Miracles Never Cease! December 20, 2021

Hello everyone! I hope you have had a good week! Christmas is here! How exciting! What is a Christmas tradition you have? 

This week was so special. The Lord is just so amazing. 

First off is Kris. We met with him twice this week in a members home. We taught him the Restoration and Gods plan for His children. It was so incredible to see him feel and learn this information for the first time. He was just very attentive and listening. He soaked it in. He walked to church on Sunday. We passed him and it was so touching to see him walking with his Book of Mormon and Bible in a case. He is so cool. 

We had a good moment with Katie this week! She wanted to have us over for dinner so we had a member come with us. She also invited a friend. We shared a scripture with them and her friend, Amber really liked it. She was touched by it and wanted to read more! We are hopefully going to start teaching her!

Katie and her brother came to church on Sunday! That was amazing. The spirit of Christmas was in the meeting. 

I wanted to testify that Jesus loves each one of you! He is aware of you. He wants to help you. He will give you peace. 

Love you all! Elder Spencer 

Crazy hair day

Dinosaur Park!

                                                    Lighttheworld cards on a clothesline!

Christ!

My comp put a glass plate in the oven and it totally broke from the heat. Luckily no one was hurt!

Comp Unity, Dec 13, 2021

Hello everyone! Today I felt a huge rush of the Christmas spirit! Have any of you felt that yet?! Merry Christmas y'all!

As missionary companions we often make jokes with each other that we are one or unified in ways outside of missionary work. Like we both might say the same thing or think the same thing. Almost like twin telepathy haha (have no idea how to spell that) anyway Elder Peterson and I experienced unity in a different way this week! Last week, he got sick. Well this week I got sick haha. Well it wasn't very funny at the time. It was actually pretty frustrating. We had to stay in our apartment for two days while I rested which I did, sleeping for 7 hours one day. Elder Peterson was a trooper and we got through it. Luckily it was only two days! God is good and I am now feeling much better!

Even though I was out for two days we managed to find two new people this week! Jeremy and Kris! Jeremy was washing his car and we started talking to him! We read a verse in the Book of Mormon and gave it to him. We are going to try to see him tomorrow! Kris is a friend who we have seen before at the food pantry we work at. We got talking to him and he came to our ward Christmas party on Saturday! (Thanks to some awesome members who drove him) We are going to meet with him and these members tomorrow!

There was some large and destructive tornadoes that came through some states near me (even in Arkansas I think) It is a humbling thought that it could have come here to Alma. I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have of the plan of salvation that those who have lost their lives due to the tornado can still learn and progress and come closer to Christ. It is not over for them or their families. Please pray for those affected by this natural disaster! God is aware of the destruction. He loves all His children!

Love you all! Stay safe.

Elder Spencer 

A Rough One, Dec 6, 2021

Hey everyone! Hope y'all are doing well!

This week was good because we were able to find a new person named Gene! He is a friend from the food bank we serve at and he drove by us when we were walking around. He backed up and said hi. We asked him if he would like to hear a message about Jesus sometime. He said sure! We met with him this week and got to know him a bit better. He is a neat guy! We asked him if we could teach him a message about living prophets and continuing revelation! He said sure! We are going to go back this week to meet with him again!

This week was rough because Elder Peterson got sick... we had to stay in our apartment for two days until he began to get better. That was difficult for me. I am so used to going out and doing things all day so when we slowed down for two days it was difficult. I can't imagine how missionaries did it in quarantine. That would be insanely hard. I am so grateful for their sacrifice and service. 

I realization I came to this week is that my phone is a tool that I can use for missionary work. If I want to dig a hole, I grab a shovel, dig the hole than put the shovel back. Using my phone should be the same way. I need to send a text to someone. So I pick up my phone, send the text than put the phone back down. By striving to do this I can stay focused and don't waste time scrolling. 

Love you all! Hope you are doing fantastic! 🙂🙂 Elder Spencer 

Staying in Alma, Nov 29, 2021

Hello everyone! I hope you are all doing well!

Got transfer calls and Elder Peterson and I are both staying in Alma for another transfer! I am glad I will be able to stay and continue to work and serve the Lord and the people in Alma. 

We had some special lessons with our friend Francine this week. She has been reading the Book of Mormon and she has been thinking a lot about what we have told her. She is wonderful and we are going to be meeting with her again this week!

