When Strangers Help

Monday, June 9, 2014

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

A bit of a humorous email you have sent. You should send a picture of Mom's new hair! I would totally love to see it! As much as what occurred is bad, it makes for an interesting story. And geez! What happened exactly to Dad's car? (a giant farm forklift backed into his car at a stop sign) Is it still drive-able? Did the kid not see? That is a crazy story! Oh man! It sounds like it has been quite a week! It has been a week over here as well, particularly the weekend!

Monday, not much happened after emailing and that fabulous lesson we had with our special investigator. I was feeling a bit sick myself, but I felt better by the next day.

Tuesday, we worked at the food bank and it was fun. I love working at the food bank. I love interfaith work. We cleaned our car as well that day. We helped an elderly British woman who was very nice. She is a potential and we attempted to talk about religion. She avoids it with us. And she loves to feed us and give us food that is near expiration date. She does not like any food wasted. Any food. 

Wednesday, we had zone conference from nine to about 6. It was in reality nine to four, but President wanted to talk to me after. I had emailed President about someone I am concerned about and, two, a summarized version about some of the paragraphs I wrote to you. So, he asked me about how I was doing and if there was anything he could do. I told him what I felt and briefly what I know to be true. Zone conference was interesting. It went over the case study that we had recently had to read. We talked about family history as well. President also addressed key indicators and their purpose.

Thursday, we helped the bishop with a few people. I got the chance to talk with him. He asked me about my interests, which we had discussed before. What did we ended up talking about? Forensic science and serial killers. The bishop watches Forensic Files to get to sleep. After helping him and eating lunch, we did some cleaning that needed to be done. We had little space in between when we got done with bishop and dinner. One of our investigators that has been sick over the past two transfers I have been in Powhatan was there. She requested a blessing, so we taught her and gave her blessing. She was really thankful.

Friday, we planned, helped somebody's yard (a less active), and got to see our knee replacement less active who is now home. He wants to improve so bad and wants to walk. He wants to walk to the podium and bear his own testimony of everything. We had dinner with one of the members. The wife, who, mind you, is pregnant, told us that she went over to our special investigator's place (the day before the service project that we had organized) and cut some of the grass. She told us what challenges would probably await us.

Saturday was the big day. We had organized a service project for our special investigator at nine. We made sure it happened and it happened. 20 people showed up; we had four riding lawnmowers (one was our investigator's), five weed eaters, and several different tools. She was so impressed and filled with joy. As she told us, "This blows my mind out of proportion!" In two hours, we cut five acres of grass that had grown from a size varying from 1 and a half to three feet tall, weeded, cut down bushes, and took care of the overgrowth. The yard looked absolutely beautiful. She was so thankful. Afterward, we talked about church and she was happy to go. Her great-granddaughters came out and helped a bit. Oh, and by the way, I am pretty sure if you look in the dictionary and look at the word awkward, you will see a picture of two LDS missionaries. One of the great-granddaughters, after signing her service project hours, wanted to give us a hug. I was in front of my companion. Time slowed, my mind went blank. All I could do was put out my hand and say, "Handshake?" It was the most awkward thing ever and my companion backed me up and explained that we were missionaries. He was happy it was not him that went through that awkward moment.

Also, on Saturday, an old investigator that I had taught in Fredericksburg was baptized. Last I knew, he was not willing to give up coffee and be baptized. I heard that he had a change of heart. Oh, how I tried to get up there, but I did not. As sad as it was, I really did try, but I found out at the last minute. I obtained permission and I was calling people in hope on Saturday morning of going without rhyme or reason. That went out of my comfort zone, instilled confidence, and made me learn from the Lord. It just seems to me that the Lord puts me in the most stressful situations to let me learn. Well, I definitely got a big confidence boost, despite it not turning out. But, I did call and wish him a wonderful baptism and congratulations.

