6/5/17

Hey everyone, in contrast to last week this week has been much better. I don't know if its because circumstances have changed or my attitude or both. But regardless its been a much more positive experience. The letters from the Primary were cute, by the way. On Tuesday we emailed because Monday was Memorial day and out of respect for the soldiers who aren't able to email their families we waited till Tuesday. Or its because the library was closed Monday. We tried to see Edward but he wasn't home, his problem is that Mormons think black people are cursed. Satan always goes hard before or after baptism, but we'll get him back. I just have a feeling he can't be gone gone. He was so solid. But in the same neighborhood we met a lady named Toni who was very interested with the Book of Mormon and asked if she could meet with us. (She missed the appointment later in the week but its a work in progress.)

Here's a guy we saw one morning, had the Officer check him out. Turns out he was just sleeping. Have yet to see a dead body or hear a gun shot surprisingly.

Wednesday we saw a few potentials I've been trying to see consistently for a while now. Dennis is one of them, turns out he has actually been reading the Book of Mormon and has some questions he wants to talk about sometime. He told us to come on Tuesday. We gave our 80 year old friend Mr. Holly an Ensign. He's Jehovah Witness so we gave him the Christmas edition haha. Also saw Hank Wednesday and we read some good chapters in the Book of Mormon. He's excited to get baptized this Saturday if all goes according to plan.

Here's a really fat Moth who was injured in some way.

Thursday was a bit less happy, we weekly planned, and then tried 4 people in one area. All of which weren't home. But it was like 5:30 pm. Friday we gave out 3 copies of the Book of Mormon. If I can give out 1 a day then I have to call it a good day regardless of anything else. So it was a very good day. 2 of the people we gave them to we got phone numbers/addresses'. One guy's Godmother was a Mormon and the other was a referral. The referral's name is D'ong. I thought at first he was an Asian man but I was wrong. I've never taught a Asian person come to think of it.. Anyways D'ong was very cool and he wants to meet with us and have his Fiance be there as well to make it a family matter. Super awesome.

Saturday was a stacked day. We helped some members move and got Donuts for it. It was the most organized move I've ever been to. We saw Henok and talked about the Sacrament and keeping the Sabbath day holy. Along with his Baptism coming up this Saturday. It was a great lesson, but sadly he missed church. I'm not really worried. He's reading the Book of Mormon and opposition has been a thing for him from the beginning but he decided to be baptized himself so its just a matter of time. We also saw Hank with Bro. Allred. Those two are good pals and we had a great time there. "Hanky Panky" is a very funny guy, his humor is witty. There's a wonderful picture of us wearing his neck braces but that'll come next week. Hank is also very excited to get Baptized.

Sunday was nice as always. Church was wonderful. After church we gave a woman a blessing. Her friend in Hagerstown is investigating and sent us to visit her. She got in a really bad car accident. It was nice to teach her about the restoration of the Priesthood power, and to testify that in essence Jesus is giving her a blessing. Then to give her a blessing to feel the power and have the Spirit's words come out of your mouth is very powerful. The fun part of Sunday was running into some black guys who preach about white people being evil. They recognize me very easily and cussed us out. But I've gotten much better at not caring what other people think about me, so it didn't bug me at all.

Looking forward to another good week.

Elder Simmons