Katie came to church again! A member was able to drive her and she came to a baptism after church. I think she felt a bit out of place but hopefully with time she will make some connections and feel more at home. We did have a great lesson with her and her brother at a members house on Wednesday so that is great!! 

Right now I am on an exchange in Clarksville which was my first area on my mission. It is so surreal to be back in the same apartment I walked into as a brand new missionary. It has already brought back so many wonderful memories! Crazy to think that it was a year ago. 

Hope you all are doing well and staying warm!! #Lighttheworld starts this week! Check it out on churchofjesuschrist.org! It is a really great way to spread light to the world!

Love you all! Elder Spencer 

What a Week! Nov 22, 2021

This week was incredible. I testify that miracles never cease and as you put forth effort you are blessed. This week the Lord was able to guide us to three people we were able to find. Various events lead up to this week (mainly in scheduling appointments) which all went through and were successful. 

Francine was the first. She lives in our apartment complex and we met her in the laundry mat. We just started talking with her and got her number to set up a Bible study. We had the Bible study this week and we were able to read a story in the Bible but also share what we believe with her. That included the Book of Mormon which she now has a copy and is reading it!! 

Joel is a man we did some service for! After we split some wood for him we began to talk. He showed us around his property which he is working full time on. By the time he is done the work he will basically be self sufficient!! Banana trees, apples, blueberries,,raspberries, peppers, avocado, solar panels, wood shop, welding shop, fish pond and more. It is really neat the dream he has. Anyway, we got talking and it turns out he likes history and gaining more knowledge. Well we have a good book for that. We gave him a Book of Mormon as well and are hopefully going to meet with him this week!

Katie is the last one. We met her on the street. Elder Peterson and I were walking around downtown Alma when he had to go to the bathroom. We went over to a gas station and Katie was going inside as well. I just started talking to her as she was getting some candy. She asked what church I was from and I told her the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. I invited her to our service. Some members picked her up and she came yesterday. That was a miracle. I have found that usually people like her -you only meet once, have a brief conversation and extend an invitation- don't actually commit. They are flaky. But not Katie. She even wore a dress and came to the ward choir after two hours of church!!! I was amazed. We talked to her about a lot of things like the Book of Mormon, the temple, ordinances, covenants, and even the Word of Wisdom. I will explain what those words mean below 🙂 

God blessed us this week because we opened our mouths. Literally all of the friends we met with this week was because we started a simple conversation. So try it! You can't go wrong. Just talk about anything. 

Love you all! Elder Spencer 

Ordinance: The action of making a covenant

Covenant: A two way promise between a person and God. The person promises God they will do something and in return God promises specific blessings

Word of Wisdom: A law set forth by God guiding us to eat and drink or intake substances that are good and healthy for our bodies

Elder, Run! Nov 15, 2021

This week was wild!

After receiving some encouragement from our district leader and having a great district council on finding people to teach, Elder Peterson and I decided we were going to exert every effort to find someone to teach. So we set a goal to not come back to our apartment until 9:00pm. We were going to try to be out with the people, walking around and talking to them. Well, we had some interesting run ins; but not with people, with dogs 😮

On Friday we encountered three dogs at three different times during the day who were not tied up/on a leash. It was scary! The first one was at mid day so we saw it coming. It came up to us and barked. I slowly walked away with my front facing him. I talked to the dog and just told him we were passing by and didn't want to bother him. He stared us down, guarding his family. The next dog did the same thing except this was at night when it ws dark. Luckily the house porch light was on so we saw him running up to us. But the same thing. We just talked to the dog and were fine. But then the third dog. We came to an intersection and were deciding which way to go. We decided to go right. We walked 5 steps when Elder Peterson just stopped dead in his tracks. I was wondering what was happening because we had just decided we were going to go right when he said, "dog." I shined my flashlight a head and sure enough there it was. It began to move swiftly towards us. Elder Peterson started booking it to the car which was down the street a ways. I didn't quite realise how fast the dog was moving or where it was because it was dark so I just started to walk away from the dog. Then Elder Peterson looked back and said "Elder Run!!" I heard the dog barking and Elder Peterson said later that the dog started to run after us. I than just kicked it into gear. I ran down the street and didn't look back. I heard dogs barking but I just ran. I fumbled with the keys and unlocked the car, got in shut the door and was panting for breath. No injuries and no dead dog. What a blessing. So lesson learned. Maybe it's not a good idea to walk around at night. 