Sunday, we had church as always. Best church meeting ever. We had ward council in the morning. Remember how I told you of the bishop's conversation with me? Well, he has a book for me to read. Of course, when he had walked into the room for ward council, he goes up to me first. He does not shake anyone's hands first, but just goes to me. He tells me the name of a book of which he recommends for me. As funny as it was, one person asked how that related to missionary work, to which the bishop told them my interests. (By the way, if you still have my bookmarks, I would be more than happy if you could bookmark this book for me. Yes, I have a bookmark for books; I use it as a way to note what books I love to read. What I do is go on Barnes and Nobles, look up the book, click on the link, and bookmark it. Like I said, it is a way to make a list of books I would like to read without losing that list. It is called "Gangland" by Howard Blum.)

Our special investigator came to church and loved it. The talks were excellent; the hymns were perfect. She loves "The Spirit of God," hymn number 2. Absolutely, beautiful. Sunday school, we taught the Plan of Salvation and all she said, "I am pondering about it." We taught the young men and talked of the Book of Mormon. We did it the way Elder Bednar did in our meeting with him. It went excellent. After that, we said goodbye to our investigator. The Relief Society sisters came up to us and told us she bore her testimony. She talked of how thankful she is for the service project. She told that she only met with us twice and we set up a project for her and complete strangers took time to help another complete stranger. She was astonished. The whole ward loves her and is excited for her.

The rest of Sunday flew by as well. We saw our two car accident people. Yes, two people this week got in car accidents and I now can add Dad on that list, making it three. One person got rear ended by a person going 40 miles per hour and is thankfully okay. His car is totaled and it just added for more of a bad week after losing his dog. The other person was coming out of a intersection, thinking it was clear, and got t-boned on the driver's side. He was flown to the hospital by helicopter. He has a broken neck and broken back. Thankfully, he is alive. And the other people, too. One person got cuts and the other person broke their thumb. Today, we set up for an appointment with our special investigator, but that fell through. She has been having issues with her family.

It has been a week for both of us. It has been crazy. I cannot believe how fast it went, though. Lots of stuff has occurred. A few more thoughts. I am nearing the end of the New Testament, which has been sad. It is reading a really good book and you know what happens. I started 1 Peter and it is beautiful. I am ever more sure that an apostasy from the early church did occur. As I have been nearing the end, there is a lot of warning to the saints in those days about those who have departed from the truth. Reading it in order definitely shows that.

Despite not being able to go to that baptism, I am still happy. It is good to see, despite how much it does not seem to pay off, how it does indeed pay off in time. I am excited for his journey in life. God speed to him.

I think the hardest lessons that I have learned so far is learning when I cannot help. I love to help people, but there are times when you cannot help. It hurts me, but I have to do what is best for that person. This Saturday is transfer calls. Who knows what will happen.

Love,

Elder S. Todd

P.S. Thank you to our 87 year old "special investigator" for letting us serve you as we serve the Lord.

To Serve God Is To Serve Others

Monday, June 2, 2014

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

I am glad to hear about my dog. She was skinny that last I saw her. Then again, when is she not skinny? 

This week has been off. It has been odd. 

Tuesday was P-Day. We helped somebody that day after we had taken care of our other matters. I helped stack wood while my companion helped cut wood. We did that until it rained and dinner was ready. That person fed us; they are wonderful members. 

Wednesday, we helped this potential investigator with her yard. It has hot outside, which caused a mild headache. She fed us dinner and then we had to pick up another dinner. (Somebody had signed up and we were lucky that it is a pick up meal.) Zone leaders from another zone came by our area to help us go tract. I went one way and my companion went another. I had found a girl who is 12 and has read the entire Bible. It was crazy, so we gave her a Book of Mormon. By 8:00, a storm had reached our area. Dust was cast in my eyes and I was sneezing. End of tracting. My eyes were burning, my headache increased, and it was hard to function. So, we went to the apartment (the zone leader and I) and I broke in. I took care of my allergies and headache and went out again. So, as stupid as it was, we were tracting out in the rain without jackets. It was down pouring, lots of lightning that illuminated where we were. It was awesome and beautiful. We found some potential people.

