Talmage Mission

Good Morning!  For starters, I became a chicken snatcher a few days ago. Our neighbors hens escaped, and we pulled up just in time. Those chickens stood no chance! I had two of them rounded up in no time. The best part is, my study desk overlooks their coop, so I can keep them under supervision at all times. They won't dare try to escape anymore, I can just tell! :) We had one impressive miracle this week: We found a new friend to teach in the YSA! I'm super excited for this, I have loved serving with Young Single Adults throughout my missionary service. Here's the process of events: - Elder Bagley parked us between two locations to visit, so we first approach a nearby YSA home.  - As we walk to the house, a member we know drives by after having talked to a young couple walking with their dog. We wave to her - Nobody answers the door, but the member lady calls us and invites us to run down the younger couple.  - Turns out they're legally not supposed to have contact fro...

Good Morning! It is a miracle! We have begun teaching 4 new friends. I love missionary work so much; sometimes it feels like nothing is happening and then everything clicks in just a couple days.  One friend is an adult, he's been taught a bit in the past but hasn't progressed a ton because he works a lot, and it's always out of town. He now has more time, so we will see what we can do!  We've begun teaching a mother and her daughter. Both have attended church quite frequently in Manti, and are interested in learning more about the gospel. They're going through a lot, it is very true that the Lord prepares the broken hearted, and those with contrite spirits, to accept His message.  Lastly, we've been meeting with a kid who's parents actually aren't part of the church. He's 8 years old, and is a little shy, but he has a bearded dragon for a pet so that's a perfect representation of who he is. He has a lot of questions, so I'm excited to see wh...

Good Morning!  This has been a beautiful week of learning the art to consecration. Striving to devote my talents to the work rather than allow them to be consumed upon the sacrificial altar will be a test for the rest of my life. But I know the gospel is worth every penny, every effort, even every fish.  The Richfield Zone theme for this transfer, of sorts, has been 'Loaves & Fishes'. As a Zone we are striving to become more consecrated, so we use the story of Jesus Christ feeding the 5,000 as a representation of what the Lord expects of us.  Matthew 14:15-21 15 ¶ And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.  16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.  17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.  18 He said, Bring them hither to me.  19 And...

Good Morning! It has been a good week here in Ephraim. We have dropped two of our friends, Gage and Kaydan, because they aren't very ready to progress quite yet. Another two, RayLynn and Macady, are fun to teach but aren't progressing either. We spent our last lesson focusing them on why we are here and how their Savior will change their life.  One lesson I have learned is how critical it is to be humble. Elder Bagley and I were in a discussion about something small, and I realized that all I was doing was stating why we should do things "my way" rather than "his way."  It's funny how the Spirit will prompt us. One minute you're hardening your heart, so to speak, and the next the Spirit comes in and pricks you with a still, small thought. When heeded, those thoughts change your attitude and perspective on the situation at hand.  It has been a process of learning humility here in Ephraim. This is probably my hardest area. For example, we haven't f...

Good Morning! I have to start this email with Boman. He's such a fantastic kid, lessons with him are some of my favorite ones in Ephraim. We sat down for our lesson with him and Boman turned and ran out of the room. We were super confused, until he returned wearing a white shirt! Then he said he wanted to be a missionary. That was the best.  On Tuesday we did a mission Temple trip at the Cedar City Temple. It was a wonderful experience to attend and remember many of the sacred covenants I've made. It is always worth going to the Temple, no matter what stage of life, or the covenant path you're in. Spending time there will only bless you.  We did set a baptismal plan with another friend, Duncan! We found him the second week of being in the area. He's a deep thinker, and it's very difficult for me to describe him because I see many traits in him that I have as well. It's like teaching my reflection, but he takes everything super sincerely. He reschedules appointme...