Lake Michigan

Be jealous ya'll! I saw Lake Michigan! So beautiful! Our ward mission leader took us out, got a good view of a lighthouse. Forgot my camera, so no pics! :( But soon, I'll get some.

My first trade-off was Tuesday, worked with Elder De La Paz. He was actually a convert, and knows scriptures very well, and can talk one's ears off! 

We also had District Meeting, and talked of why this work is so great, and that we must not be discouraged. Our District Leader, Elder Chlarson, told us of an experience where a bunch of college students were making fun of him, yet he just told them straight up that he wanted to do this and he loves it, and that he's dedicated to it. One of the guys came up later, and shook his hand, he had such an impact on them. Joseph Smith, he went on to say, had many more bad things happen to him, much more severe, yet he also kept the faith! We shouldn't become despondent in the gospel, for the gospel is what brings us strength beyond our own. Which I've seen for myself! Elder Yates and I go out to see less-actives and members alike to get to know them and share inspiring insights into scriptures as often as we can, yet we can't make their lives better, just show them a way. Which can get really discouraging, but the way of Christ is to continually look for opportunities to serve, to be patient with all, show the way, and strengthen those around oneself. And teach others of the restored gospel! Which Elder Yates and I have not done much, with so many unwilling to listen. There was a less-active sister whose fifteen year boy had a Lutheran friend over, who was very inquisitive. So we taught the Restoration, and he even asked, "What about the after-life?" So we have an investigator! So by teaching him in the sister's home, we'll strengthen all there.

Love you all! -Elder Brian Stolp

Pics

Hey all! Just know I love you, and I love the people here! God loves every single person I've talked to, and I can see when those I talk to love God and follow Christ to the best of their knowledge. Questions that steer the conversation towards the gospel include, "What led to your decision to follow Christ?" and "What's been the role of religion in your life?" And I ask you, reading this email, "How has the life of Christ influenced your life?" 

Here's a spiritual nugget, which I'm still learning, humility is thinking of others. Christ never thought of himself, always prayed for others, and fulfilled the will of the Father. That is why God is so well pleased in His Son. I promise you can receive strength, for "... the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." Mosiah 24:15

A man on his doorstep told us, "Sure, I'll join your church, how many wives do I get?" Then I and my comp were like, "uh, wait...", then he laughed! "I'm just kidding, guys" he said, it was quite the change of pace for us. He was a jolly old soul, I would say in his seventies. We asked what he thinks of when he thinks of God, and told us he doesn't think God is very pleased in him. We told him God loves all, and more about this Church, but he declined the offer for us to come back. I wanted so much to tell him what God and Christ has to offer him! Oh well, I hope all these people have at least one more chance to learn.

Love, Elder Brian Stolp

MTC stuff

4/20

Hey all! I had in-field orentation on Friday, which taught all about keeping record of what you're doing. Well though, it all goes back to faith! Faith leads to miracles, for the missionary will have the desire to work really hard. Like I am now :P I'm leaving next Wednesday, so yeah! It's great. The role-playing with my teacher as 'Chris' is going extremely well! Elder Davis and I work so well together, the spirit abides in our companionship because we listen to each other and the investigator so well. 'Chris' felt he needed to repent, and we told him of the conditions of repentance, which he accepted to do.

I saw Elder Steven Stolp again!! I love seeing that missionary.

 

Love, Elder Brian Stolp

4/29

Hey all! 

   My trainer, Elder Yates, was Helen's district leader in the MTC!! That's something else, huh! I'm in North Muskegon now! Love this area! Full of trees, the horizons are clear, and the members are so nice and helpful to us missionaries. We already had two dinners at members houses, the Millers and Westbrooks. Brother Miller makes so many funnies! Not necessarily jokes, just insights that tickle the mind. Sister Miller, while having dinner, would be looking out the window naming species of birds out on her feeder. The people here love nature stuff, the Westbrooks have a room full of plants in full sunshine because of windows. My companion, knowing both were converts, had the thought of asking them why they joined the church, for we haven't had anybody interested lately. Sister Westbrook told us that she slammed the door in the Elders' faces three times before she let them in, thinking all she had to do to get rid of them was to read whatever they had in mind. After a while though, it got her. She felt of the truth of the restored gospel while praying, since the missionaries invited her to do so. Okay, here comes the fun part :) She married Brother Westbrook, at the time not a member, yet she convinced him to take the lessons. See, he didn't want to listen to some young guys telling him what to do. Yet when he heard why we are different, that the gospel of Christ was taken away a long time ago but has returned to this earth, and that this Church has the Priesthood of God, he knew it was true. 

There are no progressing investigators as of now, but my companion and I are knocking on doors a lot. Actually, there was a lady we met on a doorstep and she had a faith in Christ, believed in the Godhead; she was just golden. We asked if we could swing by again, but she was visiting a friend, and doesn't live in our area! So other Elders will meet with her. 

Love you all! Elder Brian Stolp