Another Great Week in Gainesville

Hey y'all,

Another fantastic week in the blessed land of Gainesville! Still sifting through many people, trying to find those that not only "have found Jesus" or believe "the purpose of life is to Glorify God" but are actually humble enough to change their wicked ways and foolish beliefs. We've run into a good amount of "anti" also. One man cussed us out, told us he was the devil and that we were created out of his image. We were also referred to a woman to give her a blessing but instead she called us crazy and told us we were the ones in need a blessing because we believe in all kinds of false doctrines, some aren't even worth repeating. 

We've created a great relationship with a couple that are the property managers of a complex. A member of the church lives there and he is the maintenance man. He introduced us to them and we've helped him do landscaping, pouring concrete and other side jobs. Brother Buckner told us that the couple already reads from the Book of Mormon in the past, but they are already full fledged into another church. He said we would be wasting our time by inviting them but we gained the courage anyway. We said, "April, we have a question for you, but you have to promise us that you will keep letting us do service for you. As missionaries, we share 4 basic discussions about our beliefs and how to have a closer relationship with God, would you be willing to listen to those?" They both accepted!! HA, proved Brother Buckner wrong! 

We've taught a lot of couples, focusing on eternal families and making covenants in the Temple. When we help families see the bigger picture of things, baptism and the other commitments we extend seem to be easier for them to accept and apply them. 

Rennick is going cold turkey from chewing tobacco again! He calls us everyday saying he is really grumpy and would rather have us come another day, BUT we showed up anyway and in the end we have a great experience. We've gone over there almost everyday this week helping him read the scriptures and find power and strength through them along with consistent and fervent prayer. His body is having a hard time adjusting because the nicotine addiction is so strong, but he's doing well and hopefully he can get baptized in the next month or so.

We had trade offs again this last week and I went to my old ward twice! I had the chance to see more of my good friends and give a good number of priesthood blessings. Thank goodness for the Restored Gospel and the Priesthood Authority of God back on the earth once more. I testify that this is true and the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real and it empowers us to become greater than what we think. I pray that we may all humble ourselves once more before The Lord, acting in faith to obey his commandments with exactness, and allowing the power of Jesus Christ and his gospel to change our very nature. 

Until next time, 

Elder Greenlaw