Area: Dallas Texas
Companion: Elder Riley Layton from Glendale AZ
Hello Everyone,
For the last couple of weeks, I have thought long and hard about the
Savior's words in John 10:27; "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they
follow me." Throughout each day, we are striving to find the Lord's sheep that
will hear His voice. We look east and west, north and south. We go where the
people are and try to talk with everyone. We also pray specifically these sheep
will find us. I met with an investigator last night who is preparing to be
baptized next weekend. She was invited to attend church by one of her friends.
She recognized the Lord's voice throughout the service and was willing to follow
her heart. As the missionaries have taught her, she has accepted each principle
and commandment without any hesitation. Her faith and determination to serve and
follow God is a great example to me. Jesus Christ will use us as instruments as
we make ourselves available. As much as He knows who we are, He knows where we
are. He will guide us to those who are ready and willing to accept the gospel.
After finishing lunch with a companionship in the mission, we made our way to
the mission office to get a few things done. We noticed two spanish missionaries
riding their bikes on a busy road, so we turned around to offer them a ride.
They gladly accepted, so we loaded their bikes in the car and drove to a nearby
location. After unloading their bikes, we began to drive away and noticed a
woman approaching the two spanish missionaries. A few minutes later, I received
a text message explaining the woman was a member that had just moved into the
area and needed the information about the church. It was a miracle to think
about all of the events that had taken place prior to that contact. The Lord
truly does know His sheep and will place us in the path of those He knows we can
help. In Alma 16:16, Alma and Amulek are with a group of missionaries that are
establishing the church among the Nephites. It reads, "the Lord did pour out his
Spirit on all the face of the land to prepare the minds of the children of me,
or to prepare their hears to receive the word which should be taught..." I know
that continues today. There are so many people prepared to receive the gospel.
The church is becoming more and more known for good throughout the
world. We live in a great time to share the gospel. I love this work and I am so
grateful I am accomplishing what the Lord has prepared for me.
We are teaching a great girl named Jennifer. She was invited to attend
church by one of her friends. After talking with her, she agreed to meet with
us. We have now taught her the Restoration, Gospel of Jesus Christ (on the
temple grounds, it was amazing), and the Plan of Salvation. She is going to be
baptized June 9th, and is well prepared for that day. We are so excited to see
her progress. She is becoming converted to the Gospel each day and knows the
spiritual feeling she has at the church comes from God.
Last week was full of meetings, teaching appointments, finding activities,
and many other wonderful experiences. Two missionaries waiting for visas finally
received them, so it was fun going through consulate with them. We were able to
meet with all of the new missionaries and their trainers and discuss how their
first weeks have been. Their enthusiasm to share the gospel is great. Elder
Monkres flew home this week, so it was sad to see him go. I am so thankful for
the service he provided and I look forward to seeing him in a few months.
I am so thankful to each of you for your letters of encouragement, and
prayers for support. I feel the love each of you have for me. There is much work
to be done in the Texas Dallas Mission. I am grateful to have a part in it, and
work with many great missionaries. This is the work of the Lord. No doubt in my
mind. I look forward to the coming week for the miracles that will occur.
I love you all,
Elder Seager
One Last Experience: Every so often when you are knocking doors, you will
come across a person who opens the door with a combative attitude and is
obviously looking for a fight. Yesterday, a man in his late 20's opened his door
and quickly let us in. I looked at the missionary I was working with and said,
"We will see how this goes." With nerves and uncomfortable feelings, we sat down
and began to teach. My focus turned from teaching the man and his wife, to my
own comforts. I quickly forgot the teaching skills I have developed throughout
my mission, and found myself jumping all over the place with the Restoration.
Luckily, their attitudes changed, and their understanding of our beliefs led to
an interest in our message. They asked a lot of questions and asked for
missionaries to come back to their home. With a big sigh of relief, we left
their home and had a good laugh about the intense emotions and confusing message
we had just taught.