A thought for this week is that even when the work you are doing doesn't turn out the way you think it should you can still feel successful no matter the outcome. Despite all our efforts to find a new person this week we didn't find anyone. But I still feel successful. Why? Because I feel the Spirit testifying through me. I am seeking to develop Christlike Attributes. I am trying to obey. I am serving others. I am learning from other missionaries. I love the people here and desire to help them come to Christ. That is what has brought me joy this week. I know you can feel joy this week too!

Love you all! Elder Spencer

Popeye the Sailor Man Statue (Alma Arkansas is the Spinach Capital of the world!)

Beautiful sunset

Fishing pond

                                                                Feeding an apple to a horse

Chastised and Zone Conference! Nov 8, 2021

Hello everyone! I hope you are all going well!

This week I was able to meet with some members and go to church! What a great ward I am in! I feel blessed to be able to serve with these wonderful people of the south. The southern hospitality is real. 

We had Zone Conference this week! How wonderful that was! Everytime I am with President and Sister Collins I am lifted and strengthened. I love them and am grateful to know them and serve with them. I also got to see all the missionaries in my zone! That was so wonderful! I am so glad I am not working alone in this work. Bouncing ideas off each other and learning from each other is always good to do. 

I was chastened by the Lord through my district leader this week for my finding efforts. I feel like I didn't give my full effort in finding this week and it resulted in us not finding any new people this week. I have been resolved to begin a new this week and strive to do all I can to find someone who is ready to hear the message of the Restored Gospel.

One thing that stood out to me in my study of the Book of Mormon this morning was Alma 29:13. Part of the verse says "...God hath called me by a holy calling, to preach the word unto this people..." the calling of a missionary is holy and the assignment I have in Alma is a holy one. To preach to them the word of God is what God has asked me to do. Therefore if I am to be obedient I must do it. Than I shall have "much success, in the which my joy will be full." (v.13) I hope for this. 

I love you all!!  Elder Spencer 

New Area, New Time, November 1, 2021

Hello everyone!! I hope you have all had a great week!

This week was my last week in Springfield, MO. I am so grateful for the time I had there. I made many memories and friends. 

Being in a new area is almost like being a new missionary again! I don't know anyone, where anything is or what the routine is each day. I am having to learn it all. It is a good shift but a challenging one. I look forward to finding what the Lord needs me to do in this area. I am eager to find how I can contribute to the work in this area. 

One highlight from my new area was a Boo Fest! People walked down the main street with costumes and got candy from stands that were set up on the sides of the road. We set up a chalkboard (see below) with some questions on it like "Favorite Sweet? And What Helps you overcome fear?" It was so fun to see the little kids in their costumes and seeing what people wrote on the board! 

Hope you are all well! Love, Elder Spencer 

Caught a fish!

Elder Peterson and I

                                                                                    Chalkboard

                                                                   My shirt burning: One YEAR

Lost My Residency, October 25, 2021

Hello everyone! Hope you had a great week!

We got transfer calls this week and I am leaving Springfield, MO after serving here for just over 8 months. I was thinking I was going to leave but it is going to be surreal when I finally do drive away. I have had so many experiences in this city that have taught me many different lessons. I have formed many friendly relationships with people here and I will miss them. I am so grateful I have had as much time as I have had here. It has been all worth it. 

My new area will be Alma Arkansas. It is actually only 40 minutes away from my first area, Clarksville. So I will be going back down to my old stake and I am way excited about that! An opportunity to serve the people of Alma will be another time to learn new things and gain experience through acts of faith. Elder Jacks will do a great job leading out the work in Springfield. I will be doing my best to ensure I tell him everything he needs to know about the area but most of his learning will come through experience and the Spirit. 

Remember that when you are trying to help and strengthen others be patient, caring, long suffering, and diligent (Alma 32:43) 

Love you all! Elder Spencer

The Hermanas made me graham cracker crust cheesecake with cherries just like my mom makes for my birthday!

My birthday tiara and sash

                                    Pumpkin carving with the district and some other missionaries!

Members, October 18, 2021

Hello everybody! 

