The Zeezrom Syndrome

Hey so the week is closed and a new one begins. Week 4 of the Transfer. Hard to believe the transfer is already halfway over, so much to do and not enough time! So we had another DLC (District Leader Council) this week. Just really trying to figure out why the mission is struggling right now, and something we came up with is pretty cool, it's something I used to do a lot, and so did the mission but we've began to lose track. Something called the "Sacred Grove" where you find a place in your home, and kneel and pray and really wait for revelation. It comes from a talk by Elder Kikuchi called "Opening the Heavens" just look it up on Lds.org and I can tell you it's really been a great strength the past couple days. It's a time for us to think and ponder and receive that revelation for our investigators and missionaries that we are responsible to help, and it would be a great idea for those who are learning how to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost to get some practice on receiving answers to prayers. I'd definetely "Like" the talk on facebook (can you still do that?) So, one thing that we've noticed recently is that a lot of our investigators or the people we're trying to work with were very antagonistic at first go. They were interested in learning what we had to say, but had all been taught in their churches that we are a cult, don't believe in Jesus, and other such nonsense. So this week I started getting really frustrated as to why we couldn't find someone who was prepared, golden, whatever you want to call it, why it was such a battle with everyone. And we would drop people like that, except for the fact they keep commitments. They are all reading and praying about the Book of Mormon. So I was really praying if we should just drop everyone and wipe the board so to speak and go find new people, but I remember the answer came so clear, just one word: "Zeezrom". Now Zeezrom was basically a basher. But when Alma and Amulek answered his questions, and testified he felt the spirit, was baptized, and became a great missionary. So we are going to continue working with everyone, and if they stop keeping commitments then yes, it's done. But we don't need to give up on people just because they have some concerns. I read a great C.S. Lewis quote the other day, "rational argument does not create belief. But it creates a climate in which belief can grow". We aren't here to argue, but we CAN answer questions, and I feel like that's a gift that I've been given is knowledge of those kinds of things and the ability to relate to people who have skeptical concerns. So it's been cool. Also met a guy who told us that we weren't saved, and all that good stuff. We told him we liked his garden (he had an immaculate garden), and he was super taken aback. I guess he thought we were mad at him or something. One thing we're going to try this week, is those people who really aren't interested we'll try to sing a hymn or something like that to at least leave a good taste in their mouths, or to show them "Yes. We are Christian" that's one thing we still hear all the time, but this week we went to a members next door neighbor (referall) and they let us in right away and using the Book of Mormon showed them that we were in fact believers in Christ. So as we left, they were like "Joseph Smith, that's fine, but make sure to focus on Jesus" Which is true...Except without the priesthood authority as restored by Joseph Smith, there is no point in believing in Jesus since you can't have a valid baptism...So...it is a tough one for people out here sometimes. Anywho, Love ya! Elder Gibb PS apparently one of the guys from the Beastie Boys died? too bad.