Thursday, we had an excellent lesson with our special investigator. We had a member that told her about Welfare Square and the Bishop's Storehouse (a Bishop's Storehouse is usually a warehouse full of food and other goods which can be obtained by meeting with the pastor and his female counterpart called a Relief Society president of a congregation. They help go over the needs of a member who can go to the storehouse to obtain needed items.) over in Chesterfield. She marveled at that. Our special investigator is going through some rough moments in her life, but the Spirit was able to give her comfort while we were there. She did not go to church this week. Our special investigator was really happy that we were there. 

In addition to visiting this wonderful person, we had a wonderful dinner with this member couple and another member. The other member was a psychologist and is a wonderful man. We talked a bit and I told him what field I would like to get into. Well, Virginia is a bit slow at recognizing my field as a specialty; perhaps some day. And this man knows French. So, guess what? He read Victor Hugo's book, Les Miserables, in French. My face lit up, because I found another person like me who has read Les Miserables and likes it. And the wife of the couple asked me, "You like Les Miserables? Not as much as me."

Friday, we had a meeting. Not much else happened that day, but I did receive good news that day. 

Saturday, I have no clue what occurred that day. Must not be that important. 

Sunday, it was good. We had wonderful church meetings.  Now, I am more focused on other people. Such as another person who frequently comes, but is evidently apostatizing. As I have focused on that person and his needs, I am ready to face him again and help stem his issues. 

Today, Monday, June 2, we had another lesson with our special investigator, hence why I am writing so late. She told us that she wanted to come to church and told us she felt after we had left the previous time that she needed to go to church. She is so wonderful. And her yard needs help, so rather than have us do it, we are involving the whole ward (congregation) to help cut her lawn. And we asked on Sunday and they are totally willing to go out and help. And that is going to occur on Saturday this week.

So, it was a good week. As odd as it was. The Lord will take care of things. I am sure of it. I love you.

All is well.

Love,

Elder S. Todd

Got Eye Drops?

Monday, May 27, 2014

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

We just got done with lunch. We had helped with the food bank today which was slow, awfully slow. And this Tuesday P-day made life a bit interesting. We had the food bank and another service project.

With a new person in the house (his parents are renting his bedroom for a while), it will take time to get adjusted. Lots of time; patience will be what will carry you.

It sounds like you have had fun with Sean (his older brother). Reagan (his niece) looks taller. They are all getting older. Thank you for the packages. I was not expecting much, but I got a lot. We nearly got something for one of us each day of the week. It was really nice and I appreciated it.

Thank you for giving my congratulations (to the graduating class of his former high school, Lemoore, Middle College High School). It was quite nice. Keep up the work, Dad. The reason I say that is I know you are doing well.

I have no idea why we do not have tablets or how they will be used, but some day, maybe. I am not too concerned. One companion I had has a case already. I am not overly anxious.

It has yet to storm today. It has been sunny. We had a tornado warning and it was sunny. But in other places, I believe, a tornado did hit. Oh, and an earthquake hit. It was a small one, a 3.2. A very small one, according to this Californian. I did not feel it for I was on exchanges in Midlothian when it occurred. It was my companion's first earthquake and apparently, it shook our whole entire building. 

Monday, it was zone P-day  (preparation day). I tried to get into it, but it just was not the same. Regardless, I did have a bit of a good time. Not much else happened that day other than we had a great dinner with a member.

Tuesday, it was another day at the food bank. It was a bit more than we had today. We stopped by our blind less active and nothing really happened there. We went out with one of the priests and saw a few people. We saw one investigator who we cannot otherwise stop by (single female) and she does not remember much from last time. She just wanted to talk. We had dinner with this one young family. There was something that the wife said that I just wanted to help, but nothing really formulated in the way of an idea until Wednesday. We went to another of our less actives and taught her the scriptures.