This week what was brought to the forefront of my mind and work was members. Those who are in the church and have callings in the ward. Members play an important role in what I get to do as a missionary. They help me find people to teach the gospel to, serve people who need help and feed us dinner! They give us a ride when we need it and check up on us to see if we have everything we need. I have had many amazing experiences with members and they have been a huge help and support to me while I have been away from home and in a new environment. When we have been in a pinch they have pulled through and delivered us a meal or given us a ride! However, not all the members are this way and that is what I ran into this week. How can I help bring more light and love into the lives of the members who aren't as involved in missionary work and the joy it brings. So if you have any ideas on what missionaries can do to help members love, serve and do missionary work. 

Some sad news. Our friend Stephanie and her son have decided that they do not want to have any more lessons with us..... rejection is never easy and it is sad when we can't share what has brought me so much joy to others. They have their choice so I can only hope they can use it later to come closer to Christ, because when all is said and done coming to Christ is the MOST IMPORTANT THING ANYONE CAN EVER DO. He heals, helps, lifts and comforts. Without Him I couldn't do what I do. So please, say a prayer or read His word. Look at a picture of Him, think about what He has done for you. 

I love you all! Jesus loves you too! Elder Spencer

Facebook, October 11, 2021

Hey everyone! Here is an update on my week!

Elder Jacks and I did a lot of work on Facebook. We had more people reacting to our service posts so a lot of our time was spent responding and reaching out to them. We asked people for their address and sent many refferals to other missionaries in the mission. One of my young missionary leaders recommended that we direct message people who 'liked' our service post. Well we did that and actually had some success. One lady named Stephanie we messaged asking if she knew anyone who needed help. She said she didn't. We than asked her if she would like to hear a message about Jesus Christ. She said she would! So we taught her the message of the restoration over a video call! That was pretty amazing. Technonolgy is amazing. She said she was interested in our message because of her 14 year old son. He has been reading the Bible and wants to go to church. We are going to meet with both of them tomorrow. Woohoo!

I wanted to share a spiritual thought from a hymn we sang on Sunday at church. The hymn number is 185, titled Reverently and Meekly Now. This hymn is special because it is actually from Christs perspective on His atonement for us. Verse 4 reads: "At the throne I intercede; For thee ever do I plead. I have loved thee as thy friend; with a love that cannot end. Be obedient, I implore, prayerful, watchful evermore, And be constant unto me, that thy Savior I may be." Jesus is our friend. He wants us to return to live with God again. We need to be obedient to His commands and pray and watch always for the darts of the advesary. A powerful scripture to look up that is a note at the bottom of this hymn is D&C 45:3-5. Powerful.

Love you all! Stay safe through Christ! Elder Spencer

Service Post, October 4, 2021

Hello everybody! Did you have a good day? Hope you did!

This week Elder Jacks and I had the prompting to make a service post on Facebook and post it to various groups in Springfield, MO. It was just a picture of us with this caption:

Hey Springfield! My friend and I offer free service and a message about Jesus Christ! We can help you move, work in your yard or anything else you might need. If you have the tools we can do the work! 🙂

Elder Jacks and I sent it into 4-6 different groups and had a lot more people that responded to them then I thought! They would comment that they needed help with x or y. Sometimes they would say something like "Oh this is such a wonderful thing you are doing for the community." It felt really good to have so many positive things come out of a service post. We were able to send many of these people who needed help to the missionaries who covered their prospective areas.

This week Elder Jacks and I met with a man named Ryan! Elder Jacks believes the house we were at was a 'crib' or a gang hangout, so that was interesting. We talked on the doorstep with Ryan about our purpose in life. He said he wants to get back on the straight and narrow and come to Jesus. We gave him a Book Of Mormon and invited him to read the Introduction! He said he would before we met on Friday. Sadly he didn't show up on Friday so we were only able to meet with him once this week. We are going to try to meet with him again this week!

We brought cookies over to Janie's home. Last time we tried to visit her she shut the door on us and I didn't think she was going to be very receptive. But we tried again this week and what a great experiince! She said she was on quarantine because of Covid and because of that she felt lonely. She said she loved us coming over and has been reading the Book Of Mormon. We will be able to talk to her about that! I am so glad she is willing to have us come over.

General Conference was this weekend! What a wonderful time. My faith was strengthened by the faithfulness of others in stories conveyed in conference. Specifically about the Tongan elders who have been serving for 3 years and the sisters for 2 years because they literally cannot go home. That is an incredible sacrifice. Whenever I think my mission is long or hard I just need to think of that. Wow.

