Week 3 Conference and Columbians

Hey everyone!

So yeah this week as you can probably guess has been crazy. That's kinda how missionary work works. This week was Zone Conference and that was amazing! My mission President is a very inspired man. We are focusing mission wide on using the Alma and Amulek technique to help part member families. In the story of Alma and Amulek, Alma goes to the city of Ammonihah and is rejected. Alma had recently given up the judgement seat and the people of Ammonihah literally said you aren't the chief judge of us so we don't have to listen to you. I know it's like teaching 7 year olds. Alma is thrown out of the city and he starts to go home but on his way the same angel that struck him down when he was young and rebellious appears to him and says (excuse the Elder Smith translation) "Bro you need to go back to the city cause there are still people there that need you, but when you go back enter from the other side of the city and use a different approach. Oh by the way, in case you forgot me, I'm the angel that struck you down when you were a rebellious teenager." Alma then speedily returned to the city and to be fair I think we all would if confronted by an angel that had previously preceded three days of torment. When Alma gets to the city he meets Amulek who is a well off and highly favored member of his community. Alma stays with Amulek and blesses his home then asks him to join in the work of the Lord. Alma and Amulek begin to teach together. At first Alma teaches and the people of Ammonihah are still reluctant. This is the part of the story that gives me the tingles cause by every measurable standard Alma was the man for the job. He had the most experience and had seen more Angels and his dad was the prophet and he himself was the prophet. If anyone knew what to do it was Alma, but it wasn't until Amulek started teaching that the people were astonished. The people had already hardened their hearts against Alma, but Amulek they knew and trusted. We the missionaries a lot of the time are Alma and local members are Amuleks. So please if missionaries ever ask for help or referrals give them some. We can be such a great assistant in the work of the Lord if we put forth a little more effort than we are accustomed to giving. On another note, we were able to meet with our friend Dennis twice this week! He has a hard life and he hasn't been responding to us recently. He had double knee surgery so he can't walk very well as he recovers, he broke both his legs when he thought he stepped on his dog and jumped up to get off her (it wasn't the dog it was something else), he had to dump his fiance when he found out she was doing drugs, and the medication he was given for his leg pains is super addictive so he decided to stop taking it and his body has been not only in pain but craving the medication (he was blessed and it hadn't been as bad as he anticipated so he says). Long story short Dennis is a trooper and he has a very strong belief in God. I am so blessed to get to speak with him and hear his stories because has has been through a lot but he keeps turning back to God. He also told Elder McArthur it seems like every time something big happens in his life a pair of missionaries end up at his door so it is pretty clear what's going on. We got the opportunity to have several member meals this week and my favorite one was with a family that is from Columbia. They made the best burritos I have ever had in my entire life. I know it's kinda weird to have that be a part of the email title then only say that much about the meal but they were really really good burritos! If you'd been there you would understand. That's all I'm gonna put in the main email this week and believe me it's been a great week. Anyone who wants the extended addition just let me know I've got some more epic stories to share. Thanks for all the love and support and emails!

- Elder Smith