We taught John this week, the Christian college professor and had a fantastic lesson. We talked about marriage in Matt 22 and what Christ is saying in that scripture. It is so weird being the teacher sometimes because often times I come away from those situations learning more than I thought I would. The big reason why that is, is because the Spirit of the Lord was in the room. The Spirit testifies of truth and is the true teacher, not me or man. So because the Spirit was there, we all learned and it was a very edifying experience. He is very smart and a fantastic man but his family is a little behind him. We asked him if we could meet with his family and talk about the gospel with them all because this gospel is meant for families, to strengthen and protect them. He is going to try but is hesitant about it because his wife had a bad experience with a few churches in the past and growing up. From what I have heard about his situation is that they need it though right now.
Also taught another lady named Lindsay who is a mother of 2 with a 3rd on the way. Her husband is a member but stopped coming but she is interested in it. Met with her at her running buddies house who are members in our ward as well. First of all they made this apple pie that was so amazing, and she said she had never tried before. It looked better than the pictures! SO good. Anyways found out that Lindsay is having some troubles in her family as well and he want us to teach her 15 yr old son. She seems so ready for the gospel and really wants it to be a part of her life.
Went on an exchange with a missionary that I have had the opportunity to work around for awhile named Elder Mark Knobbe, yes like Ben on Starwars. He is a convert and has a really good story too. Used to not believe in God at all and was anti mormon growing up in Idaho but was invited to church after awhile to listen to his friends talk he gave and at the end of church he was crying because he felt the Spirit so strongly telling him this is where he belongs. Well anyways we got talking about how to teach people and he taught me something about the effective way of teaching as missionaries. He related it to how we teach a dog verses how we teach a child. A dog you teach to not bite. A child you don't teach him to not push people but to be a good person. The difference is you are not trying to change the action but you are trying to change the desire of the individual. When trying to teach someone to be more obedient, stop telling them what they are constantly doing wrong but rather love the things they are doing good and help them be a better person. Sometimes they will ask for suggestions on how they can improve and you give them ideas that they can come up with on their own how they can be better. Hard but the thing is as humans, we are smart enough to figure out when we are doing something wrong. We often times ignore the small prompting but we know. People simply need love and to know about the things they do well. When you are happy you are more susceptible to change.
We were making visits to the investigators that missionaries have visited in the past and talked with this large Samoan man named Beau. He is just huge and ripped! His calf is bigger than my head and his biceps bigger than my torso. BIG and so nice. We are going to go over and read through the Book of Mormon with him and help him understand what he reads. We are very excited as well to go with him and the family to the Mesa Temple lights and see the sights down there. With Christmas coming up and Thanksgiving I am excited for the mission conference and other events to come and the Spirit of Joy all around. Happy Holidays Everyone!!
Love Elder Caleb Leonhardt
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