Monday, September 10, 2012

8-6-12

 
 
Date: August 06, 2012
Area: Frisco Texas
Companion: Elder Michael Louder

Hello Everyone,
It has been a great first week with Elder Louder. We have worked hard and had a few great experiences. We are striving to follow the promptings of the spirit as we work and do the Lord's will. There were quite a few moments this last week where we had finished the activity that we had planned and prayed for inspiration on what to do with the time we had. It was powerful to see who the Lord placed in our path or who we felt we needed to see. The first miracle happened Monday night after teaching a man about the Book of Mormon on his doorstep. After finishing the lesson, we continued to knock his street. With five houses to go, we noticed a younger man in his twenties got out of his car and sat on his porch to talk on the phone. We didn't want to interrupt his call, so we waved and said hello with hopes we could talk to him as we made our way back down the street. At the end of the homes we were knocking, we looked back to see if he was still outside, but he wasn't. After 20 or so feet away from his house we heard his door open and a shout for us to answer a question he had. We turned around, walked back and engaged in a conversation. He asked who we were with, recognizing we were from a church, and what message we were sharing. We explained we were missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and helped people strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ. He explained for the last six months he had been on a spiritual journey to find his faith. While he was talking on the phone, he felt he needed to talk with us, so when we came back by his house he came out to talk. A rush of the spirit came over me and I was filled with gratitude that Heavenly Father had placed someone in our path. We have an open invitation to stop back by and catch him home, so we hope to teach him and invite him to church.
Last night after finishing dinner, Elder Louder and I wanted to follow up with a few people who had not attended church. We came to a point where we didn't know who to stop by next, so we pulled over and payed attention to where the Spirit needed us to go. A few weeks ago, we received a phone call from a member in Kentucky. He explained his brother had agreed to allow missionaries to come to his home, so we got some information and made a few efforts to stop by. Two weeks ago we made contact with Michael and he explained he would like to contact us when he had more free time. He also explained he was a recovering alcoholic and needed to turn to God to quit completely. We chose to respect his wishes, but without any contact made since then, we planned to stop by some time this week. Last night we felt the time we needed to go was then, so we drove around the corner to his home and knocked on his door. Nobody was coming to the door, so with a bummed feeling we turned around to walk to the car. Just as we turned around a hose flying through the air landed on the walkway. It scared me half to death. We walked passed the bushes and saw Michael standing there. I think we scared him just as bad, so the feeling was mutual. We cheerfully approached him and expressed we were so glad to see him. His wife wasn't home, but he welcomed us inside. As we were walking in, he explained he had had a few drinks. We felt we should still go in, so we asked a few questions to get to know him better. While talking with him. He broke down into tears explaining the pain and guilt he felt because of his addiction. His ability to function as a normal human being was lost and his relationship with his wife and kids was gone. It was heart wrenching to think about how low Michael had gone in his life. He needed answers on how he could overcome his problems. We shared Matt 11 with him where Christ talks about taking his yoke upon us that our burdens may become light. We also shared Alma 7:11-12 with so he could understand the way Christ is able to succor us. I had asked him before reading the scriptures how long he felt "happy" after drinking. It was not long, and he explained the burdens on his shoulders became stronger as he woke up the next morning. We asked how he felt after reading the scriptures. He felt peace and knew the message contained in the scriptures would help him. We then shared Matt 26:41 with him. That is favorite scripture to use when talking about temptation. He felt that scripture applied to him well. I asked, when he feels the urge to drink, about how long it takes for him to give in. He said the last time it was about 20 minutes. During that 20 minutes, he agreed his spirit was willing to not drink, but he ultimately gave into his weak flesh. We asked him to pray and read the scriptures every time he feels the urge to drink. He agreed. He closed in prayer and poured his heart to Heavenly Father. Tears filled my eyes. Very rarely do I cry, but I couldn't help but feel pity for the situation he was suffering in. He knew the spirit was there and felt hopeful God knew what he was going through. He got up from the table and walked into the kitchen. We set an appointment to come back. While writing in my planner, I looked up and saw him remove a brown paper sack exposing a large can of beer. He immediately poured a glass, so with an effort to keep him from drinking it all, I asked that he not pour it all in his cup. He quickly put up his defenses and lashed back at me explaining his wife does it enough and he didn't want me to tell him what to do. I couldn't believe how fast the twenty minute struggle to resist temptation had turned into a few seconds. The adversary is real and has a strong hold on Michael. I am so thankful for Heavenly Father directing us to him. Michael said many times we came at the perfect moment in his life. It will be a long process to help him, but with the help of his brother and local leaders, I am confident he will begin to have more light in his life.
I love this gospel. I know God lives and directs us to those who are in need. Many people are struggling to feel our Savior's love. It is our great privilege to reach out and help the feel of that love. I am grateful for the testimonies each of you have attained and I am thankful for your willingness to share it will me. I hope you know of my love for each of you.
Elder Seager