Wednesday, we had another district meeting and I went to Midlothian for the day. I was with the district leader and we went out and saw a recent convert. It was hard to stay awake. We went tracting and had fun with this one person who asked us different questions. We tried a few potentials and was able to meet with one. That person stayed silent until the end. I ended up talking a lot, which was odd. I had not realized that until now. I never talk as much as I did. At a member's house for dinner, we talked with them. It just hit me like a load of bricks. I realized what I could do for the member that I talked to on Tuesday. And the rest of the night, I was with the district leader and the ward (congregation) mission leader for Midlothian while they had their ward correlation meeting.

Thursday, we saw our 87 year old investigator. She is a really neat person who has accomplished much. She could open doors when and if she gets baptized. It is a really big, yet tender situation and I am trying to not let it get too big in my head. All I will say is that Thursday, she was ready to drop us. She felt overwhelmed by the Book of Mormon, but while being there, she felt the Spirit. She opened up. She wanted to continue to meet with us. She told us some of her life stories. We really did not say much. The Spirit is really strong around her and is working hard with her. There is no denying that. She was quite grateful that we were patient, gentle, and understanding with her. She was glad we listened. We were there for three hours on her porch. The rest of Thursday, not much else happened. We contacted several people who we had previously had trouble contacting, except for one, our investigator of whom is still smoking (if he would allow them they have a successful program for quiting smoking) and is avoiding us.

Friday, a member couple took us out for lunch. It was a lot of fun. We talked with one of our investigators that day as well. She likes her church community, but she likes us. Not much happened, because she and I were not big friends with Mr. Wasp who kept on flying around us. My companion could care less. We tracted that day and tried to see other people. Not much luck.

Saturday, we helped with somebody's yard. I used a weed eater to cut a big section of their grass. We tracted with the district leader and his companion. We found a lot of potentials. It was good, except everybody was cutting their grass that day. And after dinner, we helped cut somebody's grass, our less active who we teach scriptures. Saturday could also be called allergy day. My right eye itched and I was sneezing. I was glad to have eye drops and after doing it so many times.  (I still hate eye drops, yet I can tolerate them now.)

Sunday, after church, we had a linger longer. It was a lot of fun. We stopped by and talked to the former bishop to give his mother the sacrament. Then, we had dinner.

Monday, we helped with another yard and this for the ward organist who cannot do much unless he wants to get shocked by his heart defibrillator again. And again, we helped the less active who we teach the scriptures. Her sliding glass door shattered. Lots of glass that had to be picked up.

I realized a few things this past week. One is the Bible, I get so fired up reading it. If you actually read it, whether it be in order or not, and actually pay attention, you will pick up on the fact that there needs be an apostasy and that God's church has prophets and apostles. You see that Paul warned that the leaders would be corrupt (in Acts) and that the word of God was corrupted by some (in 2 Corinthians). Reading the Bible and trying to understand it, despite its old, old English, you begin to pick up insights. Using context clues and main ideas, certain things can be picked up on. Take, for example, baptisms for the dead. Paul was not renouncing it, but rather, he was saying that if Jesus was resurrected and we also will be resurrected, then we must do baptisms for the dead. Some things bug me a lot for some reason when I read the Bible. You could say I feel like Wilford Woodruff and Robert Mason studying the Bible and seeing what things consist of God's true church. And maybe this is because I am a Mormon and a missionary, but regardless, it is something that can be picked up on.

I also realized that there are two things I should master. One is fear. I cannot explain that one, other than I feel it should be something I should master. Two, and more importantly, getting upset. I am not as upset as I have been in the past. What is weird, that I have noticed and others have noticed, is that my performance peaks when I am angry or upset. My communication improves, I think a lot more quickly, and I get more passionate. So, I figure I should master righteous anger (if there is such a thing) and control it, rather than let anger control me. I feel right about this. How, I have no idea. I just get the ideas.

All is well! In a great mood, more especially after ranting about the Bible.

Love,

Elder S. Todd