Week 96 – I went to the woods…

I'll start with telling you about something a little different we got a chance to do this last week! Our ward had a campout, and the determining factor was we could go if we could have an investigator there! Well, that turned out to be a lot easier than we thought it was going to be, so we got to go out and spend the evening around the campfire, singing songs, playing games, and just having a really good time with the members and those that were invited! It was a blast! It was out at a place called Wabamun Lake, super cool. It is just great to be able to connect on a different level with those who are investigating the church and help them see that although there is a lot to this gospel and we do have a culture that may seem different, we are all just people who love to be with one another, and you know we aren't that much different. I think it helps them really begin to have the thought of, "I could see myself being a member of this church" type of idea. Isaac, one of our investigators was there, and he really enjoyed himself.

Another highlight would have been teaching Jessie this week. We taught her the beginning of the Plan of Salvation. It basically ended with her telling us this is essentially everything she has thought growing up and has wanted to believe. She never really had any religion, but what she believes is things she gets from here or there, or simply felt right. What we have been teaching, has felt right and she wants more. The baptismal date she had, we won't be able to make due to church attendance. But hopefully before I go home, I'll be able to see her make that great step in her gospel progression. She is a great lady though!

We also got a call from some other elders who had this guy that previously dated a member call them and asked to be taught the lessons. From there, we jumped right on that because he is in our area. Super humble, great desire to learn and to change. Tough life right now though! His name is Patrick. He will get passed to YSA later on this week though. He came to church yesterday and just loved it. I would ask him after each block what he thought, and basically it was just like well it all just makes sense. He talked about how the spirit hit him that morning in Sacrament meeting, which was really cool. We will be teaching him tonight.

Kennedy Mukebezi, the good brother I taught awhile back and then Elder Winnie and his companion finished the teaching with in Londonderry prior to his baptism, moved back to Castledowns ward recently. Due to work, he hasn't been to church in a while. But this last week he came out to church, had a less active family we have been working with bring him out to church, (that has been a really cool experience in itself), and he just loved it. I loved being able to take the sacrament with a brother that I have seen come so far and change so much. I just love him! Definitely got to now help him set those sights on the temple!

That then brings me to the Sherman family. I got a text from Brother Sherman this last week after we had another one of those real heart to hearts over texts! haha but it ended with him thanking me for coming out on a mission because I have helped him change his life. It was just a moment that I am not really sure how to describe. It came at a time where that was definitely needed. I love the people up here so much. I wish I could do more for them, that I will have more time with them. I just always need to make the most of the time I have to serve!

I love you all! Keep up that scripture reading! Talk to you soon!

Love, Elder McFall

Out at the camp!