An Inspiring Story - 1/13/2010

Well, everyone, it's been a while since last I posted a real summary of what was going on over in Rupert.

I have a new companion now, and his name is Elder Henau (Hen-now) and he has been out a grand total of 3 months, which makes me senior companion. It's kind of crazy to think that I was his same "age" when I first got into Rupert. He's from Sandy, UT and we get along just fine. Of course, I was sad to see Elder Smith go, the two of us had been through a lot together, coming in to Rupert and gaining member trust and starting the work back up after the last set of Elders had not really been doing what they needed to.

The area has truly grown on me, and although I love the city at heart, I also love being out in the middle of nowhere with people who love to help out and are always asking what they can do to further the work. It will be a sad day when I eventually have to depart from Rupert, but for now, I know I have at least 6 more weeks ahead of me in this area.

In food news, I had a new dish: lengua. Yes, it's cow tongue. Yes, I've had it. twice. It's quite tasty, although sometimes you get a piece where you can see the taste buds :]

I've been trying to think of how to blog better and more often. I have been able to see many miracles in this area, both on a large scale and on a personal scale. I'll share a few over the next few weeks.

Valentine and Quitting Smoking: We have an investigator named Valentine. He comes from one of the most terrible backgrounds I have ever heard, and for his sake, I won't go into detail. Let's just say he had it rough his whole life. Times 100. Anyway, we had always been warned by other Elders in the area not to associate with him and at first we tried not to as best we could. Then one day, he came to our door and asked for money for food. Being missionaries, we are no strangers to a) People assuming we have a lot of money because of our suits and ties (Which we definitely DON'T haha) and b) Less fortunate people asking for money for "food." As he stood at our door, I told him I didn't have money, but that we could help him out in a different way if he would let us come over. He said that would be ok. As he left and I closed the door, I thought about what I had just said. "Why did I say that? Everyone says to stay away from him and I asked to come OVER!?" I thought. I told Elder Smith the appointment I had set and he was equally surprised. But I felt that I had said those things for a reason, so we went over at the scheduled time. Turns out, he was an absolutely golden investigator, with a thorough knowledge of the Bible and an eager want to learn about the Restoration and the Book of Mormon. He said there were some changes he had made in his life when he saw us move in two doors down and how nice we were to the people in the grocery store and around town, so he thought he'd come ask us about our church, but got nervous when he knocked and instead asked for money. He was relieved when I suggested we teach him instead. The only problem he said he still had to overcome was smoking. After a few weeks of teaching, he said he was down to 8 a day. Although that was an improvement, I decided I would fast the next day (Tuesday) for Valentine to overcome his problem completely. When we returned home from our lesson that Monday evening, I knelt in prayer and pleaded with Heavenly Father to help Valentine overcome his problem. We didn't see him again until Friday. The next day went by very slowly and it was difficult to fast as Tuesdays are our P-Days...kind of our day off. But at the end of the 24 hour period I had determined not to eat, I was grateful to Heavenly Father for helping me through it and felt comfort in my heart that I had done so. Friday came and we met again with our friend. He said that on Tuesday night, he decided to throw away all his cigarettes and not buy anymore and hadn't smoked since. That was the same evening I ended the fast for him. I know that through my faith and also through Valentine's faith in Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father, this miracle came to pass. Since then, he has decided to be baptized and is scheduled to be on the 23rd. I am very thankful to my Father in heaven for the blessings he pours upon us when we approach him in faith and ask in a just cause.

I know that prayers are answered. I know that we can all receive help to any problem, great or small when we come in humility to Christ and accept that we need his help in order to improve our lives.

Thanks as always, to everyone who helps me by sending words of encouragement my way. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful support and know that you are always in my prayers!


Until next time

- Elder Hops

Christmas Ornaments - Thanks Everyone!

Hello!

These are the select pictures I took of all the ornaments everyone sent me. I decided to put them on the tumbleweed tree instead of the paper tree my family sent me. Thanks so much to everyone who sent me ornaments!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic 2010! I know I have been having a spectacular year so far, and hopefully will continue to do so. I'll do a pretty good "catch-up" post next week, but for now, here are some of the ornaments that helped make my Christmas absolutely wonderful!
Thanks again!

Elder Hops