We were trying to contact a referral one morning, and stopped at a gas station to get directions. As we walked into the gas station, a live rooster decided to strut right in front of the doors. It was HUGE. But that wasn't even the best part! Inside, we found Larry and the Hardison brothers drinking their Saturday morning cup of joe, and talking about the farmwork. They were pleased to meet us, and Larry accepted a Book of Mormon. They had farmed in that town their whole lives, and one of the Hardison brothers was in his 90's. He was excited to hear we were preaching "the word." It was just like in the movies!!!
Generally, the folks in Dunn are wonderful, and super southern. Everyone sounds like Donald Davis! Except for the more diverse areas. There are some pretty hard characters on the other side of the tracks... it's literally the other side of the tracks. (: I don't know why some people are sent to have a more difficult life than others. I am so blessed.
Our week started out with my first bible bashing encounter. Not pleasant. We walked away (: It was nice to know that she would get another chance at the gospel later in life... or at least on the other side. We are definitely incompetent to teach those who do not want to listen. I guess the Savior couldn't teach those who didn't want to listen either though, so it makes me feel like we're doing ok.
Today I was studying about how the Savior taught the pharisees and rabbis and scribes who were so hard-hearted. I was reading in John 8 and 9 and reading from Jesus the Christ, and it was good to hear the Savior's invitation "go and sin no more." HE gives us permission to let go, to change! I love Him with all my heart. He was so patient with the people who rejected and mocked Him and called Him bad names.
Sister Turley and I were both relieved to hear Elder Holland's story about the mashed potatoes to the head. We definitely don't have it that bad. Faith is virtually indefinable. It is believing in things we cannot see, and acting on that belief. I am learning that there are different kinds of faith. Faith to endure, and faith to make things happen, and faith to heal and be healed, and faith to repent and be baptized. All of these are faith in Christ. My biggest focus for the next 6 months is to come to know our Savior. I was impressed by the promises of our prophets that as we are obedient, and believe in Christ and His Atonement, we will receive the gift of faith to make. things. happen. It is a divine attribute if ever there was one. I am grateful to know I can receive faith from Heavenly Father as I pray and study diligently. Through faith we will have the strength to teach and serve the hard-hearted, the down-trodden, the ignorant, and all those who have no idea how good life can be! And then we will be blessed with Charity. I am so grateful these gifts are available to us. We really can't DO anything without the Lord. I found this quote on a chair in Sunday School as we sat down for Relief Society a week ago, and it really struck me:
"[The] ability to turn everyth
Our Heavenly Father always see
victory to the Lord." - Hartman Rector Jr.
In the words of one of my fellow missionaries: The odds can do their worst, for the Lord of the vineyard labors with us.
We found 4 new people to teach this week! We aren't teaching as much yet as we were in Fayetteville, but I am determined to never ever ever give up. After all, "there is a way to reach every human heart, and it is [our] duty to find the way to the hearts of those to whom [we] are called." - Lorenzo Snow
I LOVE Sister Turley. She reminds me of Rachel and Caroline and Emma by cracking me up over the silliest things. Laughter is such a healing thing. She has great faith to endure opposition.
I love you all! What are y'all planning to apply from conference this week? There will definately be many more stories to come! Pray for Sister Turley!
Happy trials this week!
Sister B
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