So, a Bishop invited us and the non-member couple I mentioned last week for dinner and a lesson! They are both just so amazingly sweet and friendly. They are from Michigan and really are interested in learning and drawing closer to God. They enthusiastically accepted our invitation to read the Book of Mormon and meet with us again! This is the second time I've been able to teach someone in a Bishop's home, and it really is just so great. They are always so warm and gracious, and really add to the discussion. The couple we taught both have had a lot of trials and hardships in their lives, and again, are just at this point where they are feeling like something is missing. They only recently moved up here, and so far they love the people.We also have two more investigators in addition to the two we taught at one of our Bishop's homes, which really is amazing. Both of which are actually children, but their family is also willing to listen in and progress, which is really exciting for them! The best situation is when you get to teach whole families, and help them on their journey to come closer to our Redeemer together.
Thursday was exchanges, so I went to Rexberg again with Sister Settle, another Sister in the Zone. I learned a lot, and we were able to teach really well together, which was really neat for the both of us! One thing I learned in particular is that you really are a successful missionary when you're obedient, stick to Preach My Gospel, and teach through the spirit.
Last night, we tried this one part member family, which I never have only once been in with before. The mother is super super sweet, they have five kids at home, and recently the father was deported. She has strong feelings against the Book of Mormon, and tells every missionary that has ever been in to only share from the Bible. She even tells her home teacher (who is absolutely awesome!) that they are not allowed to share from the Book of Mormon, either. While we were there though, she opened up about her problems with the church (or even if God is really there), and that she never has felt that she has ever received an answer to her prayers before. She joked that if God is there, she must be the "forgotten child". She also has read the Book of Mormon five times, and has really done her research about the Church. I was even impressed by how well she knew the history of the church. As we talked, I was careful not to share anything from the Book of Mormon, but finally there was a scripture that really needed to be shared, and when asked, she said we could read it to them. She kept saying things like "I have no idea what's going on, I have never told any of the past missionaries any of my concerns or any of this, and I've never let anyone share from the Book of Mormon in my home before. It must have been something I ate." But I think Heavenly Father really is looking after her and her wonderful family, and she seems like she's at a point in her life where she's open. We left on a good note, and she said that she would think about meeting with us regularly, to try once again to pray to Heavenly Father. After our invitation, she did say that they would have family prayers. She was so funny, telling us not to get our hopes up, but to check in with her Mondays, when she puts together her schedule, and gave us her number. She also said that if we were to meet with her, we were more than welcomed to invite her home teacher over as well, who the family is super close to.
Spiritual thought: In Matt. 16:26, it talks a little bit about what a man would give for his own soul. I like to cross reference that with Alma 22:15, when King Limoni's father tells Aaron that he would give up all that he possessed, even the whole kingdom. It made me thing about what I would actually give up, and if I could give it all. I love this gospel, and I'm preparing myself each and every day to be a worthy servant, and to be willing to lose my life to find it (Matt. 16:25).
I love each and everyone of you!
-Sister Cottrell
P.S. Anyone who knows me well knows that I get cold easily... but it's alright, I'm only doing my best to survive Antarctic-like weather. You grow to love the -20 degree, dry, Idaho climate, but at least we have snow! ;)
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