Mission Vision

Good morning, folks!

To illustrate how quickly this week has gone by, I will use the Book of Ether. This Book covers approximately 1700 years in just a few short pages and even fewer chapters. It must have been a struggle to fit all of the major events from that time period into the book, but Ether and Mormon were able to do it with God's help. Likewise, so many things have happened in the last week and it would be impossible to write all of them down. "And it mattereth not to me that I am particular to give a full account of all the things of [Elder Thomas's mission], for they cannot be written upon these plates." (1 Nephi 6:3) "And there are also many other things which [Elder Thomas and Elder Senkans] did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." (John 21:25)

So many great things happen on a mission, but with that being said, "I have chosen the good part." (2 Nephi 2: 30)

This week!

-exchange with Elder Brown from Show Low, Arizona

-loads of teaching, not as much finding

-ward primary program success!

-Tri-zone conference in Staines

-getting ready for my driving test on Friday

-getting ready for Conference!

-hit the mission vision

In the ELSM we have a mission goal called the "mission vision", which is to have 1 baptismal date, 1 investigator at church, 3 member present teaches, and 2 new investigators each week. This creates a really nice process so that people are always cycling through the different stages of progression on their way to baptism. The goal is to have at least 1 person at each stage of progression, from a new investigator to a baptism. And we got it this week! Our Pakistani family is still on for October 29, although we they still have a long ways to go. 2 of them came to church on Sunday, along with loads of other non-members and less actives whom the members brought to see the primary program. And you know as well as I do that nothing brings the spirit more than little kids singing their hearts out. Our bishop even brought a family from Denmark! We hope to be able to hit the mission vision every single week from now on so we can have that steady flow of progress instead of only finding or only teaching. So that's what we're going for. In the words of President Gubler, "that's when missionary work gets fun."

The family from Pakistan really likes us. I mean they reaaaaally like us...a lot. They have us over for dinner and a lesson 2 or 3 times a week and the mother calls me every single day, referring to me as her "second son" and asking me if I need anything. Pretty sure she wants to adopt me! So we aren't worried about food right now. The kids also look up to us a lot and they love the Book of Mormon! Hopefully we can help them to reschedule their work calendar so they can all come to church on Sunday as a family. Only 2 of them came last week. Every family needs the gospel!

We're also teaching a man called Romulus from Hungary. He's super cool and although he's tossed by some winds of doctrine, he's super close to God! He's a Seventh day Adventist but he's willing to do anything to come even closer to God. We will see him tomorrow. We're teaching a couple of Romanians as well at the moment. Keep them in your prayers!

I'm not even sure if we're teaching any English people at the moment...we're taking the gospel to all nations! 

Our zone has grown so much lately. We are seeing more and more success and our missionaries have fire in their bones! Great have come, but even greater things are coming. We've had some tough times as a zone and still do, but God is seeing us through. 

Wish me luck, I've got my driving test on Friday and I do not want to fail! 

Love you all...I really do. I love all your letters and emails and words of love and support. You do more than you know. Keep it up and share the gospel!

Love, Elder Thomas

ELSM

Dinner with members

Tri-Zone Conference in Staines