It's a beautiful Oregon fall day! The sun is probably shining behind the clouds, and it's not raining... yet. There are still colorful leafs and birds singing in the trees. Life is good.
This week I will tell the story of Tony. Tony is probably the nicest old man you will ever meet. We met him on one of our first days in the area looking for one of his roommates who had previously been meeting with the missionaries. He was on his porch and we got talking about Jesus Christ and how he had just recently come to know his savior for himself. We stop by often looking for the other guy but always just ended up talking with Tony. He always calls us "fishers of men".
Well we made a deal with Tony, it was actually his suggestion, that if we went to one of his church services he would come to ours (We think he is trying to convert us). Of course we said yes.
On Wednesday we went to his addiction recovery program. It was a very interesting experience going into a different religions chapel. It is in an old refurbished theater and had such a different vibe. We started by just socializing, eating nachos, and talking about demonic possession (you know normal dinner conversation.) we made lots of good connections. Then the service started. Let me just tell you all the rumors are true.
We started by rocking out to some Christian rock. Hands in the air, or face down on the floor, whichever you like best. There were lots of "YES Jesus!"s and " Ummhum!"s throughout the night.
We talked about taking an inventory of your friends, and of yourself as a friend. We talked about how we are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves, but we can't give love to others if we don't love ourselves.
We talked about Job and how his story was one of the first a lot of them had read when they were in a really low state, and how it really touched them.
We talked about the kind of friend Jesus was to his apostles and everyone around him.
It was different, but good. The people are so sincere, humble, open, and they definitely love Jesus!
Well after our end of the deal was kept Tony eagerly was ready to keep his end of the deal. We preped him on Saturday by sneakily teaching the restoration and setting up a ride for him to get to church.
Sunday was the most prefect Sunday to introduce Tony to church. It was the primary program!! The children sang gospel truths about choosing the right and gave short testimonies in their own words. Tony cried through the whole thing, it was great!
It is exhausting having investigators at church! We had two this week, and we are constantly looking at everything through the eyes of the investigator wanting them to have the best experience and hoping they are listening because seriously those meeting are meant just for them! But yah I was emotionally drained after church. We hope he has a good view of Mormon now, even if he isn't ready to be one. And that is the story of Tony.
We got bikes this week!! But no helmets... So we walked them home in the pouring rain. It was super fun.
OK spiritual though...
Luke 21:25-28
25 ¶ And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
There are going to be perplexing situations in the world around us that no matter how hard we just can't justify or explain but don't worry, Look up! Lift your head and believe that God has a plan and we don't need to have a complete understanding in order to trust Him.
Hey!! I just went to a corn maze/pumpkin patch! (pics included) why are hay rides so relaxing? And hey, I was wrong, the sky cleared up and there is not a cloud in sight!
Have a great day! Love you all!
-Sister Anna Peterson :)
Pics include:
Halloween decorations provided by my fam!
At the pumpkin patch!
City of Albany!
Bikes!
And right at this moment!
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