I wanted to share this song/video with you! I have been listening to it non stop. It is a powerful message about loving and caring for those who hurt us or cause us trouble. Come Unto Jesus. He will heal you.

Come Unto Jesus

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/video/inspirational-messages/2019-12-0080-come-unto-jesus-1080p?lang=eng

Love you all! Elder Spencer

The Movers, September 27, 2021

Hello all! It has been a great day!

This week Elder Jacks and I had a lot of visits with members. That was really nice to be in their homes. I am strengthened when I am with them. The memories and experiences are ones I will remember on my mission.

On Saturday Elder Jacks and I were movers! We helped 3 different families move something into a truck or down some stairs that day. It was a lot. At one home a family was moving from their home to a new one in our ward boundary. They had a huge uhaul truck and we loaded it all the way up. Couches, fridge, freezer, gun safe, and mattresses were the huge items we moved. It was definitely my workout for the day! I always get joy out of doing service for others. If we hadn't been able to help these it would have been a lot more difficult if not impossible for them to move. The Lord blessed me with strength and a healthy body to be able to help and assist in His work. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt. 25:40)

We had a zone conference this week with President and Sister Collins! Oh how wonderful they are. I feel so much love and care from them. I know they love me and want what is best for me. Our stake president also came in and addressed us. That was amazing. He bore his testimony about making a difference and the Lord assigning me to a specific area to touch a person in need. He said even if you don't always see the effects of what you do you touch someone because of what you do. That hit me. It makes me want to be a better example of what I believe.

I wanted to share a scripture from Jacob 6. Verse 4 reads "... how merciful is our God unto us, for he remembereth the house of Israel, both roots and branches; and he stretches forth his hands unto them all the day long;..." Gods hands are always stretched out to us. We sometimes forget God or feel like He is not listening. But He is right there. His hand is outstretched. He is inviting you to take it. Just like Peter walking on the water. When you start to sink because of the wind and waves around you, cry out to your Savior and He will come. Act in faith, nothing doubting.

Hope you all are doing well!

If you have a free weekend I would invite you to go onto churchofjesuschrist.org and tune into general conference on Saturday and Sunday! It will be a wonderful time to here from a living prophet and apostles.

Love, Elder Spencer

Canada, September 20, 2021

This week I felt really close to home specifically my home country. 

At the beginning of the week I was really struggling with the work here in Ingram Mill. I felt really unmotivated to work and we did not have very many appointments at all which cause us to be in our apartment a lot or the church building. That was tough. I began to get ancy and just wanted to get out somewhere. Elder Jacks and I did drive around our area and identified some parks, coffee shops and a library where we could do our study so we can be around more people! We also called a ton of members and scheduled some visits for this week so that will be really nice! 

We had some training in Bentonville by the temple this week and that is when I felt close to Canada. Two of my missionary friend flew out to Canada (their original assignments) that morning. I was so happy for them to be able to go to their original call! While I was at the training I talked to a missionary who knew my cousins, the Halls from BC! Such a small world! Than I talked to a missionary from Arizona who played hockey and that made me really excited because I love that sport!! Finally the cherry on top, a elder I talked to said he was from Calgary Alberta! I was so surprised! Another missionary from Canada serving in Canada! I was so happy to meet another person from Canada let alone the same province! It was a tender mercy from the Lord that really helped me see just how much He is aware of me. He knew I was having a rough time with my missionary work so He sent me some love. It was pretty amazing.

Hope you all are doing well! Love you all! Elder Spencer

The Small Things, September 13, 2021

This week was sad. Our zone got a bunch of missionaries that were leaving. There were a lot of good missionaries in my zone that I will miss. However, now I have a good opportunity to meet many new missionaries and make even more friends. 🙂

We had a lesson with Laura and teaching wise we hit everything we needed to. But we lacked spiritual power and authority in our words. I didn't bear my testimony of the truth of what we were saying and we had no invitation or promised blessings. We just told her a bunch of information. She understood it, but I feel like she doesn't see how it can help her in her life right now. I think I am beginning to learn that it is very important to prepare well for lessons. Plan every part of the lesson out. Than after I have done my part the Spirit can take control.

