We had a pretty amazing lesson with Jim Carnehan. His wife is a member and I am at a loss for why he has not been baptized. He has read the Book Of Mormon many times. He has a profound understanding of both the Old and New Testaments. He is reading the Doctrine and Covenants. He keeps all the commandments, including the Word of Wisdom. He has a testimony that this church is Christ's church restored to the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith, and he has even submitted family names to the temple and has had work done for them. When we ask him why he has not been baptized, his excuses are weak and half-hearted. I believe that there is an underlying issue that he has not yet come to terms with. I have been fasting and praying to know how to help him, but I haven't yet come to understand his reservations. I do have hope however. He has had all the lessons and has come to church consistently for many years. He will be baptized someday soon, I hope that it is within the next 6 weeks, but whether it is or isn't he knows what is right and will eventually choose to make both baptismal and temple covenants with his Father in Heaven.
We also had a great lesson with an 18 year old boy named Alex. He was a referral from the Kilpalinen family. We taught him about the restoration of this gospel. It seemed that it went well, until we called the Kilpalinens the next day. They said that our lesson had scared him away a bit. He hadn't expected us to give him a Book of Mormon, invite him to be baptized, and tell him so much about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. It really goes to show how amazing our calling is. I am 19 years old. I have spent little to no time studying doctrine, and am not a very eloquent speaker, but when the Spirit of the Lord speaks through me, I become something else. I become a missionary, a disciple of the Lord and Savior of the world. I can teach with power and authority and can truly invite others to come unto Christ.
This concept was shown yesterday very well. We talked to a man who had some very deep questions about God, the creation, covenants, and the gospel in general. In the beginning we gave fairly standard answers and comments. What really started it off was when we said that we are saved through Jesus Christ. The man asked, "What does that mean? Why did he have to die for our sins? Couldn't God just have redeemed us with all his power and might?" The question was deep and puzzling, but through the Holy Ghost, Elder Newmyer and I were able to testify that our Heavenly Father, in all his infinite wisdom and glory, does have the power to redeem us. The way that he provided for us to be saved was Jesus Christ. This was the only way that we could have our sins removed. His plan is perfect and marvelous. I am so proud to be a part of this great work.
My new companion is very different than either Elder May or Elder Bostrom. Guess when his birthday is? August. I get to go to the temple again this transfer! How lucky have I been? A baptism, two temple trips, Zone conference, two mission calls, amazing trainer, and I'm only 2 months in. My mission is going to be amazing. I am so excited to preach the gospel, and I become more and more anxious to go to Australia. I feel pulled there by something. I know that there is someone there who needs me. I know that "My Friend" is out there, waiting for me.
Stay strong my friends. I love you all so much.
Elder Jamison
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