spiritual slapping

If I could sum this week up into a few words, I'd say that it was a week to be taught.  So many great things happened this week!   We taught more lessons than we have any other week since I've been in this area and got to meet so many new people!  We also had so much member involvement which was fantastic!  To top it all of, the chapel was PACKED.   We had multiple less actives come again and had four investigators at church! We were surely blessed this week.

I witnessed once again the importance of members.  We've been stuck with our investigators Tammy and Andrew for the last few weeks and we felt impressed to take one of our members to teach with us to see Tammy's husband, Kim (who is a member) while she was at work.  Our intentions were to have the member give him a "spiritual slapping" and that's exactly what he did!  I'd actually call it more of a spiritual punching, but whichever works. (A little background; Kim can't provide for his family because of health problems which causes depression and is basically dying from heart failure) The member basically told him that he obviously can't be the financial provider anymore, but it's his job to be the spiritual provider in the home and he is failing drastically.    Exact words, "You can either sit in the corner and rock your life away or you can die trying to help yourself and your family."  It was so intense!! I was clinging on the edge of my seat the entire lesson but the spirit was so strong, that his boldness only shook him up enough to make him do something .  Kim is already being more of a positive influence for his family. 

There were so many other instances this week where the members made all the difference in our teaching. Sometimes I even think they're here to just teach me! 

 I've gained such a strong testimony of personal revelation and how the spirit truly works. As I was able to attend zone conference this week, I really prepared myself by coming with questions so that I could better be prepared to receive personal revelation and I surely did.  It's not about what is said, but what is heard and felt.  Enthusiasm and the fire of missionary work and working with members seemed to be a pretty big theme. Missionary work is seriously so exciting and it's my job to help the members realize that.  Hey, so you should be stoked about it, okay? Oh, and I guess I should mention that I'll be getting transferred this week.  It was completely unexpected and a pretty big shock, but I'm grateful for all the time I've spent here in Watauga, and excited for the many changes to come! 

Until next week... LOVE YOU!

Sister Thiriot