Email 82: God is Leading Us + Meet the Mormons

Received October 6, 2014

Wasn't Conference awesome! I cannot believe that was the last one for me out here. That makes me sad. It was interesting though because a lot of the inspiration I gained out of conference was really focused on after my mission and the future. It was amazing how each session seemed to be perfect for those who were watching. We didn't have any investigators or less-actives watching the first session, and that session provided a lot of insight for me personally. At each of the next sessions we were watching with investigators or members who are returning to activity and each session just seemed to be tailored to those people. Super awesome! I can't wait to go back and study all of the talks along with the scriptures. With the themes of Christlike Service, Sustaining Prophets, and Decisions, I got the feeling that they are preparing the Saints for some times ahead that are really going to test how true we are to the Lord. Do you think so??

We couldn't have asked for a better week here in Hylebos! Miracles happened. Last week, we created a list of families that we wanted to visit in the ward. On that list was the Horrocks family. On Saturday we offered service for a family and they declined but told us about the next-door neighbors, the Horrocks. I again had the thought "we need to go and visit them." On Sunday Night we were driving home and planning and the Horrocks name came clearly to my mind as we started to talk about plans. So we put them down. I was thinking they were active but when we got home and looked at the sheet is said "less-active." So we weren't sure how it was going to go but we went and knocked on the door. Sister Horrocks let us right in and they had us sit down. We met Zach and Kelly Barner, Kelly is Sister Horrocks daughter. They just had a baby 11 days ago. Bro Barner (Zach) really likes hunting and so he was talking to Elder Jeppesen about that. He asked us if we had bows and we told him that we couldn't have them right now. That was our first indication that he wasn't a member. He proceeded to tell us that he wasn't a member "yet", so he didn't know all of the stuff. And after further conversation he told us that he has always felt like he "would convert someday". We asked him and Sis Barner  (who is a member) if they would take the lessons. He agreed and we taught the first part of the Restoration and got a return appointment in 2 days. Long story short, the Barners had just moved back in the weekend before and with their newborn have been pondering more about spiritual things. Bro Barner committed to be baptized on Nov 15th and we watched conference with them on Sunday and we have had two lesson with them already! So solid right now. God is so great! He definitely led us to them! :)

We also met Sis Tae Metcalf contacting. She didn't tell us she was a member.. haha She just moved from Missouri and is samoan. We had a great lesson with her and then she told us she was once "baptized in the mormon church." She has four kids, ages 12, 9, 5, and 3. We have had two great lessons with her and she came to Bishop Keeney's home to watch a session of conference! We have another lesson with her and her kids tonight in the Church family's home! God led us to her!

Last night, we were just leaving our dinner appointment and we were laughing about some things that we said at dinner. We rounded the corner laughing and about ran into a mom and her son on a walk haha. Our cheerfulness carried straight into a conversation. Well, Elder Jeppesen talked to her while I played soccer with her son haha. They are both excited for us to come and teach their whole family on Friday! God led them to us! :)

Bro Leo Lianina is really striving for his baptismal date on October 31st as well! He watched conference with his fiancee this weekend and we are excited to get to review it with him. He is set on getting baptized. He really wants it for his family. We are just trying to help him really gain a testimony for himself and have a desire from within to live the restored gospel for the rest of his life! It is the best work to be engaged in, teaching God's children how to live His gospel. It is humbling for sure, and requires ALL of us.

It really has just been an amazing week. We have been in the right place at the right time so many times and it makes me so grateful to see the Spirit working through us to make things happen. It is the greatest joy as a missionary. I love having people to constantly think and ponder and pray about. Elder Jeppesen and I are super happy :)    Please keep praying for our area and the people here. We know those prayers are making things happen as well!

Just a general statement because many people have asked.. My knee has never felt better :) in all seriousness.

Oh, and on Tuesday, we got a sneak preview of "Meet the Mormons"! It was so sweet :) I couldn't help but crying with joy at the end haha. It is definitely worth going and seeing in theatres. Use it as a tool to help people feel and understand what we are really all about!

One thing that has been pressing on my mind lately and o through conference is the importance of "searching" the scriptures daily. Or "Feasting" daily. There is a difference between searching and reading. It is so evident to see the direct correlation between faithfulness and the quality and quantity of time spent in the scriptures. Those who make God's word a priority by searching them daily, applying the principle, and acting on the Spirit enjoy the fruits of the Atonement more fully. I am convinced of that!

I love love love life! Hope all is going well for you all :) Thank you for all of your prayers and love!! Back atcha!

Elder Cook

here are a couple of pics of Mt Rainier from the streets of Federal Way this morning at about 7 oclock!