Speaking of the Spirit and feeling it I am also learning that it is by the small and simple acts we do everyday that sanctify us and purify us. It is important to remember Christ and take in His name everyday. Not just when we suit up for church on Sunday. Thus the importance of daily prayer and scripture study become even more crucial. After all they are directions from our Father In Heaven (D&C 82:8-10) I am really trying to do better with the small things and help others do small things to feel the Spirit throughout the week.

One final thought. I have been reading the Book of Mormon again from the beginning. It is amazing to me how many chances Laman and Lemuel had to repent and follow Jesus Christ. Sometimes they did but in the end their hearts were hard because they didn't do the small things. Because they didn't pray and read the scriptures they didn't understand the prophecies or dreams the prophets had. So ask. If you don't understand ask. 

Love you all! Elder Spencer 

Springfield Permanent Resident, Sept 6, 2021

Hello everyone! I hope you have had a good one. 

I am staying in Springfield, MO and will complete the training of Elder Jacks. I am thankful for the opportunity I have to continue my service here, especially because of our friend Laura. We experienced two miracles with her this week

The Lord's hand is in the details of our lives and I saw that in Laura's life this week. There was a baptismal service this week for another ward and Laura was able to come. She was able to see what a baptism and confirmation was like and she is eager for her own. She sat quietly and soaked everything in. Elder Jacks and I gave her a tour of the church building afterwards and showed her the primary room where her kids would be going the next day. I think that helped her see the building to know where she would be going. We talked to her a little bit about the temple and family history work and she really loved that idea. Then came Sunday. Another miracle happened. Laura came in with her two kids, Caden and Emry. They sat down by a family with other kids and the ward was very helpful. They were kind to Laura and made her feel at ease. A brother got up to bear his testimony. I had noticed that before the meeting his wife had been talking to Laura. In all my 7 months here in Springfield I had never had a visit with this member family until 2 days earlier on Friday. In the visit with them we asked them to pray for our friend Laura because she is preparing for baptism. Well it turns out that Laura and this member family are long time friends who used to skydive together every week in Arkansas more than 10 years ago! They reunited and caught up with each other. It was amazing to see. The family helped Laura with bringing her kids to primary and sat by her during Sunday School! An instant fellow-shipper and friend to Laura; every missionaries dream. Caden and Emry really enjoyed colouring temples in primary and want to come back! It was an amazing day.

I love this gospel and I love the happiness it brings to people. I have felt the happiness this week.

Love you all, Elder Spencer

The Spirit, August 30th, 2021

Hello! What a wonderful week

Our friend Laura has accepted an invitation to be baptized. We had an incredible lesson with her over zoom with a member. We taught her about why we need the Book Of Mormon and a current prophet today. The thought about a living prophet on the earth excites her. She loved reading the Book Of Mormon this week and asked how she could teach her two kids (8 and 6) about the Book Of Mormon. The member came in clutch telling her about the Book Of Mormon videos and primary. She really loved that! We read about the remission of sins in Acts and explained how the prophet Alma felt when he received a remission of sins (see Alma 36:18-20) She said she would love to experience that. Elder Jacks invited her to be baptized to receive a remission of her sins. She said yes. As soon as this act of faith was preformed the Spirit filled her heart. She began to cry. She said "I have never felt this way before." The member said "I get to feel this way all the time and as you work towards being baptized and receive the Holy Ghost you can feel this way all the time as well." It was a moment of joy and gratitude. I testify that the Spirit is real. Joy, peace, and happiness are fruits of the Spirit. As we seek after that which is good, we can feel the Spirit. 

God loves you. He showed you His love be sending His Son Jesus Christ. Hope, healing and joy can come through Christ as we repent and exercise faith in Him.

I love you all. Elder Spencer 

When you're rejected; when you're accepted, August 23, 2021

Hello! This week has been all over.

I felt the twin connection a lot this week as I biked almost everyday 😀🚲 the extra exercise was great and there is nothing like some fresh air in the lungs.

The biking became difficult after we had a sad lesson with my dear friend Bryan. In my six months here I have spent the most time out of everyone with Bryan. I have grown close to him and at one point he was on date for baptism. Some of my best teaching moments have been with this man and I saw him grow a lot. This week it came crashing down in my face. He said the Book of Mormon sounded like a fairy tale and that the devil led a man named Joseph Smith to write the book. He said he doesn't need a prophet to worship but that God is all he needs. That was a blow to me. He said he used to look forward to our meetings. 

