Book of Mormon Experiment

Haircuts #Missionarystyle

This week had a lot of down times, but in the working moments, it was really good!  On Monday it was preparation day, as usual.  We carved pumpkins and then got to go and find some new people and then dinner with our bishop.

Tuesday was Halloween and we did what we could to work.  We had to be in early though.  So at 5 o'clock, two zones got together and we had pizza and watched Meet the Mormons at one of the churches.  Then we had to be in our apartments at 7 for the rest of the night.

Wednesday we had MLC and had a good discussion as always.  Thursday was district meeting and then we spent the rest of the day finding!  Knocking doors and talking with those on the streets.

Friday, however, we were able to have a full day to work!  Right near the end of knockout, we knocked a door and no one answered.  As we were walking to the next house, someone came out of the garage.  His name was Lance.  Turns out his sister is a member in Utah and has talked to him about the church many times.  We had a really long conversation and it ended with him getting his quad (Bible, Book of Mormon, D & C, Pearl of Great Price) and having us mark multiple chapters for him in the Book of Mormon to read to help guide his family closer to God.  He really wants to become a member and receive the blessings and is willing to do what it takes.  His wife, however, doesn't believe in Christ, so that is his only hangup for now.  This guy is so prepared!

On Saturday, we did a mini exchange and I was with Elder Kerr.  We had a couple lessons, one with Vince and Megan that went really well and set some expectations there, but also a very sincere commitment on her end.  We also got a text from Juan saying he wants to meet, so we got there as soon as we could.  We had a really good lesson and were able to put him on date for baptism.  As individuals or family come to understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ, there is no doubt people want to follow Him by being baptized and living His Gospel.  We were able to have a good knockout afterward too.  We found a new investigator named Claira!  It also happened to be the day of transfer calls!

I was told I was leaving to a car area.  Wiley Canyon sure did treat me well!  I got a call from President Henrie a little while later releasing me as a zone leader with "great lamenting" and am going to be a trainer for the third time!  He's placing me in a place where we're doing a big social experiment that has to do with the Book of Mormon.  At the new mission president seminar in July, they showed a video (and then it got relayed to us to see) where a BYU professor and crew did a booth in 4 of the biggest cities in the world.  They let people flip open anywhere in the book and see how it speaks to them.  Our mission president got ahold of the professor and now will be having him and the crew come to our mission for this experiment and placed me here to help with the experiment when they come!  I'll be in a YSA for the second time, but will be in the valley!  Cal State Northridge, here I come!

I've spent some time packing, and today we're going bowling with some of the squad, then getting Korean BBQ!  I'll send pics of it next week!

I love you all!
Elder Martin

The ol' hand in the water trick. (it didn't work)

I got Elder Nielsen to wear the tie I've never had the guts to wear. #HomecomingTie

This is our good friend Dana.

"If you listen for the voice of the Father, He will lead you on a course that will allow you to experience the pure love of Christ."  Dieter F. Uchtdorf