I know it's been quite a while since I've posted, but it has been wonderful being here in Baxley, GA. There are so many things to discuss and so many things that have happened, but let me start off by saying, "Wow! It gets a little hot down here in the South in the middle of July!" It's the prime time for heat and humidity!
Last transfer we spent the entire 6 weeks on bikes. Riding 7-9 hours a day is a little exhausting, but it is still quite the adventure! I am so grateful for the good people of the south. They might turn us away and tell us how wrong we are, but they will always offer us a Gatorade or a water bottle to go....sometimes even a jug of water that's so big they have to give you a bag to carry it in! Haha
We truly can't complain. Southern hospitality is the best!
Another thing I wanted to discuss is the importance of "agreeing to disagree". Being in the Bible belt of the south, means we have many people who disagree with us. We can spend hours upon hours talking about the different doctrines from one belief to the next. Some missionaries love to prove that they are right. Anyone who knows me, knows that I don't like losing an argument and I will try my best not to. But I have found that trying to prove people are wrong doesn't work. To be sound in the gospel, and going from "I believe to I know" is absolutely important. I have realized the most important thing to do in the lessons we teach, is to bare testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ. As a missionary our calling is to invite all to come unto Christ. The only way to know if what we teach is true, if the Book of Mormon is true, is to pray.
One thing I am working on during my mission is being more charitable. As it says in The Book of Mormon.......
Moroni 7:47
"47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him"
How great is that?! This scripture verse is one of my favorites because the pure love of Christ is infinite as is His atonement. He suffered for each one of us. I think anyone who is charitable and loving just naturally feels happy.
I encourage all of you ( most likely the 2 people who read this haha) to do something charitable this week. There are thousands of ways to be charitable....big and small. Hymn 223 says " Have I done any good?" Its a great hymn about showing Christ-like love.
So in other news, not too many crazy things have happened lately. We are having a cool Branch cookout this Saturday, so that is exciting! Also, one of our investigators is progressing towards baptism. It is exciting to see him grow in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't know if I will still be in Baxley for his baptism, but I am very excited for him.
We also witnessed two baptisms yesterday. A couple in a neighboring city called McRae, GA was baptized. So the work is happening, slowly but surely it continues here in the south.
I have had a couple of dogs pee all over my shoe, which was awkward. haha A lot of dogs around here run up to be petted. They get so excited when someone pets them, that they pee all over. They can't control themselves.
The other day, I had someone ask me "What denomination are you? Are you Japanese?" I responded " I am a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" haha That was kind of weird. haha
I am going to try to be better about sending updates for the blog. Hopefully every 2 weeks and hopefully what I say is actually interesting.
Remember to do something fun and remember to slow down to see all the beautiful things in life.
Elder McGee