We had a similar struggle with Elijah and a friend named Jeremiah this week as well. They stated that we believe in different gods. I have really come to learn a lot, but still have to much to learn about other people's beliefs.

The highlight of my week was our zoom lesson with our dear friend Laura! It was our first lesson with her and it couldn't have gone better. She is so prepared to receive the gospel. We read the introduction to the Book of Mormon and she loved it! She said she wants peace in this life and eternal life in the world to come. She wants to come to church and be baptized by one holding the authority of God. She asked us about coming to church! This stands as a testament to me that the Lord is preparing people on the earth, in the area in which you live, to receive the restored Gospel. All we have to do is find them.

Love you all! Elder Spencer 

Reunion, August 16, 2021

 What a week! I got over my ailment and I feel great! 

This week we had a tri-zone conference with our mission president, his wife and two quorum of seventy! Talk about amazing. It was wonderful to be at the feet of these amazing people. We were taught and edified by the spirit. I felt nourished and energized. One thing I learned was finding is so important and I don't do enough of it. Finding is something I need to be doing all day, looking for every opportunity to share the restored gospel with people! Its not just something we do from 4-6pm. It's all the time. I am going to work on finding all day and not just a small portion of it. Setting goals of how many people I am going to talk to each day should help.

I was able to reunite with my old companions Elder Hatch and Elder Buhman at the conference. What a wonderful thing. I love those to missionaries. I gave them a big hug.

Had another meeting with Ian and Elijah. We really got caught in the slog of secondary questions and the spirit was not there. I did not teach simple gospel truths and I was very confused and frustrated. There was not direction to which the lesson was going and I felt feeling gloomy. I did not feel love and compassion for Ian and Elijah. The teachings in the Book Of Mormon are clear and simple to understand. They are plain. This is a gospel in which children can be taught and can understand well enough to make a commitment to baptism at the age of eight. That blows me away sometimes.

Hope you all had a great week! Love you all! Elder Spencer 

Testament, August 9, 2021

Hello! This week was a mixed week!

Elder Jacks and I made a huge push for finding new people to share the gospel with. Lots of contacting people in areabook, friending people on Facebook and responding to referrals. We had success in two out of the three! 

We received a few referrals and one of them was a lady named Entiwisle. She needed some help in her front flower bed. When we arrived she gave us some tools and showed us what she wanted us to do. She was very grateful we were there. My companion is very good at working hard and was able to cut out some bushes with a rusty hand saw in no time. I was impressed. I clipped some over grown plants and pulled some weeds. She eventually wants to put some landscape fabric down to prevent the grass from invading the flower bed. We will help her again and share the light of Christ through our examples and words. 

We contacted a lot of people in Areabook and one of them was Elijah. I first met Elijah during a Book Of Mormon experiment in May. He wanted to meet with us and he brought his friend Ian! We talked about many things with them. Grace, the restoration, apostasy, and Jesus Christ to summarize it. They were both very kind and listened to what we had to say. They liked how we were comfortable answering their questions and sharing our beliefs. The main point out of everything we talked about was the Book Of Mormon. They have a lot of trouble accepting the book and told us to challenge the Book Of Mormon to see if what it taught corresponded with the Bible. We are going to read Acts, Romans, and Ephesians to see how the doctrine we teach in the Book Of Mormon goes with what is taught in these books. We invited them to read the Book of Mormon and pray to know if it is true. I know the Book Of Mormon is true. It teaches about Jesus Christ, the same Jesus that is in the Bible. He is my Saviour and Redeemer. I am so grateful for the testimony the Book Of Mormon is of Jesus Christ and His divine role in our path back to live with our Heavenly Father.

I got sick at the end of the week. Sore throat, stuffy nose, headache and weakness. The mission nurse advised that I go get tested for Covid and strep and that I should quarantine until I got the results back. The Hermanas found out I was sick and they brought us lunch, dinner and dessert! A member in our ward also brought medicine and some food. The Hermanas got our groceries for us today. I am so grateful for good people. I have received many blessings because of wonderful people who God send my way! So thank you to all the amazing people put there!

Stay happy and healthy out there! 

Love ya, Elder Spencer

Giant Bug

The Hermanas made us some brownies!

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