What a week........
Allen is quite the place. Perhaps a brief description would be beneficial. Allen is wealthy, like REALLY wealth. The poorest neighborhood in Allen is 10x nicer than the nicest neighborhoods in my previous areas. That's weird. I've gone from knocking trailer parks to knocking mansions. That's weird. Despite that huge difference, Allen is a pretty cool place. For example, I have never seen more anti-church material in my entire life. I LOVE it! Let me explain, I love anti-material for several reasons. First, there's always an answer to anti-material, and second it's just so fun to beat people at their own game! True, it may not be the most productive thing I could be doing, but sometimes there's just no avoiding it. For example, the other day we were waiting in line at McDonald's and this shady looking fellow bee-lined for us from across the room and started viciously going at us..... My favorite part was ten minutes later, when he made some excuse about needing to go, and slunk away thoroughly beaten. We don't need to be embarassed by our faith! It can hold it's own. Let it shine. And in the words of Elder Uchtdorf, "Doubt your doubts, before you doubt your faith". It's so dumb to be lead away by anti crap....... There are answers people! Look for the light and you will find the light, it's that simple. Pray and study, pray and study. You will find answers.
Another big difference is the size of my area. I cover two of the smallest wards in the world outside of Utah, Arizona, Idaho which is really interesting. Allen 3rd and 5th ward. But in addition to that Elder Peterson and I also cover a very large multi-stake YSA branch which reaches all the way up into Oklahoma, so this is technically my second Oklahoma area. If we're being technical. It makes for an interesting combination.
Unfortunately, our teaching pool is not particularly large here in Allen. People are just too content with where they are, and they've heard too much anti-material. Bad combination. That does not mean we're giving up though! We are going to find people to teach if it's the last thing we do! Fortunately, we do have a couple individuals on date for baptism, so we'll see how that goes!
Elder Peterson and I are getting along really great and working hard. I love serving with another elder who is so focused on obedience. This is going to be a great transfer!
I could go on, but today's shaping up to be a pretty busy P-Day. So we'll wrap this up. Just know, anti-material is stupid and not even worth your time. Focus on the good things that will build you up, not on things designed to tear you down. Trust me on this one. It's not even worth your time.
I'm so grateful for this opportunity that I have to serve. I know this church is true. Don't let any man-made anti-garbage stand between you and your exaltation. There's too much on the line.
Love y'all! Have a great week!
No comments:
Post a Comment